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...
I'm new to this site and glad I found it.
I am curious how soon after being diagnosed a biologic was started. I'd also love to hear what the deciding factors were.
I was diagnosed in April 2011. I started Plaquenil & Prednisone in June. I started MTX at the end of December. I saw my rheumatologist 4 times between December 14 and January 30 and each time my SED rate had risen from my previous test. We increased both MTX and Prednisone dosages (15 mg MTX and 17.5 mg Prednisone).
My knees have been consistently swollen for a year now. I'm starting to think that maybe we are not being aggressive enough. My next appt is Wednesday - should I push for a biologic?
I am curious how soon after being diagnosed a biologic was started. I'd also love to hear what the deciding factors were.
I was diagnosed in April 2011. I started Plaquenil & Prednisone in June. I started MTX at the end of December. I saw my rheumatologist 4 times between December 14 and January 30 and each time my SED rate had risen from my previous test. We increased both MTX and Prednisone dosages (15 mg MTX and 17.5 mg Prednisone).
My knees have been consistently swollen for a year now. I'm starting to think that maybe we are not being aggressive enough. My next appt is Wednesday - should I push for a biologic?
I am sitting here thinking that you shouldn't have to ask for a biologic. Your RD should be offering a biologic. But, alas, I am not a doc. I was Dx with RA May 10, 2011. I was put on MTX for three months, and then my doc said we needed to add a biologic. She gave me the choice of either Humira or Simponi, and I chose Humira. Humira has lowered my CRP from 7 to 3.5. I will have another blood test in a week or so, and hopefully it will be even lower then. I take MTX, Humira, Celebrex, a small amt of Prednisone and Tramadol for pain. Hope this helps!
V
Your doctor probably has a very conservative approach. At least it seems that way. Most aggressive rheumatologists prescribe MTX right off and plaquenil is added or is started for perceived MILD RA. Maybe your RA was initially perceived as mild? Plus, prednisone works well for so many while they wait for the dmard to kick in.
MTX takes a long time to work so the waiting from end of December to now is still not enough time for the MTX to reach it's full potential. You'd need to get into March or April to have full effect - but if your pain and swelling are still high, I bet he/she will move to a biologic now.
Your rheumatologist is probably watching for severity and trying to buy enough time for that MTX to kick in.
I'm sure your visit Wednesday will be fill with a lot of discussion and information about biologics.
Best of luck!
Hang in there blessed!
Good luck tomorrow.