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...
Hi All,
Has anyone else had a problem when switching medications?
Sulfasulazine never really worked, but then the Rheumie put me on Arava and that helped. After a year or so, I never got past a certain point so he added Enbrel to the mix.
The Enbrel helped to control the pain and then again, I seemed to plateau and went back to earlier levels of pain.
I have been on Xeljanz for about 6 months now and at first, my pain level was down and I was taking very few tramadol. Now it seems that I am right back to hurting all of the time.
Any suggestions or input would be appreciated.
I have an appointment in a week or so and will discuss this with him. I am just so frustrated with the entire situation.
Every time I think that maybe this will be "the" one, I end up right back at square one.
Hugs to All,
Kim
Has anyone else had a problem when switching medications?
Sulfasulazine never really worked, but then the Rheumie put me on Arava and that helped. After a year or so, I never got past a certain point so he added Enbrel to the mix.
The Enbrel helped to control the pain and then again, I seemed to plateau and went back to earlier levels of pain.
I have been on Xeljanz for about 6 months now and at first, my pain level was down and I was taking very few tramadol. Now it seems that I am right back to hurting all of the time.
Any suggestions or input would be appreciated.
I have an appointment in a week or so and will discuss this with him. I am just so frustrated with the entire situation.
Every time I think that maybe this will be "the" one, I end up right back at square one.
Hugs to All,
Kim
This doggone frustrating disease...
I was on 3 biologics in 2014-ended one and started two. If my last labs are an indicator my recent one isn't working either so at my next appt we'll be switching again. Humira worked great for about 9mo then we went to weekly shots for a month. It just stopped. Switched to Enbrel and no relief at all. Numbers & swelling increased. Vectra doubled. I started Remicade in July. I haven't felt any improvement but was hopeful. Next week will be my 4th bi-monthly infusion besides the 3 loading doses. I should be improving by now. But like I said my last labs match how I'm feeling..my swelling hasn't decreased and my inflammation markers & pain levels are still too high & energy level is too low. We'll see what the next step is. I have taken mtx for several years. I guess I won't know for sure that it's working until I stop it which I have no intention of doing since they tend to help the biologics work better & I need all the help I can get. Those that I've taken are all tnf blockers so maybe changing to another type is what needs to happen.
I guess time will tell. Just wish these meds worked faster and didn't mean another few months of crazy making pain, swelling & fatigue waiting to see if they'll work this time.
I hope you find something that helps.
Emerald
My Rheumie doesn't share my bloodwork with me. I guess I should ask.
When I started this journey 4 years ago, I was Sero-Negative but Anti-CCP positive, my numbers were not through the roof at that time. Somewhere in the 80's I think, so nowhere near where I have seen others at.
It is just frustrating.
Happy Good Friday to All,
Kim