getting tired of fighting

I have had R A for over 30 years, have had my share of meds, now my organs are affected, I have been on biological meds d mards, ect..... now I have to make the choice whether or not to start xaljenz, Im just hoping this one works the side affects scare me I have had dangerous infections from this type of med and dont want to end up in the hospital. Is there anyone out there who can give me any positive information about this drug? I am so tired of fighting this disease, and having no real answer for how to stop it.

tuesday blue,
I agree with BadDay. All you can do is try to remain positive. I have just had a bad time myself as my meds quit working on me. I had to start with the rituxan infusion and I was scared really bad to start this. However as of today which I am about 6 weeks out from my infusion I am much better than I was. Am I 100% not by a long shot but I am out of bed and am able to go back to work. Please dont give up keep on pushing and pushing. I have heard of xaljenz but I have not had to take that one yet. Just try it that is all we can do you just never know when it might be the "miracle drug" that helps you get better. I pray for better days ahead for you and maybe someone who is on this medicine will post an answer better than mine. This is a wonderful encouraging site and I have felt so much better talking with others that suffer the same.
Hugs to you
Peggy

tuesday blue, I hope the new med works for you and changes your life! I've been dealing with medical issues for about 20 years now and there are days you just feel like you want to give up and can't take the crap anymore. But, sometimes after a good night's sleep things seem better the next day. Sometimes, that's all I can hope for. I call myself the side effect queen and sometimes meds for other conditions seem to make my RA or pain actually worse, like some BP meds. I feel your pain but really hope the new drug will work for you. It sounds like you've been through a lot if it's affected your organs.

I have a terrible insurance company, they will not approve any of the meds I desperately need no biological's no disease modifiers my doctors office is offering to put me on a special program to hopefully provide the medicine. It can be so hard to work, keep up with everything when you have all of the health issue's in the way, all the tests, doctors visits, its hard to keep your head up some times. I totally agree with no back surgery Im saying no also too much at risk, and I work in the health care industry for 25 yrs, and have never heard anything good said about having the surgery, so I think I'll just wait until the day comes if it comes, that I cant walk or go to the bathroom to say yes to surgery. I do think about the people who I love, and that is enough drive for me, it just sucks so stinking bad sometimes.

thank you for the info, I never heard of anti biotic treatment, I think I may have tried that early on about 20 yrs ago but at this point I am willing to try anything.

I was diagnosed with Juvenal RA when I was 13. Spent many years having swollen knees, wrists, ankles. Had numerous "drainings" used crutches during flare ups while in high school, and have been through the gamut of meds. Was on Remicade-had severe allergic reaction so I stopped the treatments. A few years later I finally decided that my quality of life was dramatically affected so I started the Enbrel. Was self-injecting for almost 5 years and was feeling good. In July of 2011, my new GP sent me for some routine blood work and was concerned about a high white blood cell count. Went for further blood work and was diagnosed with CLL. I stopped the Enbrel in July of 2011. Did a lot of research on causes, symptoms (of which I had none). Have been working closely with a hematologist who is wonderful. I am determined to keep the CLL at bay while living with the arthritis- which is now also affects my hips and neck. I have been digging into various supplements and alternative methods to combat the inflammation and subsequent pain. While I have to do a shot of Depomedral (sp??) eon occassion, I have found tremendous relief doing acupuncture, massage, swimming and natural supplements such as: Congaplex G (Standard Process) Vitamin D, Krill oil, Reishi mushroom, Turmeric and Ginger. I am not a fan of mushrooms so I do this via supplement. Stamits is a good brand.

Just had blood work done last week and my WBC is almost in normal range (10.9) Lymphocytes are still elevated , but have dropped considerably from when I was first diagnosed.

I believe that putting Enbrel into my system was the direct cause of my condition. I also believe that with close monitoring of what you put into your body--food counts as well as meds- you can control inflammation that leads to other diseases. I work everyday, spend time enjoying my life and continue to keep a positive outlook. Only a few family members and a few close friends even know of my CLL diagnosis. I am sure they would be shocked to find out this info. Never give up.