Hi,
I am 47 years old and have had RA for 8 years while being a P.E. teacher. It has been extremely difficult as my job requires a lot of physical activity. I have always loved my job and have done it for 24 years, but had to give it up as of yesterday. I have applied for disability and am waiting to hear if it will be approved. My body is a mess even though I am taking methotrexate max dose and humira needles once a week due to the demands of my job. It is very tough as I love the kids and I love sports, but I never go into remission and it is getting harder and harder to walk. The fatigue in the morning and the pain is terrible. Last year alone I got at least 50 cortisone shots in various parts of my body just to be able to go to work. Then I would be in so much pain that I would dread the thought of having to go to the grocery store or pharmacy after work. Is anyone else dealing with this sort of thing? Let me know if you've been through something similar and how you dealt with it.
Have you tried a different TNF? I was on Enbrel and methotrexate when I was first diagnosed with RA. They did nothing for me so my doctor put me on Remicade and Leflunomide, and these are wonder drugs for me. The only time I have pain now is about a week before my next treatment. My dosage was increased at my last visit so I hope that prolongs the effectiveness of the drug through the 6 weeks.
I like yourself was alway very active into sports and now when I get out on my bike I feel like a million bucks! I have adopted a new way of thinking, that is do all you can when the pain is at bay, enjoy life to the fullest.