New to Forum, not sure how it works.

I have never been in a forum or anything like it. I am a 44 year old female with a very aggressive form of RA. I have had both knees replaced and still have pain. My ortho doc retired last year and I am not getting a lot of help from my new doc. My rheumatoid doc is wonderful. However, the Humira doesn't seem to be working and I don't take the Arava like I should because of the side effects. They both were surprised that my RA started in my larger joints, my knees and elbows, instead of my fingers and smaller joints. Well, they have come on board very quickly. The soles of my feet feel like I am walking on stones and the palms of my hands hurt too. I guess I just want to know if anyone else has taken Humira with some relief at first, then not so much after eight months.

Thanks,
Mel

Hi Mel and welcome
I also have an aggressive weird RA and can not take Anti Inflammatory's
and Boy I know the walking on Stones sensation
I did try Humira But had a Bad Reaction to it took over a year to get better - well back to my normal
I did take Arava about 12 yrs ago but had to stop due to High liver enzymes
but then when I re-tried it about 3 yrs ago now and this time it was working ok
so sometimes it can take a 2nd look to get a drug right
I am now on Metheltrexate,Arava,Prednisone mix along with a handful of mixed Pain Killers
as for bigger joints I have had a lot of problems with my shoulder and currently having horrible Hip pain
With Humira it can take a while to notice any change But Also Keep a Check on your Blood test results get full blood count done at least once a month and if you get Any hint of problems Tell your Doctor Straight away

As For your Doctors it never hurts to get 2nd 3rd 4th opinions so keep looking till you get a Rheumatologist You can relate to

this is a good site to get advice or even have a cry or Rant the majority of people here have either gone thru what you are or are extremely sympathetic to your position