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Just looking to see if anyone has had the experience of their biologic stop working.
I've been on Simponi for over two years and it's been fine, however, I'm starting to think it may not be working. I had a really hard time finding a med that worked. It was a rough experience. The last thing I want to do is switch. I can't take methotrexate or Enbrel.
Just looking for some information.
Thanks,
LCView Thread

I'm sorry that you are going through this experience. Being diagnosed can be frustrating and frightening at first.
I felt the same way...they took a bunch of blood samples and I had so many questions, concerns, etc. I tried to find as much information as I could and I made a list of questions for the doctor.
My first flare the doctor said it was bursitis and then later the other flares were diagnosed as tendonitis. My GP finally did the blood tests and my results were conclusive. The rheumatologist knew right away from my results and didn't need to do more testing. I have learned that RA can be very tough to diagnose and you will see information about how the RA comes positive, but doesn't mean you have it, etc.
Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you need too. You can get copies of your records.
In the meanwhile, hang in there! Don't worry, it will get better!! It just takes time.
Take care,
LCView Thread

I was diagnosed with RA three years ago and I have been taking monthly injections of Simponi for about 2 1/2 years and it has worked great. Haven't had a flare in 2 years.
Lately I have been waking up in the middle of the night with an extremely painful knee, ankle or foot (knee was the worst). All I kept thinking was this feels like a flare. When I wake up in the morning, I feel fine aside from the regular stiffness in feet, etc. My blood work also showed that my C-reactive protein has gone up a little to 1.3 (previously it's been at 0.
. So there is some inflammation.Has anyone else experienced something like this?
Thanks,
LCView Thread


)View Thread
I have RA and even if I can't relate specifically to the pain you are dealing with in your spine, I can certainly feel for you. Back pain has got to be the worst. It's hard having constant pain or just not feeling good on regular basis. It can really wear on a person.
In addition to medication, I highly recommend acupuncture and massage (especially for the neck). It works wonders.
I'm sure there are many others out here who can relate and it's a great place to get some support when you need it. It helps talking to others who understand what you are going through.
I hope and pray you get the right treatment so you can have some relief soon! I wish you the best.
Take care,
LCView Thread

I'm so sorry to hear that you are not getting the support you need from your husband. That is so important to have someone who understands. Maybe you could find a support group or try counseling to get some advice. He may need to go with you if he is willing.
I wish you the best and hope things turn around. You don't have control over whats happening to you and need all the support you can get.
Take care.View Thread

I'm reaching out for just a little support if possible. First off I will apologize because I feel like I am whining...and I am! I just feel bad complaining about this when so many of you experience more severe pain on a regular basis. So please forgive my rant.
I have RA and take Simponi which has my RA pretty much under control. I ache in my joints on a regular basis but I can tolerate it.
Right now I'm having a melt down crying at my desk because of the constant burning and pain in my thumbs. I use ice packs, voltaren gel, and my brace every single day. It feels like I am CONSTANTLY doing something to ease the pain there...it's every day and right now at this very moment I'm tired of the treatments.
I also have to stretch my hands and rotate the thumb which seems like it has become a constant weird habit now. The other day my left thumb joint got stuck and it took 20 minutes before I could get it back into place. Having to deal with this constantly has just become tiresome. I just want normal thumbs.
I have contacted my rheumatologist regarding other treatment and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, any support, suggestions and feedback is welcomed.
ThanksView Thread

I did hear back from my rheumatologist and sounds like he is going to refer to me to a hand doctor for an injection. I was very pleased because I'm hoping it provides some long needed relief.
It got stuck again last night. It's hard to describe, but you can just tell it's not in right spot. I know there are bone spurs so I assume that's the reason. I just massage it and try to work the joint around and stretch my hand. If I do it too much though it aggrevates it and is even more sore.
Sorry to hear about your pinkies. It is worrisome to see your hands changing. I have hyper mobile joints in my fingers and it's very strange to see the differences in just a couple of years. Especially my thumbs. Sometimes I wonder what they will be like in the next few years.
Thanks again for the support. I'm feeling better emotionally...just really wanting some relief from the burning and the pain.View Thread

1. It says "You can also have low levels of disease activity that come and go without your feeling any symptoms." I'm assuming this is prior to getting treatment. Can this happen while taking biologic meds?
2. It also says "This is called degenerative disease, and it is similar to what happens in "regular" or "wear and tear" arthritis (osteoarthritis ) -- only it happens faster in people with rheumatoid arthritis." I'm looking for clarification on the last sentence. Can OA happen faster with people who have RA?
3. Under treatment it states "Get treated early. Much of the joint damage that eventually becomes serious starts soon after rheumatoid arthritis is discovered. " Why is this?
I appreciate any information.
Thanks!
View Thread
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