That's phenomenal. I couldn't have said it any better. I feel the same way. MTX helped me so much in the beginning, which was 20+ years aog

But over the years and increased MTX doses lost their efficacy.

The reason I couldn't go on biologics was because I'm "latent TB." This means that I have TB in my body but it's not active....it can activate at any time. Because of my age, TB treatment is contraindicated for me UNLESS the TB becomes active.

And so, for years, I plodded along, feeling doomed.

Then, at my wits' end, I had a come-to-Jesus talk with my rheumatologist. I swore up and down that if he let me take a biologic I would, at the first TB symptom, call him and go off the biologic.

He had me do a secondary TB blood test. [The first was the skin pricking some 60 years ago. The second test came back negative. That made him feel more comfortable about prescribing the Humira.

That was five years ago. No TB. The Humira changed my life.

There is ALWAYS hope.

Unless you are med resistant and run out of biologics to take. I was in this space after 2005. I got on a good combo. I started working out, riding my bike, weights, lots of stretches. I was off prednisone, so I was able to lose 80 lbs. I went back to seminary and earned my MDiv. I got ordained as a pastor and started doing chaplain work.

Then, the drugs started failing, one way or another. Till last Jan., when Simponi failed completely. I am on Orencia/Arava and it works about 85%. Just enough that I can't feel sorry for myself, but bad enough that my hands are still constantly flares and deforming. And my shoulders keep flaring. And I am exhausted all the time.

I hope for nothing but the best for all those reading this OP. I hope you find the right biologic and get most of your life back.

But after 18 years with this disease, I'm a bit more resigned to the ebbs and flows of drugs working and side effects. And that I may never be able to ride up the mountain on my bike to get back home (like I used to all the time!), because my knees and feet got so much more damaged last year when the meds weren't working at all. Sigh!

Very positive post going here. Been fighting this for over 2 years now. I have accepted it and got used to my new normal. Sore everywhere at the moment (in a good way). Started weight training again along with my 17 year old son. I'm on my first biologic (humira) 3 shots thus far and already getting benefits from it. I have no idea what the future is gonna hold but I'm trying to enjoy everyday thats good.

California Lynn... GOOD FOR YOU... sometimes we have to advocate for our own selves and you approaching this with your doctor was great. BC, you are right.... Tb doesn't happen just bc you are on a biologic and I'm so glad it has helped you gain life back. I feel so badly for those who did not have this option just a few decades ago. My great aunt was one of them, and she became very crippled.

PW39.... wow!!!! good for you lifting weights. My doctor advised this as well bc is it so good for the bone and muscle. I noticed help immediately with humira. I take the weight lifting and all of my workouts very slow... but I don't worry about that bc I am at least seeing progress and I am doing something. You GO!!! I'm very proud of you finding your new normal. It does get better and we find even in the down times that it's going to be okay and we always get back up again.

Keep up the good work RA warriors and fighters. We are strong!!!

Sunvalleygal, thank you for the post and encouragement. I am just now at 3 months since my diagnosis and it is concerning, so it is nice to hear all of the positive too. I take MTX, but I swear this thing has increased since starting it. I also know it may take a while for the meds to begin helping. I am encouraged that there are so many different biologics out there and if and when I need them, they will be an option.

The way I see it, you have a choice. You can either accept it and deal with it and push past the pain and indulge in things that make you happy......or you can just quit.

I'm happy to be in the company of people who are not quitters.