tamRN,
We have both had our illnesses for a very long time. I too started with Sulfasalazine; when first diagnosed in 1993, however, I soon learned I was alergic to sulfa based drugs. I too have taken Prednisone, however, I put on the brakes with that drug because of the outrageous side effects.
Decades ago, when you and I were both diagnosed, doctors primarily believed that a conserative approach should be taken in treating our illnesses. In short, saving the "big guns" (TNF Blockers, etc.) for the future so as our disease progressed there were tools availible in the toolbox. Based on new studies, that medical approach has changed and getting a handle on the disease quickly - shortens flares creating longer remission and most importantly providing quality of life.
Like you, I too had similar concerns, however, one day comes when the pain and suffering is far too great. The years of saying, I can handle the fetal position a few times a year and get through the day to day severe issues comes to a screaching halt. For me, my transient joint pain, one of the side effects from CD, was far more painful than anything else I was experiencing. Thus, I made the difficult decison to begin Remicade treatments. To say I was stunned by the immediate turn around / pain relief would be an understatement. In other words, I was Blessed! No symptoms, no pain just….quality of life.
In my case, my body began building up antibodies to the Remicade and my infusions beacame shorter in duration and ultimately the dose was doubled. I began my Humira induction approximately 9 days ago and have been feeling excellent.
As previously stated in my earlier post, after my 4 injections (first dose of induction), I became tired after 2 hours and about 5 hours later after the injections, I was perfectly fine and up and running.
In closing, I too work long shifts of 12-14 hr days (a few days per week) and will now do my injections when I have a day off.
The decision in how to proceed in fighting back your illness, aggressively or not, is a tough one and one only you can make. However, for me, I was ready after decades of an unsuccessful cautious approach.
Hang in there because better days are coming your way - you are not alone!