I have had rheumatoid arthritis for ten years.  My shoulder joints are badly damaged as are the joints in my feet and my hands. No going back. All my other moveable joints are inflamed. Hip joints damaged. Yet my knees are fine.

I have just started Kevzara. It suppresses IL-6 as did Actemra. However, each medicine is just a little bit different than the others. I expect it will help for a while.

The only medication that worked for a long time was methotrexate, MTX. That was for seven years. Then I developed a necrosis of radiated breast tissue. Methotrexate black box warning thirteen. Ten months  and one surgery to heal. No more methotrexate. Too bad. Methotrexate helps the biologics work better.

I am on a maintenance dose of Medrol and I have extra for worsening symptoms. Plus I am on Tramadol.

Ten years ago my symptoms seemed to start abruptly. They were severe enough for an ER visit. I have never been in remission. A biologic will help maybe 50% for a year.

I am also giving cannabis a trial run. Legal in New Mexico. I think the right mix will help.