Hi, all. I haven't wrote since my 5 day hospital spell with pneumonia at the end of April. I wrote from my hospital bed and I couldn't find my original post. I know someone gave me a much needed laugh. Anywho, I was taking the generic Arava and had just started Remicade and was doing quite well. Then my rhuemy switched me to the brand name Arava and within 3 weeks I developed fluid in my lungs. She called it pneumitis and said it was an allergic reaction to the non-generic Arava...go figure.
Since then I've been switched to sulfasalazine, I'm still waiting for the full of effects to kickin.
I had a really hard time after the pneumonia spell as I had to stop everything for the antibiotics. I missed a remicade infusion too so it was like starting over. I had visitors for the 4th of July last week and I felt so depressed because I was getting around so slow. I had to use my cane all last week because of my knees and hips. I had my second infusion on Friday the 6th and I'm finally feeling relief today. I just hated I wasn't feeling this way last week for my guests.
What I've learned from the past few months is that my RA is severe and that I must use these awful medications until it's under control. I miss the old me but I'm dealing as best I can. I really hope they come up with a cure soon.