Today...

 Today, in 2025, I get monthly injections of Cimzia, a biologic.  I've been on Cimzia about 2 years.  It's a dance now managing my health treatments.  If I need surgery, I have to inform my Rheumatologist, and schedule it so not to interfere with my injections (no treatments like antibiotics or surgeries within a week of Cimzia.)  I'm fortunate in that Dr. Hosny works close with his patients and can move the appointments.  I also discuss other issues with him regarding my health because sometimes, it's hard to tell what's causing something like a flare or if you have a non-RA problem.  I also discuss any new meds or treatments with him BEFORE the meds start or the other treatment.  It's given me a lot more confidence to manage my disorder as my primary doctor doesn't give input because she's a generalist and doesn't know a lot about it.  It's very important to have at least one doctor who will answer questions even if it's not in their specialty.  I'll talk about that in another post.

From their website: "CIMZIA is a prescription medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocker that can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people who received CIMZIA have developed serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some of these serious infections have caused hospitalization and death."

Next...

 I was on Plaquenil for about 8 years and had relatively few symptoms until 2019.

I had sciatica issues in my back and couldn’t walk.  Eventually with physical therapy, I was able to walk, and then I had double guided injections in my back giving me the freedom to walk, but I still needed physical therapy.  Somewhere along the line during the bout with Sciatica, I tore my rotator cuff and needed surgery to repair it.  While I was waiting for the surgery, I had more and more problems with my knees and hands.  I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and expected to arrange surgery after my shoulder surgery.  I broke my wrist, and it was discovered that my wrist was STILL swollen despite the fracture healing.  At the time, the PA frantically went through my records to see if there was something else... she found it.

"I think you need to see your Rheumatologist because I think you might be in a flare." She told me.   And I was.  It was the strongest flare I've ever had.  Dr. Hosny tested me for the Rheumatoid Factor and it was off the charts.  His first words to me after the results came back was "Congratulations.  You have RA."  I was already being treated for it but the test results had been negative.  That was the point where he switched me off Plaquenil and onto Cimzia, a biologic.

In the beginning...

In 2008, I discovered that I was in so much pain in my knees that I could not get up off the couch.  When I went to the family doctor, he checked me out and among the other tests he did was a blood test.  When the test came back, it was discovered that I had RA. 

What is RA?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs.  Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, physiotherapy and medication can help slow the disease's progression. Most cases can be managed with a class of medications called anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS).

My doctor referred me to a Rheumatologist, Dr. Maged Hosny of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Center of Dover, Delaware.  He also has an office in Milford Delaware.  Dr. Hosny started me off on Methotrexate and a couple of other drugs before settling on Plaquenil.