Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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mikejakus 07/14/2016

Well folks thx you all for the advice on whether or not I should do the study which would put me on biologics for a year FOR FREE. I got accepted into the study and started on Orencia today. ( I would have got either Humira or Orencia). I also talked to my Rheumy before I started the study and he also thought it was a good idea. He was planning on starting me on them anyway sense the metho wasn't helping much. So now if the Orencia works and the the study ends both my doctor and the study group will work to get me on Orencia. And I will be back on insurance in Nov. So for me today is a great day. Thank all of you for helping me make the decision, you are all awesome. Is it just wierd that I keep going in the frig. and looking at my new found little buddies... :).

WarriorGal 07/14/2016

GREAT! So happy for you.

coaltrain 07/15/2016

Good for you! I came very close to joining a study. The Arthritis Center where I see my doc does a lot of these trials right there. I was between insurance when I had to stop working but ended up being approved from the Abvie Foundation for free Humira. Now having insurance again I have continued the Humira - been on it steadily for 3 years now and has made a huge improvement for me.

Give the biologic time to get working. Most people get impatient thinking they should see some results within a couple weeks. For me I didn't feel any change until the 6 month mark - then at the 1 year mark it really started helping.

And when the study is over I am sure you will receive help in continuing with the Orencia if it is helping you.

etain11 07/15/2016

Congratulations! That's wonderful news.

journeythru 07/15/2016

Thanks for sharing your good news. So great to hear good news; I'm happy for you.

oceans11 07/16/2016

Awesome & congrats!!!!!

trishcorsi 07/18/2016

I just ended a year long study of Humira vs Brand X (a chemically exact replica) It has been so worth it. No co-pays on office visits, blood tests, ekg's and chest x-rays, plus they paid $75.00 for each injection. I've had good results. Did end up with pneumonia last winter and had to go off of everything, but as soon as I started back things got fine again. Good luck; it felt kind of great being part of a study that could eventually help a lot of people.. I'm in Ca and have Kaiser and very pleased! Trish Corsi

mikejakus 07/19/2016

OK not totally free ...LOL... they took 18 vials of blood in one sitting for the study... woof I thought they were going to drain me dry. Not complaining still very happy just a little woooooozy... haha. Anyone want to join me in a glass of OJ.

californialynn 07/20/2016

LOL - Cheap price to pay for free biologic!

I'm happy you're on a biologic. While I haven't experience with Orencia, I've been happily on Humira for 5 years and it's given me my life back. Hoe the Orencia will be your salvation.

mikejakus 07/21/2016

did my first self injection tonight, walk in the park . I'm sure a lot of you have been doing it for a good while. I was a little anxious but it went fine.

min63 07/22/2016

congrats

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