I replied to your post on the Actemra thread.

The biologics most people start with- Enbrel or Humira- are injections you can do yourself at home. I don't know if French protocol is different, though. I am amazed that with a 27-year history of disease you were not offered biologics years ago.

Yes i have had Enbrel and Humira but it didn't work for me. I was offered it a few years ago but i didn't feel ready because of the long list of side effects. I ended up accepting. But now there is this thing with IV. 27 years ago MTXT wasn't heard of much here at that time.

Stay positive Pamela. This might be the biologic that could put you into a chemical remission. Wouldn't you like to feel like your RA is mostly gone? Then you can enjoy your life.

Yes iluvhuskies........you are right. I suppose i think of myself with the RA and the weekly appointment. But the rheumy did say to me that it would take up a morning of my time. Now i'm remembering when the biologic was first out here in France it wasn't that long ago and i remember it being said that it came from the US. I do remember thinking we are Lucky to be having it really. But i didn't know it was a weekly IV. This forum is a great booster to my morale. Thanks so much for the input.

I hope the infusions help you. I know how frustrating it is to be sick and in pain, and just want relief. I feel very lucky that the Humira works for me. I know about the side affects, but for me it came down to quality of life vs quantity. Sad choice to make, but I could not live with the pain, it was awful.

I give myself an injection every other week, and I have very little pain or swelling.

Hoping you get some relief very soon!
Debbie

I haven't had rituxan, but my hubby did as part of his chemo. What I know about it is that they give you IV Benadryl to counter the side effects of the rituxan. Of course the interesting thing about Benedryl is that it puts MOST people to sleep. Except for a small percentage (20%?)and my hubby was one. They don't fall asleep. These patients suffer terrible restless legs. DH was literally standing there with his IV attached jumping up and down. But never fear! There's a solution. Ativan orally or IV took care of it. Now of course, I don't know how the dosages compare.

Hi Pamela, Hopefully you will be placed on a biologic. I am with altoclef and am surprised as well that you are not on a biologic.

As for Rituxan, I have been getting it for a year and a half and get the Rituxan in a room with a nurse and doctor (Rhematologist) present at a large doctor's office facility. It is a big facility of doctors and they do have a crash cart, and all emergency equipment needed as i inquired about this when I first went to my Rheumatologist for my first appt. but it is not a hospital. If there is a problem with any patient 911 is called and patient is transferred to a hospital. My Rheumatologist gives all IV biologics in the setting. A reaction can occur with any of the biologics and did occur with a close friend of mine with Remicaide and she was sent to the hospital from this same facility.

Thankyou for all these replies. I thinkl that biologics are still pretty new in this country, from the simple fact that a) i wasn't proposed this solution until 10 years ago (had this RA for 27) and b) my rheumy told me it would take a whole morning as i have to go to a hospital and by the time i get passed the blood test and other things it takes time........This is what he told me. But.....well i have no choice. Seeing all the protocol to go through for a monthly regular IV here it seems that it's one of those things that the French are still warey of... too much. I can't even phone for my first consultation. I have to wait for the hospital to phone me once they receive a fax from my rheumy. It's such a big rigmorole. I don't think my rheumy is very good for my spyche. He says things like i'm at the end of most possible treatments, and now that my GGt's are up there's not much can be done for that. I woke up at 6am this morning and started to cry. He has made me feel that life is now over. Maybe i'm being too over dramatic i don't know. But some doctors just have no idea. I will see my gp this afternoon and talk about the GGT's. There must be something i can do to clean out my liver.

Can you switch doctors? Maybe it is time for a new physician, someone young, who is up to date on the most current treatment options.

My first rheumy was in his 70's, very old school, and did not have a very good "bedside manner" as I call it. I did not like him from the first visit, but I was in so much pain I stayed with him for 3 months (May-August 2010). He prescribed Prednisone, Methotrexate, Plaquenil,and folic acid. I had issues with each of these medications, but stayed on them because he didn't offer me any other option.

Then a friend of mine, who works for Abbvie/Abbott (manufacturers of Humira) begged me to let her refer me to a rheumatologist. She got me an appointment within 7 days. I saw my new rheumy on August 26, 2010, and she ran the blood tests and had me on Humira by September 10. I am so grateful that I let my friend help me. I do not like to ask for help and am a very independent person. This is one time I am so glad I allowed someone to help me. This doctor is GREAT!

She is on the forefront of treatments with this disease. She also knows how the insurance and pharmaceutical companies work, and she has been able to get me approved for FREE Humira for the past 3 years. (I lost my job and health insurance right after I was diagnosed). If not for her, I would not have known to call the ABBVIE Patient Assistance Foundation and ask for financial help.

Sorry to go on and on, but I want you to know that you have options. Don't listen to what one doctor says to you. Explore other physicians. I know it is difficult when you don't feel good, but think about how good you could feel in a few short months if you take the steps to change doctors.

good luck!
debbie

Debbie, are you in St. Louis? If so, what rheumatologist do you see? I'm in St. Charles.