The side effects of the biologics aren't as horrible as ra pain, at this stage of my life I want quality of life rather than longevity. Im retired 67,

Im praying you get some relief. Take what dr gave you then read as much as you can about ra meds. Im now taking methotrexate, zeljanz and celebrex. There are some days all I can do is rest. I have started on medical marajuana and it does take the stabbing pain down to tolerance for me. I took hydrocodone sparingly then doc said no more opiods even though they helped. Be your own advocate the only one knowing how miserable your pain is is you and all the ra connections we have here.

I love your profile picture and I love butterflies. I hope that you find the right treatment soon. I go to a hot therapy pool as often as I can, i think that would be helpful especially with your back pain. I invested in an infrared heated mat and laying on it helps as does moist heat. You can put the infrared mat in your bed and can even sleep on it. Mine has a temperature gauge from 0 to 70. The heated stones are not uncomfortable. You can set it for 3 hours, 6 hours and 12 hours. I was started on Plaquenil and Prednisone and then Methotrexate just as you were. I also have Seronegative RA and bloodwork all negative as yours is. I have been on Humira now since November 2018. I am 50 and was diagnosed in November 2017. I'm sorry this has affected you so young. I am feeling much better on the Humira. I don't know why my Rheumy chose Humira over Enbrel, but that was my next step after having problems taking the Methotrxate and Prednisone. I know how you feel to just want to feel better. I have my reservations about the Humira still, but I take my shot every ten days because I do notice that I am able to do so much more and my pain is better most days. I was encouraged to go ahead and try the stronger medication because a man in our church who has Psoriatic Arthritis started Enbrel 10 years ago and has had a good quality of life on it. I hope so much that will be your story too. Enjoy those sweet babies.

@A myRAteam Member thank you so much for your reply that is so encouraging ❤️ Will definitely look into the infrared mat!! I hibernate under our heating blanket at home as often as I can but it’s not enough.

Mentioned Users

A myRAtea...

I had similar challenges in the beginning.. Prescribed methotrexate and prednisone.. Switched Rheumatologist due to health insurance.. New doc informed me that long term prednisone use can leave lasting side effects.. She started me on Enbrel.. I felt great.. I no longer had to take prednisone.. I even felt good in the morning..

My current challenges are big.. My body is not producing neutrophils nor white blood cells normally.. My numbers keep dropping even after halting the use of enbrel and starting on an iron supplement for over 3 months.. I now have to see a hematologist on the 11th of March and I am back on prednisone... My nutriphile count is critically low..

what is happening to my body is very similar to what transpires to those who have been diagnosed with HIV.. I tested negative for the virus.. But my numbers continue to drop..

This is a side effect that can occur with biologicals.. enbrel being one of them... It does not happen to everyone and my case and the severity.. I hear it is rare.. I would say, inform yourself with the possible risk and side effects and then make the decision that is right for you..