Ankylosing Spondylitis Support Group

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis--it is an inflammatory disease that causes joints, cartilage or other fibrous tissue (such as ligaments and tendons) to turn into bone. Ankylosing spondylitis is part of the group of rheumatic diseases. The disease is characterized by progressive stiffness, tenderness, and pain in joints. Pain can be episodic and...

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When is too much not enough??

stepheniee
stepheniee
Last night I couldn't roll over in bed without help because of the pain. This is not an uncommon thing the week before my Remicade infusion. Remicade, Methotrexate for the AS. Fentanyl and Percocet for the pain. Other meds to take care of the panic attacks that come with the pain. I feel like a walking drug store and chemical bomb and still, its not working!!! How much is too much but still not working. I am SO frustrated!
fibrolizzy
fibrolizzy
I feel your frustration and pain. How long have you been on remicade? Did it used to work better for you? My guess would be that maybe that biologic isn't working, and time to try another. I'm still waiting in humira to do something, and it's been three months.

I know how hard it is riding this roller coaster of trying meds and wanting relief. I'd recommend contacting the doctor about a possible change. Best wishes to you.
stepheniee
stepheniee
fibrolizzy,
I've been on Remicade for about 4 months now. Today was infusion day and the doc added a steroid to the drip and tonight is supposed to be a Methotrexate night. I just can't take the Methotrexate tonight. I feel sick enough from the steroid and the Remicade. I agree with you that if, after a few more months, the Remicade still isn't lasting the entire 4 weeks, I'll have a talk with my doctor about a change.