Hi Sally,
I'm Fiona, 53 and diagnosed with R.A at 38.
I take Hydroxychloriquine.
You will find many friends here who will
understand what you are going through.
Best wishes,
Fiona

hi Fiona & Jenni

Jenni, do you mind if I ask what side effects you got with Cimzia? What are you taking now?

I've only just started Cimzia and felt serious fatigue for two days after my first injection. Don't know if that is coincidence. I'm taking prednisilone as well and tried to drop that down this week but couldn't manage. I cooked dinner for friends last night for the first time in ages and was shocked at how much pain I was in and how exhausting I found it. They were great though, and helped with everything including the washing up and it was lovely to have people around again. How on earth do all of you with children manage? It must be hard.
xx

Hi Sally

I'm not on Cimzia, I'm on Enbrel but also take prednisolone. As Jenni says the likely problem is the prednisolone. It really does have to be reduced extremely slowly!

I'm on a maintenance dose of 3mg and I can't get below that, my body goes into immediate freefall and a flare follows right behind. I have been on high doses in the past but reduction has to be very gradual indeed. Also, at the start of the anti tnf treatment the body has to adjust and it seems quite common for people to feel fatigue after the first few doses. Your body does adapt though and you will start to improve. I would be inclined to stick with your regular dose of prednisolone until the Cimzia fully kicks in and the rheumatologist gives the go ahead.

As for kids, I had three within 16 months making four under six and severe uncontrolled RA (except when I was pregnant)!! You just get on with things as best you are able ... I read to them a lot, played lots of games, slept when they did, and basically coped. You just do :)

Lyn x