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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 9/4/2015 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
Are wonderful!

Hi All, this is off topic a bit but I have been struggling the last few days after seeing my Doc. My disease is still very active and even on MTX, Orencia, and pain meds I am not feeling well and struggling to make it through the day. My Doc is telling me that if an increase of MTX doesn't slow things down she would like me to consider Rituxin infusions. My Xray's are discouraging and my Vectra and SED rates came back high.

At any rate; I just wanted to express to all of you how much I appreciate your involvement and support here. The people who post here more than any other have been a wealth of knowledge but most of all support when we are having those days and I just really appreciate you all. I use the search many times when I am researching a new drug or test like the Vectra and all the support and love shown toward others in the threads here is simply inspiring.

That's all, just hope everyone is well. -Don
Posted 9/5/2015 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Don. I think you're great too. You answer my questions even before I ask them.

My rheumatologist told me my arthritis is sero-negative type, possibly psoriactic type. Waiting to talk to him more.
Posted 9/5/2015 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Don (you have posted in my threads too and appreciate it). I'm sure you know it is sometimes a crap shoot at what works. I went from Mtx, which gave me mega liver trouble to Humara, which seemed to work great at first then tapered off. Now I'm on Enbrel and if it keeps it up I'm gonna be a new person after all, lol.

Keep your head up,

J-
Posted 9/7/2015 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Don I feel the same way we really have a little family going here don't we it is good to have somewhere to get advice or just cry a little without fear of being judged.
I Hope you can get something that helps get things under control for you
Take Care & Stay positive
Posted 9/7/2015 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
The Vectra is an interesting test, it can show many different RA markers and if your having such a hard time, I say go for it...then you can maybe start a new therapy program dependant on your testing...it's a good test to see your progression and it should only be done for monitoring your condition...

Hope your doing better soon! You do have great advise as well and Thank You!
Posted 9/8/2015 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Don and others too. Like Jjc, I have gone fro humira to Enbril with a low dose of mtx. With a high sedrate, some sort of biological would be in order, I would assume. Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted 9/9/2015 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, thanks for all your kind words. It's great to know that there are many people going through or have gone through the same issues I have faced over the years.

I was feeling pretty down about the results if the Vectra but I have known for some time that the Orencia/Methotrexate combo I am currently taking is not working as well as it should I have just tried not to really think too hard on it. I am running out of biologics at this point to try so my Doctor thinks that it may be time to try something different. After 10+ years on Enbrel nothing else has worked as well and kicked my RA in the butt.

Hopefully the increase in MTX does the trick. We will see.
Posted 9/16/2015 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
I am literally brand-new at all of this, though apparently I've had this for a while. I too have a very aggressive form of RA, and already have damage. I am literally starting my second week of treatment today . I just found these forums today, and have already enjoyed much of what you've posted as well as others. I can't tell you how much hope I have hearing from all of you. For that first week I was terribly distraught, and becoming seriously depressed. I have found my people, and I finally think there is a way through this. I realize this will probably take up a lot of my time for the rest of my life, but at least I am not alone. Thank you all so very much!
Posted 9/16/2015 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Child.
It's a shock to find you have a chronic disease but you're already in the right place for excellent support.
Posted 9/17/2015 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Child_of_God; Welcome aboard! I am really glad you posted, this is a great site for support from people who know first hand the challenges a disease like this brings.

I spend a lot of time also with my church family and Pastor and they all have been so very supportive and positive. It has been an immense blessing to my life as well as my families. Reach out to them when you are suffering. They are there for you.
Posted 9/18/2015 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Joy and Don! After I realized I might be called child a lot, I changed my screen name to joyful noise . lol Don, I have been reaching out to my church family, and I cannot tell you what a blessing they are to me. My husband is deployed, so they are for the most part my family right now. I have two little ones that go to the school I teach at, and our lives are so very busy , that I truly have to rely on others . I suppose in a way, that too is a blessing.
Posted 9/18/2015 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear your husband is so brave and you're so supportive of him. My brother is retired Army and was in the Reserves. He mustard out this past Spring.

Btw, I used to be a clown when I was younger and my name was "Joyful Noise". LOL!
Posted 9/18/2015 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
That's fantastic! Now I know that's the right name! For me anyway .
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