New to RA

Just thought I would pop over here and say hi and share my story. I have been here in the chronic pain area off and on. Last fall I had major pain in my hips, knees and ankles and real bad edema in my ankles. I went to the hospital as I was concerned it was heart trouble. They cleared me of that and I went to a few doctors but nobody was really giving me much. Finally I went to a Rheumatologist at the recommendation of a coworker. He did some blood tests that pointed to arthritis as well as crohn's. I have had crohn's symptoms for many years, as well as neck pain and headaches. I really believe all of my problems are related somehow. At that time the Rheumatologist put me on methotrexate. I also see a physical medicine doctor who has me on muscle relaxers, anti inflammatories and norco for pain. Then I see a psychologist to try to manage the mental side of all of this and he recently switched me to zoloft. I really feel like the zoloft has balanced me out very nicely. Recently my hips and knees have started to get sore again. I'm having a very difficult time getting comfortable at all during the day. So my Rheumatologist has now put me on Humira. I haven't started it yet. I'm going to call him in a few minutes for an update on the pre-authorization. On top of that, my neck has been flaring on me again and I've just made an appointment with a neurosurgeon. I have a genetic fusion and 3 bulged discs, so I'm going to see if they can do anything with me.

Anyway, it's looking like I'll be dealing with this RA business for a while (I'm 39) so I figured I'd introduce myself!

Thanks. I am considering my hips and legs to be my RA symptoms and they are recent and not unbearable. More annoying that anything. The doctor is calling is serum negative RA. I haven't tested positive, but I guess I am showing enough symptoms. Anyway, hopefully the Humira helps with both the RA and the Crohn's. Thanks for your kind words.

Just called the doctor again to check on my authorization. No answer yet again.

They called me back yesterday. He sent in the form on the 9th. He said we should hear this week and if not to call him Monday. So I continue to wait to start a drug that will take 4 months to find out if it works... Kind of cruel.

Thanks for sharing! I hope it works for me as quickly. Every joint in my body aches a bit right now.

The specialty drug companies can cause major delays....keep after them daily. The copay assistance will come through immediately, but mark your calendar for annual renewal, they won't remind you. Also, you might ask to talk to Caremark billing dept. And give them your copay assist billing info. I have had a hard time getting mine to bill my assist program consistently. You should ask how often you need to get the doc to order refills, and start at least ten days prior with pharmacy, as it takes awhile for the process to go through. I have had several frustrating experiences with the specialty pharmacies, so hope this is helpful and you get your humira and relief soon.
Beth

I did my first injection tonight. A little sting for a moment and still a very slight bump but no big deal do far. Holy smokes there is no way I could afford this without the copay card!!!

So far so good. I would say the hip and kneed pain I was feeling yesterday is much better if not gone. Could be a coincidence. The only possible side effect is a tiny bit of nausea. But I can also feel some sinus drainage that frequently gives me the same nausea, so I'm not overreacting. Going to give it some time.

Less of the arthritis pain in my hips and knees. It's not gone, but I would say better so far. I'm one week out from my first shot right now. No noticeable change to my crohn's, but I didn't take the loading dose. Also still plenty of neck and shoulder pain, potentially confirming that those are not related to arthritis.

Thanks for thinking of me! It means a lot as I am struggling in many other ways right now.

Hey Country, How are you doing now that the humira has had some time to kick in?