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...

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yankeesgrrl 11/30/2017

Tomorrow's the "big day". I start my Rituxan infusions. I have to be there at 9 am, and from what I am told, the infusion will last between 6-8 hours depending on if I have any reactions. Not gonna lie....I am nervous to be starting this medication. Here's hoping all goes well and I have no reaction.

bettyboopy 11/30/2017

prayers going up for you. hopefully all will go well.

yankeesgrrl 11/30/2017

Thank you! I will try and post an update at some point over the weekend.

Kimhurts 12/01/2017

Good luck with the Rituxan. That one has to go in slow as molasses. I'm glad they could switch me to Xeljanz pills. I don't miss the infusion room, but I'm glad to know it is there if I ever need to go back.

Let us know how it goes.

WarriorGal 12/01/2017

Wishing you the best.

yankeesgrrl 12/01/2017

Thank you! First infusion is just about done. I've been here since 9am, it's now 4:30 pm. Had a reaction during the first 50 'll, so they pulled me with benadryl and steroids but have been ok since.

Kimhurts 12/01/2017

What kind of reaction did you have?

yankeesgrrl 12/01/2017

My lips got numb and my throat got scratchy and felt like something was stuck in it. It all resolved with Benadryl and Steroids and my rheum gave the thumbs up to resume the infusion.

Kimhurts 12/01/2017

Sounds a little scary. Glad you made it through.

MarleneJ 12/02/2017

I was on Rituxan for 3 years, and only had an infusion reaction once, right in the middle of that time. Never happened again. I am glad you were able to persist.

Now comes the wait. I was 3 full months before I started to feel any effects, and then it started working! But it never lasted more than 4 1/2 months, and insurance wouldn't cover a 4 month protocol.

One thing nice about Rituxan, is that you can go so long and you are basically not thinking about meds! So much better than daily, weekly or monthly. And you can travel without having to haul a fridge. Plus, in Canada, you are limited to a month's supply. So forget going anywhere for longer!

Let us know how it works for you!

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