What is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful ...
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I survived Remicade!!
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24 hours post Remicade, feeling VERY hopeful. I was wrought with anxiety going into my first infusion yesterday. I ended up having a mild reaction mid-through.. They gave me some Benadryl and Steroids, and the reaction seemed to settle down. It seemed to take forever, 3 hours… The IV insertion, not nearly as bad as I thought.. My thoughts after I left – I feel like CRAP! Exhausted, ache-y. EVERYONE calling, ((I am tired- I am alive- leave me alone)). Late last night – my first “hmmm” moment – my almost constant blurred vision was refocusing in and out while I watched TV. I secretly smiled, thinking “This has GOT to be my imagination”. Then, this morning, when I woke up, my first thought was “I feel refreshed”. I have not felt like that in almost a year.. I announced to my daughter (who slept by my side), “ I am going to make us a huge breakfast – and did so – which we both enjoyed. I know I overdid it today, because my hands swelled and legs weakened, but I know it was not all in my head. I SO did not want to like Remicade, but so far, I am looking at it in a new light! I will continue to update through my “loading series” – which I am not looking forward to – but am also a little excited to consider it may give me my “energy” back..
Heather Posted on 11/07/09, 10:11 pm |
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Very happy to hear you are getting good results from Remicade. I just had my first treatment two weeks ago and will have my second tomorrow. I've seen steady improvement in the joint pain/inflammation and fatigue. I've even been able to taper off and stop prednisone which I haven't been able to do without for months. I am taking methotrexate once a week along with the Remicade infusions. I have also noticed some blurred vision that seems to come and go.
And I understand what you mean about overdoing it. I have been doing the same thing because I have been feeling so much better. As a result I've had to take some pain medicine now and then - but so far, so good. I hope you continue to feel better and better with the treatments! 
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I have now had 3 infusions and about a week ago noticed I had tons more energy!!! Good Luck
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Heather, I'm sorry I only now just saw your follow-up comment, about being sad to see others in various stages of illness and disfigurement. I just want to say that I've had a completely different experience. I had four infusions of Remicade, all with other RA patients, some in wheelchairs and on oxygen, but all with spirit. I'm now taking Rituxan (5-7 hour infusions) in a room with cancer patients doing their chemo treatments, and these are all wonderful folks. I get a lift every time I go.
I'm so happy for you that you're experiencing some relief. doug
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