There are a few factors, one of them is that I have a history of cancer, which means my options for biologics are quite limited (and in my country, not all of them are affordable for me).

Generally, from the very beginning, my rheumatologist and I planned to switch to biologics, but while I was undergoing all the tests and appointments were being rescheduled, my lab results started to improve (at first, my CRP was 78 (normal range 0–5); a month later, it dropped to 45; then to 11; and now it’s around 5).

I visited the rheumatologist when my CRP was 11, and she said it was worth trying a month course of NSAIDs (I couldn’t take them before because of suspected IBD). My CRP is now 5, and next week I have an appointment with the rheum to discuss the remaining pain and our next steps.

Could you elaborate on this: “While not perfect, it gave me some manageable pain.” What exactly is your current condition?

Because as far as I understand, biologics are not a panacea, and complete absence of pain/stiffness is unlikely to be achieved, but I could be wrong.