Switching to Biosimilars for RA, Part Two: My Experience as an ‘Outlier’ Trying (So Far) 3 Biosimilars
In April 2023, I received a letter from the Ontario government with information about the new biosimilar switching policy. I had until the end of the year to switch from the biologic medication I take to treat my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to a biosimilar. I did my best to be hopeful and believe it would…
You May Have to Switch to a Biosimilar for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here’s Why.
In March 2023, I received a letter from the Ontario government. It informed me that a biosimilar switching policy was now in place. People like me who receive funding from the government to pay for Biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease, and other forms of autoimmune disease were given until the end of 2023…
Two Kinds of RA Pain and How to Cope
Pain is often one of the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may continue to play a leading role in your life with this condition. When you have RA, there are two general causes of pain: one is active RA inflammation and the other RA damage. I’ll take a look at both, as well…
How I Cope with Taking Medication for My Chronic Conditions
Let’s get this out of the way first: no one likes taking medication. If my fairy godmother showed up in a sparkling red off the shoulder number (because my fairy godmother rocks) and offered to waive her magic wand over anything in my life, of course my first choice would be to magick away my…
Preventing and Treating Sinus Infections When Taking Biologics
Biologics are notorious for increasing your risk of infections, especially those of the upper respiratory tract. In other words, sinus infections. Cue headaches, a feeling like your head is filled with cement, post-nasal drip, nausea, debilitating fatigue, thick brain fog, plus that awful smell that no one else can smell. There is nothing like it…
#RABlog Week, Day 3: In Defense of Biologics
Today’s #RABlog Week prompt is Biologics can be scary. This is true and it has led to a lot of misperceptions about these kinds of medications. My goal today is to bust some myths about Biologics. Settle in with a cup of tea. To do this subject justice, I had to go a bit long….
Miracle & Catastrophe: Finding a Natural Remedy for GERD and Acid Reflux
Dear Trophic, It’s damn near a miracle. And also a tragedy. But let me start at the beginning. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has always done a number of my stomach, and so has RA meds. It is a particular “blessing” to be hit with a disease that requires strong medications, and a sensitive stomach (the latter…
How Do You Live Well with Rheumatoid Arthritis when it has a Mortality Risk?
RA has a mortality risk. When it hit the news that Glenn Frey of The Eagles had died from complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other conditions, it was an uncomfortable reminder that this disease with which we live doesn’t just make life pretty challenging, but that it can actually kill us. How do you…
Weight Gain and Biologics: The Battle No One Talks About
Updated May 20, 2021 Several medications for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to weight changes. Steroids is well-known for it, but if you mention Biologics and weight gain, many rheumatologists will tell you there isn’t a link. Many people in the community disagree, saying their lived experience says different and I’m one of them. I…
The Consequence of Germs
Earlier this week, one of The Boy’s colleagues was diagnosed with strep throat. And then said colleague came to work the day after and the day after that, contagious throat infection and all. And that means my beloved and I will not see each other for the next week while we wait out the incubation…
On Decades, Miracles and Living the Dream
Image credit: dvarg Today is the 10thanniversary of my first injection of a biologic. At 3:35 PM, to be exact. Today is the 10th anniversary of me getting a second chance, of being given the gift of getting back my life. Ten years ago, I thought I’d celebrated my last Christmas. I had nothing…
#LivingARTHfully: Connection and Inspiration
I spent Friday of last week at the Art Gallery of Ontario for the Living ARTHfully Blogger and Online Influencer Event. Canadian bloggers who write about RA, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis arthritis came together to make connections, learn tips and information, and brainstorm about increasing online conversations about arthritis. Hosted by GCI Group for Janssen…