Wellness

[LilacTree]

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for almost ten years now since age 66. I have tried every med, but none of them have worked, or I am allergic to them. I have been on low dose prednisone (8 mgs) for about five or six years. For pain, I have been taking ibuprofen (also 8 mgs once a day).

So far I have avoided the biologics (you see them advertised on TV every day, Enbrel, Remicade, Orencia, Humira, etc.) The famous golfer, Phil Mickelson, is on TV all the time, he has psoriatic arthritis, also an autoimmune disease that is incurable. I have forgotten which of the biologics he takes, but it doesn't matter, they are all the same. These are extremely toxic meds. Side effects range from severe infections to lymphoma to TB to MS, and other cancers. I have always been extremely wary of these meds and so far have refused to take them.

However, my RA and osteoporosis is now at the point that I can no longer walk more than a few feet because of hip and back pain. I have been using a wheelchair for any outings and I no longer drive. Each of my doctors have impressed upon me that I should be on a biologic, that at my age (75) by the time I might start having side effects from them, I could more than likely die from old age.

So I have had bloodwork (not back yet) and am seeing several doctors, including a rheumatologist who will put me on a biologic. Perhaps I'm ready now, I don't know. I guess it will depend on the immediate side effects I may get that may be worse than what I have already.

I am between a rock and a hard place, the choice being between bad and worse. There are no good choices for RA. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone here has had to face that dilemma or has a relative that has RA and is successfully going through biologic therapy.

Thanks in advance for any information you may have.