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 really getting concerned. I've tried so many medications already; all of the DMARD's, Humira, Enbrel, now Remicade for 3 months and all I've gotten is sick and worse! I read everyones posts and see how so many are disabled and can hardly get around and it really scares me. I thought that (according to my Doctor) no one gets disabled from RA anymore because of all the great medications. Her words exactly! Well, I'm getting worse and nothing has helped so far except Prednisone, which I know is only to help inflammation and keep me functioning. I'm supposed to go to school to start a new class tonight and am still sick after 2 weeks! So If the meds are so great why are so many people still getting worse? I'm so frustrated and I don't know what to do next!
I know many people are drug-resistant too. I'm sorry you're not having very good luck with the drugs. that's got to be incredibly frustrating and discouraging. I will keep a good thought that you find relief soon.
Don't give UP!
There is something out there! If you haven't tried orencia or that type of bio, you should ask your doctor about them.
Hugs
And thanks 51% for that interesting info. I know that Rituxan kills all the B cells in the body, and although it did take 3 months to work the first round, it is already working 3 days after my third set of infusions. Some of these drugs are toxic, they do make you sick. But I think by now you know prednisone is not the answer, so keep pushing. I should really get a good picture of my cousin, to show you what real RA damage looks like, and what prednisone has done to her.
Hugs and praying you can find the right biologic to get your life back. I am in school too, and I always tell my profs about my disability. Strangely, two of them have wives with RA, so they really GET what I am talking about.
I wish I was mis-diagnosed but the blood test and x-ray both confirmed RA...but it's a nice thought!
51percent..WOW where did you get all that information? Are you a Doctor or a nurse? I'd like to find that information if you could tell me where to find it. Thanks! I see my Doctor next week to find out what next.
Angela..thank you so much! I know I don't have RA as bad as a lot of people do but I'm so tired of feeling so bad every day. Hope your school stuff is going good!
Dreamchaser..thanks for your support! I cherish the HUGS!!!
Matty