New to website - Old with disease

Hi! I just found and signed up for this group this afternoon. Am so hoping I can find some who know where I'm coming from.

I am 54 years old and have had RA for a very long time. Even though I've had a formal diagnosis for 20 + years, I still struggle to be on any given treatment for too long before something goes awry and seems like we have to go back to the starting line.

Am currently on orencia injections, prednisone, celebrex, evoxac (to treat secondary Raynaud's Syndrome), ultram, Gabapentin (for Fibromyalgia which I also have).

Have previously taken all kinds of NSAIDs (too numerous to name or even remember) as well as Methotrexate. I've had reactions to a bunch of the NSAIDS and the Methotrexate and doc made me go to something new. Also have taken Humira until it suddenly stopped working and Enbrel, but because I contracted fungal pneumonia, it also had to be stopped.

Have a granddaughter who is now 15 and has had a formal RA diagnosis since she was 5 (but began having symptoms at about 2-1/2 or 3.) And, my maternal grandmother had RA (and severe diabetes).

Also, I suffer from a fair amount of depression and am on medication for that also.

Guess I'm looking for interaction with others who understand the day to day ups and downs associated with RA because my husband (who overall is a wonderful man!) just can't wrap his head around how I can feel one way today and another tomorrow.

JeanetteCM59

Hi. I was diagnosed 10 months ago. It was such a shocker for me. I went from being active to pretty much barely moving. I am on Methotrexate and Orencia infusions. Orencia for about 4 months now. I am at 80-85% back to normal today. I can throw a ball now at least. I can run but choose not too. (lazy) but I am sorry for your up's and down's as well. I have not been able to find any other family member that has had RA. Some say I got it through the military (Chemical Specialist). Drank and bathed in the contaminated water...supposedly altered something in me. Who knows? I am here if you ever need to talk. It's day to day for me. I know I am "new" with RA and can only give you advice from what I have been dealing with. so far the only damages I have are the joints I injured in sports. Right thumb, wrists "so far".