Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
So after my last rheumy appointment, where she aptly named me a conundrum. We have messed with my medications once more, we are trying to get the best results we can get. I know i am not going to get to my pre-issue point while it would be nice, its just not going to happen.
So the plan of action now is to: Get Simponi Aria infusions every 6 weeks, which the FDA has only approved Simponi Aria every 8 weeks...so we shall see if it is approved by my insurance. Restart the Methotrexate at a lower dose since it does work and stop the Mobic as its not doing anything.
I got a dose of solumedrol with my simponi infusion a week back to help jump start everything.
I got back to my rheumy in 6 weeks to see if his plan is a complete go-go or a no-go because my insurance doesnt want to cover the extra couple infusions a year.
If its not possible, then we will look at moving to Remicade but my rheumy has acknowledged that my hectic school schedule wouldn't be able to conform to it. I would do it if i had to but the 30 min infusions with Simponi are amazing, where as the 2-3 hours for Remicade not so much.
I have school 3 days a week, with a prep day one day a week, so technically 4 days of school work at school, 1 day of nothing but studying. I font drive so i would be an inconvenient to someone to drive me out to the infusion location and then pick me up later in the day.
Also, ice sucks. I've fallen done three times this winter on Ice. My left arm hurts something fierce at times but its not broken i dont think. I can use it lol. Its just tender.
I cant wait for spring.
So the plan of action now is to: Get Simponi Aria infusions every 6 weeks, which the FDA has only approved Simponi Aria every 8 weeks...so we shall see if it is approved by my insurance. Restart the Methotrexate at a lower dose since it does work and stop the Mobic as its not doing anything.
I got a dose of solumedrol with my simponi infusion a week back to help jump start everything.
I got back to my rheumy in 6 weeks to see if his plan is a complete go-go or a no-go because my insurance doesnt want to cover the extra couple infusions a year.
If its not possible, then we will look at moving to Remicade but my rheumy has acknowledged that my hectic school schedule wouldn't be able to conform to it. I would do it if i had to but the 30 min infusions with Simponi are amazing, where as the 2-3 hours for Remicade not so much.
I have school 3 days a week, with a prep day one day a week, so technically 4 days of school work at school, 1 day of nothing but studying. I font drive so i would be an inconvenient to someone to drive me out to the infusion location and then pick me up later in the day.
Also, ice sucks. I've fallen done three times this winter on Ice. My left arm hurts something fierce at times but its not broken i dont think. I can use it lol. Its just tender.
I cant wait for spring.
Doctors seem to have a cookie cutter mental picture of it yet my experience from these forums is we are like snow-flakes no two exactly alike.....
Hope your plan of action works out for you and you will have some relief.
Sad times when we insurance plays such a large role in our care.
When it comes to RA patience is required no matter how much we have going on in life. It's one tricky disease.
There are wonderful results for some with today's treatments so at least we have hope.
Stay safe & watch that ice.
Sammy