Biologics & Joint Pain

My Crohns right now is in remission and I only use Asacol to control it.  My main complaints these days is the joint pain.  My feet feel like I am walking on the bones instead of the pads.  I do have osteoarthris & Fibro. My hands & hips give me alot of grief too.  I am about to contact my Rheumy again and I am thinking of asking for a handicap pass because walking as much as I do is just aggravating it all.

Last time I saw her she was wanting me to take one of the biologics.   I am really not ready to go on these strong meds.  By the way, my GI doesn't really want me to use these meds either (save them for if the Crohns gets worse).  I am concerned with the side effects and as I have read on this board too many times how the Remicade, Humira, MTX etc really haven't helped that many folks with Crohns joint problems anyways.  And they just wind up picking up every virus out there.  I can't afford to be out of work because some med has caused me to be sick either from the med or some random virus.  I already use all my sick days every year for bad days related to the Crohns.

Right now I take 1/2 Percoset 3 x's a day for the pain.  And am blessed with a husband who massages some part of my body every single night.  Which helps me to fall asleep.

What I am looking for is for anyone's thoughts on this.  Does anyone get any relief from the biologics for their joint pain?  I would like to get everyones thoughts and opinions on this matter. 

Thanks,

Gail *Nanners*

 

Sweet friend
'
I know notta bout the bilogics either but
I do know the pain you are feeling
I too have fibro and not fun at all

Please do fill us in on the other will ya
Loves
LYN

Hey my CD twin,

My Rhuemy would like my GI to start me on one of the Biologics because my joints are so bad but my CD isn't active enough for the GI to do it. I have been going for acupuncture. My Rhuemy actually had the acupuncturist in his office for awhile until he found his own space. I was really hesitant. I don't like needles and I don't really go for alternative treatments. But, its not a medication and other than a slight dent in my wallet, it wasn't going to hurt me to give it a try. It didn't help with the first treatment, but after a few, it really did make a difference. It isn't a cure by any means, but like your husbands massage, it helps. I do notice if I don't go regularly. Which kind of stinks, because it can be hard to make time to fit it in. But, as long as I go every week or so, I can keep things under control.

I go to a community acupuncture clinic. They charge a sliding scale, $15 - $35 depending on how often you go. They would like to make it affordable so that you go more often, so that it is more beneficial.

Nanners,  I have horrible hip pain, lower back and knees.  I am on Humira, after Remicade quit working.  However, I have a friend who has had great relief from her pain of just Rheumatoid Arthritis from Remicade.  Hard decision.  Good luck.

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I am just really nervous because I see so many on the boards who haven't gotten any relief joint pain wise on these types of meds and I have also read recent articles that say that the side effects of these meds (Humira, Remicade, Enbrel) are higher than the benefits. Its all so confusing.

My biggest complaint is walking. And I do walk alot at work and getting to work. By the end of the day my feet hurt so bad. But I am thankful that my husband is there to massage them everyday. That helps alot.

I know many don't catch every bug around with the Remicade, but I have heard more bad than good about Humira and Enbrel. I won't do Remicade that is for sure, just because my veins are so bad. But the other meds are a possibility.

Geez, what to do, what to do???

There is a possibility that bupropion might be useful. It is an anti-depressant, but there is research to indicate that it might be as good as the biologics at reducing TNF levels. Presumably that is what helps joint pain when taking the biologics. See: http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17748850 You would have to take this to your GI or PCP for their opinion.

My rheumy told me that she is seeing more response in regards to arthritis to Enbrel than to any of the the other biologicals, but I know you said you've heard more bad than good.  She said it won't help any with the Crohn's, but if you don't need a biological for Crohn's anyway, than it might help.  I've been on Remicade, Cimzia and Humira and, while they all have helped the arthritis, none of them helped enough to keep me from having to take other stuff for arthritis.  I would say that Cimzia helped the most, in my case.  I do get more frequent upper respiratory infections and still need pain meds and cortisone shots, but I still would rather take the biologicals than not, as they do all help some with the arthritis.