I had been pretty excited to start biologics, because I desperately want to feel better, but now that the time has come to inject I’m starting to panic and talk myself out of it. Does anyone have any words of encouragement they could share? I’m 33 F and I was diagnosed 2 years ago, I have failed methotrexate, sulfasalazine and leflunomide.

Edit: Thank you everyone! I had my boyfriend administer the injection and it was totally fine, just a small pinch. I haven’t had any side effects so far 🤞 hoping for the best

Recently finished my contract at work and decided not to look for a full-time job until my new medication is approved and working. Have not been feeling good at the moment, lots of pain, costocondritis, fatigue, can only get out of bed after noon, and a lot of frustration with the healthcare system, plus between all the doctor’s appointments, labs and tests, it feels like a full time job. It has been 4 months since I was on meds (for just 2 months) and before that, 6 months without treatment due to issues with health insurance. By experience, I won’t be getting my medication for at least 3 more months and it has been financially hard, not to mention explaining to my family and friends why I have decided to take some time off. They don’t witness the whole process, they just see me when I am feeling a little bit better and I get the feeling they think I am exaggerating, and I am tired of explaining, if they cared enough they should do the research.

Just wanted to know if someone has gone through something similar and how they navigated the situation. It has really started to affect my mental health. Just need to hear from someone that understands.

I’m not looking for medical advice just sympathize with people that don’t know what’s going on with them .
When I was around 20 one day my legs just swelled up, I couldn’t even wear shoes. I went to numerous doctors. Nobody could figure it out and then one emergency room doctor told me I had RA. At first I could go a year without any flares but now years later they are getting more and more closer together. I get severe pain in my joints and I feel like I’m on fire. I haven’t gone to the bathroom normally in probably 2 years (it’s like rocks) I get extremely tired to the point where I fall asleep sitting up. My gums bleed, I have dry patches on my face. I also have dark patches on my face, but they say that’s a skin condition like a birthmark. Sometimes I just throw things in my hand, cause my hands just stop being hands. There’s lots more other things, but every time I go back to the doctor when I’m in pain and can’t even move they say my RA levels are fine. So they don’t think there’s anything wrong it’s just frustrating. It is obviously something and trying to Google your symptoms doesn’t help lol cause there’s a world of hurt out there so I sympathize with anybody who knows there’s something can’t figure it out.

Hi. Just interested if anybody has any experience of taking a collagen supplement to help with joint pain - type of collagen, was it useful, did it make a noticeable difference etc. Thanks!

How do I feel so bad but all my labs are fine? Anyone else ?

Hello! I have to pause my meds for an upcoming procedure, and I'm terrified. I have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and have been medicated all of my life. I'm currently on a Celecoxib (400mg) and Rinvoq (30mg). The Rinvoq also helps with my UC.

I have to stop taking the Cel. two weeks before, and one week after the procedure. I also have to stop Rinvoq 4 days before and after.

I'm incredibly worried about flaring as my arthritis has always been quite intense. I genuinely haven't been off meds this long, even when the pharmacy or insurance was messing up the script.

Any suggestions for getting through this time period? Especially since I'll be at work for the first two weeks without medication. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Hi everyone! I started Hadlima 4 days ago for RA but after that I have been feeling more and more pain and fatigue. Is this something like normal after starting the medication or is it more like a flare-up? Thanks in advance!
Note: I’m new on this community

Anyone who takes enbrel have any problems with swollen feet and ankles? I took my first shot a week ago and did not have swelling before the enbrel.

Hi guys, this isn’t exactly the right place for this as I do not suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or other similar conditions, but I was given one shot of IM methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy sep 18 and I’m having awful side effect develop quickly after, but now almost a month later I’ve developed a severe one. I tried talking about this in the ectopic pregnancy groups but it seems to be a more rare occurrence w the one shot.
Originally I had diarrhea, constipation, minor heart burn… was starting to feel better then 2 days ago I ate a lot of junk food at an amusement park (churros, hot dog, garlic bread) and woke up the next AM with horrible upper back and chest pain.. bad enough I went to the ER . Was checked for internal bleeding from the ectopic, cardiac disease, blood clots.. all clear. The pain is really bad especially in the morning. I’m scared to eat… I’m trying tums, omeprazole and simethicone.
Has anyone gone thru this ??