I think it is a variety of things - your blood sedimentation rate, parallel pain or other symptoms - I truly don't know. It is overwhelming, isn't it. Just pick out a good rheumatologist and listen to him or her and follow the doctor's advice (but do your own research).

Denial is part of the process. You are grieving for what you lost and that is perfectly normal. RA steals a little bit of our souls and quite a bit of our bodies, but we can survive.

Lynne

Lynne is right. You will go through stages of grief probably with each flare. This was discussed on a previous post labeled "stages of grief" if your interested. I was very scared of the biologics myself I started in December and I am very satisfied with the results. I did have minimal side effects. The thing that helped me through was like you mentioned, that it has potential to prevent damage to the joints. I think about how bad my hands were in the beginning and know that I do not want to go back to that! You can do this! Consider the biologics. We're all here for you!!!

Hugs,
Anita

Welcome
Im still in the denial phase. but you have to remember, it take a good 3 months for the meds to start working. so you have to weigh quality of life with joint damage later or stop it from happening
good luck with all your decisions and vent and ask question often. it helps alot

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied to me. My husband is 62 and hasn't been to a doctor in 10 years, has no aches or pains anywhere and is in perfect health, so I think he has a hard time relating even though he is trying to be supportive. I finally feel as if I have a place to go if I'm flaring up and just want to talk to someone, so thank you all.

Hi, and welcome to the group!

I can relate to your reluctance to taking the biologics. I have refused to take them and instead rely on prescription NSAIDs, (Relafen), DMARDs (Plaquenil), Topical meds (like Flector patches), and Prednisone when necessary.

All medications have side effects (including the ones I take)...

Just do your research on the ones your doctor is recommending and then make your own decision.

One good source of information is Arthritis Today. If you go to
www.arthritistoday.org they usually have a listing of all the various medications and what the side effects are.

Good luck! Hope you find something that helps!

Sorry you found us, but I am glad you are here. This is a wonderful place to come and let it all out when needed.
Jess

Welcome! RA is a wicked roller coaster ride of emotions on top of the physical parts. Hang on and we'll be here for you.

Welcome to the RA site. I can tell you that you will glean much from reading through prior posts.

Each of us deals differently with this disease. I fought biologics until nothing else worked, now I am glad I jumped in because the fears I had about them were unfounded. ( at least for me)

Whatever road you take do your homework first. This is YOUR body and you need to agree on a treatment program with your doctor.

Read others experiences but make sure you make the final decisions when it comes to your medical protocol. A good doctor will take the time to explain your options and work closely with your needs.

Good luck and again welcome. marcia

If your insurance will allow it, you could think about getting a second opinion. I had a hard time deciding to go on my first biologic (it was Enbrel for me) until I saw two rheumatologists who agreed that it was the best course of action for me. I'm seronegative (it doesn't show in my blood tests, at least not yet), so for me the decision didn't come until I had my first erosion show up on xray.