Need Advice

By Kimmy87

1 min read

Hi, I’m Kim I got rheumatoid arthritis when I was 22 years old.

Finding the right RA medication

Been on so many different meds after a while they stopped working.

I’m on Rinvoq it’s not helped me at all.

Been on methotrexate which made me feel sick all the time. I got taken off that, so I’m on Rinvoq.

I have a rheumatoid arthritis appointment tomorrow. Hoping to be out on something better.

The physical and mental symptoms of RA

I’m in pain every day. My legs and knees hurt. I have osteoarthritis too. Being in pain makes my depression worse.

I’m finding it all hard and it makes me emotional too.

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RHall Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Kimmy87" user-id="4167926"/> - I empathize with your struggles. Managing RA is a physical and mental challenge, which a lot of people outside of the RA community don't understand. You are doing the right thing trying different medications. It can sometimes be a long road to determine which is the right fit. But there are many others in the community who have kept trying and eventually found an RA med that aligned with their body. How did your appointment go? Warmly, Reggie, team member
Kimmy87 Member
Was giving a steroid injection starting sulphasalazine again I’m on rinvoq the rheumatoid arthritis nurse thinks that’s helping me even tho my arthritis levels are high they are gonna mix in some other med soon hope it’s soon I’m in pain and it’s waking me up ar night I hate having to wait to find out what there gonna put me on the nurse said she will ring me in 4 weeks it’s the waiting game as usual <inline-mention username="RHall" user-id="3226625"/> 
1. L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kimmy87" user-id="4167926"/> I for one will send the best vibes that this time will be great. You deserve it.
Mary Sophia Hawks Moderator & Contributor
Dear Kim, The good news is that there are so many RA meds available. The challenging news is that no one med helps everyone. Don't give up! It takes time to find one that works. I hope your appointment went well. Blessings, Mary Sophia, moderator
Kimmy87 Member
Thank you
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Kimmy87" user-id="4167926"/>. Just to follow up on what <inline-mention username="Mary Sophia Hawks" user-id="3205404"/> said about the number of current treatments, this article from our editorial team gives an overview of the medications: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/drugs-and-prescription-medications-for-ra' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/drugs-and-prescription-medications-for-ra</a>. You hadn't mentioned if you have been on any biologics. If you click on the link in the article for more information, you will find about the different kinds of biologics that use different actions, providing an array of possibilities. Your doctor should be able to provide additional information. Hoping you find something that helps soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
glstebbins Member
Hi Kim. Also, like you, I was diagnosed with RA while in my 20's. I also have been on every medicine known to man for RA. Finally, my rheumatologist recommended Rituximab infusions 4 times a year. I have been doing these infusions now for 3 years and they have definitely helped. Hope you find something that helps you. 
1. Kimmy87 Member
 <inline-mention username="glstebbins" user-id="3171824"/> thank you
dulcinea Member
my sister was recently given cymbalta and we see such a positive change in her💞
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="dulcinea" user-id="3245876"/> that's wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing with Kim here and giving her some encouragement about medications. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
redharley2013 Member
Hi Kim my Rheumatologist found out that Rinvoq and other such meds were not doing a good job of treating my RA. I do not know what the test she ran but the Dr at the lab suggested I try Orencia and it has done good for me. There are so many new drugs that hopefully one will be found to help you.
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="redharley2013" user-id="3196513"/>. I'd be interested in what test your doctor did. I'm familiar with the PRISM-RA test which can help determine if anti-TNF biologics, such as Enbrel and Humira, will be effective for a person (see: <a href='https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/prism-ra-a-personalized-medicine-test-that-accurately-predicts-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients-who-will-not-respond-adequately-to-tumor-necrosis-factor-inhibitors/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/prism-ra-a-personalized-medicine-test-that-accurately-predicts-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients-who-will-not-respond-adequately-to-tumor-necrosis-factor-inhibitors/</a>), but not a test for JAK inhibitors. You certainly are correct about the number of new drugs and, hopefully, precision medicine will enable patients to find the right one for them in a timely manner. Best, Richard (Team Member)