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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/28/2012 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone take this?
Posted 7/28/2012 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
What would you like to know about it?
Posted 7/29/2012 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
My dr may put me on it. Im waiting on more blood test.
I have been reading about it but thought it might b nice to hear from someone that is taking it.
I would appreciate any info you can give.
Thanks
Posted 7/29/2012 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
My dr may put me on it. Im waiting on more blood test.
I have been reading about it but thought it might b nice to hear from someone that is taking it.
I would appreciate any info you can give.
Thanks
Posted 7/30/2012 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Remicade is given via IV at an infusion center or your local hospital. I get mine at the hospital on the Oncology ward. The infusion normally takes about 3 hours but I am usually there for about 5 hours (prep and infusion). I get premedicated before each infusion because I have had reactions to it in the past - they give me Benedryl and Solumedrol (a steroid).
Posted 7/30/2012 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you sherry!
I have read it helps slow down progression. I found something today that says it helps with pain.
What have you found to be true for you?
Thank you,
Katrina
Posted 7/30/2012 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Remicade is a biologic agent that blocks TNF-alpha - the inflammation caused by an overactive immune system. Remicade won't reverse the damage done but it can help with a disease getting worse. While I do not have RA, I do have other AI conditions that have responded well to Remicade - including some arthritic conditions. It stops the inflammation process which in turn helps with the pain.
Posted 7/30/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
thanks again Sherry,
this helps.
blessings
Katrina
Posted 8/11/2012 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Remicade for RA for 8 1/2 yrs. And other then dosage adjustments based on symptoms and more recently weight loss, I have not had any significant increase in my disease progression. However, it does take about 8 weeks to work up to a regular regimen. And it takes approximately 2 1/2-3 hours to complete your infusion. I rrecommend bringing your kindle or tablet or ipod to pass the time.
On another note, check with your Insurance carrier, as good as Remicade is, it comes with a high cost. I hope this helps.
Posted 8/12/2012 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks island girl,
This helps. I have heard a couple of other very positive response to the drug. One lady has been on it for 10 years for crones. She said it saved her life.
Luckily my insurance says it will pay. Did your dr do any test other than blood and MRI? I know RA can affect internal organs. This part sort of freaks me out.
I'm having a heart ct scan on my own. Both my parents died of heart attacks, age 57 and 62. I'm 49.

Thanks!
Posted 8/15/2012 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
Epdria
You are welcome. Other than the occassional hand x rays, I haven't had any scans yet. I will have my first DEXA scan in November. This may be due to the fact tht I was diagnosed when I was 30, and Im not quite 44 now.
My biggest issue currently is that I live in an area that tends to be very cold, damp and rainy 9 months out of the year. So even though I'm what my daughter loving refers to as a "ging", I love it when we get the short amount of summer warmth.
I hope all goes well with the Remicade, it is my life saver.

Island girl
Posted 8/22/2012 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Remicade for 3 1/2 years. I felt a huge difference about 2 days after my first infusion. Not everyone feels the effect so quickly. It nearly broke my heart when I started getting pain & swelling again. At least I had a few really good years. I am now on Orencia - after trying Humira and Embrel - and it has been working pretty well. I really think that going in with a positive attitude helps alot. Good luck .

Fluffygramma
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