Do any of you notice increased RA pain and burning during high pollen times? This year’s pollen has been a bigger problem for me than any other year, but my biggest fear is that I may not be getting as much benefit from Actemra/Tocilizumab now. I really hope that the Actemra is still working and that allergies/pollen are the issue. I tried several biologics along with MTX for 2+ years without much relief at all, then 3 months ago I started monthly Tocilizumab infusions and it felt like I got my life back. Now only a week after my 3rd infusion I woke this morning with foot and knee pain that f ..read more

Has anyone had this? How did it feel? Slightly more effective? And did it affect side effects? So far on 15mg it’s helped 90% of my issues, and no side effects submitted by /u/SmilingIvan [visit reddit] [comments ..read more

1st pic: my (f25) wrist 2nd pic: regular wrist I started CACKLING bc why does mine look like teeth??? my partner said “looks like your bones Irish goodbyed” The ortho surgeon said my scans are impressive esp for my age and I was like “taking that as badge of honor thank you”. All jokes aside I knew my wrist was wrecked, I’ve had RA for over a decade, there’s not much to be done til a tendon is fully severed. Just gotta laugh at it. submitted by /u/sassysae [visit reddit] [comments ..read more

Hi! I think I need a new rheumatologist or at least a second opinion.. my current one is super nice and sympathetic but I feel like she isn’t necessarily taking my symptoms seriously enough. For additional context I have JIA and someone who takes Cigna would be great. Thank you! submitted by /u/Hot_Sea1697 [visit reddit] [comments ..read more

I’m a college student that was diagnosed with RA last February and it has been kind of confusing still to adjust to everything. I realized I never figured out how to deal with warm weather. What clothes are good for warm weather? Does anyone have any other tips? submitted by /u/nunyabesnes [visit reddit] [comments ..read more

My doctor barely wanted to give me a work note for leave of absence, while my hands were in pain even after she said, the meds will take months to kick in. My work said they could put me on light duty, but would require a doctors note now I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for that note to come through and I feel like I’m asking for the world. submitted by /u/Maximum_Leave_4729 [visit reddit] [comments ..read more

Hello! Y’all have been so helpful with a few previous questions, I thought I’d maybe ask for an opinion. Thanks for being such a knowledgeable and supportive community in spite of pain and challenge! I’m seeing a new rheumatologist (new to the profession and the first one I’ve seen). She has diagnosed me with inflammatory arthritis and is thinking RA but sero negative. She’s thinking RA because of the symmetrical presentation that most strongly impacts hands and feet (but I have pain in shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, knees, hips and collarbones.) Ultrasound shows inflammation but I’m wait ..read more

My mother was recently diagnosed with RA. She is 56. Unfortunately, I live in a different country so I am limited in my capacity to help her out. I want to understand so many things but keep getting lost in the rabbit hole of google. How do I ensure she is getting the right meds? I read a bit about biologics, but I am worried they would make her immune system weak. How do I ensure she is with the right doctor ( silly question perhaps) a simple google search lists 100s of doctors in our area and it doesn’t seem like a simple decision. What can be done to make her life better - steps that she c ..read more

Recently since a month I’ve started to feel muscle, joint, neuro all kinds of pain in the lower body stating from back to toes. I was diagnosed with ra about 9 months back and am on hcqs200 twice a day and sulfasalazine 500 twice a day. My blood tests show low haemoglobin and low irons. Anyone has experienced anything similar or understands what could it be? submitted by /u/roseonthorn [visit reddit] [comments ..read more

So I (36M) was diagnosed with something between RA and spondyloarthritis. Doctors still are not 100% certain but honestly I don't think it changes anything. The only non-good blood works were CRP (15) and ESR (28) which were both elevated but not very high. And a slight indication for anemia. My story started last October with one knee being swollen, in December I got a cortisone Injection and a month later my right knee got swollen along with my left elbow. In February I had my right knee injected and guess what... The left knee got swollen after a month. Since January I went vegan and non g ..read more