Hitting My Goals: Lynn's Story

Music track and RINVOQ logo throughout.

LYNN: I told my doctor when I first met her, I had three goals. I wanted to get my wedding rings on, to get down on the floor and play with my grandkids, and I wanted to be able to get in and out of the boat by myself.

I’m Lynn. I have moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Prior to RINVOQ, a lot of times I would wake up and my hands would be in fists. And it literally would take me an hour and a half to get to the point my hands would be curved. It would take to the end of the day before I could stretch out my fingers like this.

My feet were killing me. Fatigue. It’s been a long journey to find the medication that works for me. My doctor tried me on several different treatments. There were a lot of things my rheumatologist was looking for, and she would put a lot of weight into what I told her, as to how I felt, what I could accomplish.

I was—ehh, kind of okay. There was a long time, if I got down on the floor, you’re probably gonna need a crane to get me back up. You don’t have to settle. I still had a general feeling of malaise. She told me, she said, “I think we can make you feel better. I want you to change meds. I want you to try RINVOQ.”

I have to admit, I did not have high hopes. I’ve been on so many different medications. I kind of went into it with the attitude that, “meh…” But much to my surprise, that’s not the way it’s worked. It has been the one that works for me.

The first words out of my rheumatologist’s mouth were, “You’ve got your wedding rings on!” I went, “Oh gee—I feel like me again!” It really kicked in quite well at the three-month mark.

I noticed, I’m not limited. I was able to get on the floor and play with the grandkids. I don’t have the fatigue like I did. I don’t have to, any longer stop and think, “Not a good idea, Lynn.”

One of the big things I’ve been able to do is play in the dirt, which is my idea of gardening. I’ve met all of my goals. I need to make new ones!

ANNOUNCER VOICE OVER (AVO): SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

RINVOQ may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serious infections. RINVOQ can lower ability to fight infections. Serious infections, some fatal, occurred, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
  • Increased risk of death in people age 50+ with at least 1 heart disease risk factor.
  • Cancer and immune system problems. Increased risk of some cancers, including lymphoma and skin. Current or past smokers have higher risk for lymphoma and lung cancer.
  • Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in people 50+ with at least 1 heart disease risk factor, especially in current or past smokers.
  • Blood clots, some fatal, in veins of the legs or lungs and arteries. This occurred more often in people 50+ with at least 1 heart disease risk factor.
  • Serious allergic reactions. Do not take if allergic to RINVOQ or its ingredients.
  • Tears in the stomach or intestines; changes in certain laboratory test results.

Please see additional Important Safety Information on this webpage.