They definitely do cause issues - higher risk of exciting cancers and a generally more sickly existence. Studies in IBD have their efficacy at 20-30% of patients in remission after a year so they're only somewhat effective (vs half that for placebo). Anecdotally (from my own experience, and from talking to my doctors) quality of life can be poor - mind crushing fatigue is fairly common. Admittedly the fatgue may be the cocktail of other crap in my body!
Something new with few side effects might help lots of people avoid surgery.
Sorry to hear of your experience, but wanted to say for others that autoimmune diseases and the associated medications are complex beasts and ymmv...
I have been on a TNF-a inhibitor for over a year and the results thus far have been literally life changing - for the better. I haven't been this healthy or had this much energy since before adulthood.
Something new with few side effects might help lots of people avoid surgery.