I sent you a PM with my experience, but just to put this in the public record...

I recently completed my 5th Rituxan treatment (1st was April, 2008), and I've had great success. It took a full 2 months for it to begin working for me, but when it did, it was like turning on a switch. The beneficial effects began to wane in the 6th month of my 1st treatment, and it was nearly 2 months for the 2nd treatment to start, but since that time, I've had only a minor 4-day flare.

When I first started Rituxan, my rheumatologist wanted me to go as long as I could, and he was blunt about telling me he had patients who lasted 10 months and more than a year, but the trend has been to standardize treatment lengths to 6 months now. I went 8 months between treatments last year, to give myself time to heal from surgery.

Good luck. It sounds like you have a promising start.

doug

Good luck with it. I take my first infusion on the 29th of this month. We'll have to compare notes. I am praying it helps, I know something will eventually.
Ciao
Flip

I am almost two months out from the first treatment (two infusions). I certainly have more energy during the day and I am starting to think that my hands may actually be functional again! I still have one trigger finger but the constant pain is better. Just a little stiffness. No other real pain anywhere!! I guess it is a wait and see situation. I am counting on beating this animal, RA, so that I can get back to running and get rid of the 20 lbs I gained on all of the meds!!!! Here's hoping you get the full monty!!

BTW Doug, your promising experience kept me going for the last few months. Thanks!!! Hope the fifth is as good as the first!!

Just came home from 2nd infusion of retuxan, no side effects so far. I am anxious to see when I start feeling better.

Just came home from my first treatment. Mine took 8 hours because I had a mild anaphylatic reaction. But, all ended well.... obviously I am writing this email. My nurse was great, she really won my confidence and that is NOT an easy thing to do.
Ciao
Flip

Yea Flip!!! I am glad you were able to complete the treatment. I am off to work this morning(I am a Physical Therapist Assistant) so I will be on my feet, lifting , exercising and walking a lot! Plus its a weekend and I can see how I do keeping up with the grandkids!

Good luck to both of you!! I am almost two months out and still waiting for some kind of major change. I am, generally, feeling better but still have some stiffness, triggering joints, etc. The worst is still the fatigue! Some folks seem to have alot of fatigue after Rituxan and I can attest to that! Some folks , like Doug, have their miracle drug!!! I am still counting on being in that group, as well!!
Have a peaceful weekend.

Thanks for cheering. My joints feel 80% better today, but they really loaded me with steroids due to the reaction and I am EXHAUSTED! Then again, one of my girls was up over half the night, I think fifths disease, but I am not sure. So, I only slept about 2 hours last night. Overall, I think it went exceptionally well... the throat swelling thing was a bit spooky, but my nurse was awesome! I am a harsh critic, but she could move with a sense or urgency when needed!
ELT & Kew, I hope you do well also!

I thought I had it rough at 56 having my 2 grand kids age 4 and 5 living with me and working full time...I can't imagine the fatigue of having your little ones!! I am doing pretty well today, some more energy, less stiffness but I have a corn on my 1 hammer toe that really really hurts today in my sneakers...what the heck!!!! Elaine

Hey guys,
Just wanted to jump in and say a good luck as you continue on your journey as well. I will start my first injection of Simponi tomorrow with Benadryl and an EpiPen nearby. I have not ventured into the Biologics yet because they all have corn inactive ingredients and I have a wierd allergy/intollerance to corn that sends me into a severe rxn, however RA has grabbed hold and it's time for the next step. All of your positive... keep going attitudes on here really have helped me trudge thru and face reality and so I thank you for sharing!

Elaine - I used to be a PT Tech and then worked my way up through to VP... physical therapy with pediatrics is where my heart is and I commend you soooo much for fighting through the pain to do what you love! I had to take a second love and go into early childhood education, which has been just as rewarding but oh, do I miss the medical stuff. I guess I've been given another route through my own crap. LOL.

Thanks guys and I'll keep you in my thoughts as your treatments progress!!
Cosby :)

Meant to second that thanks to doug for sharing your sucess because it has helped more than you know!!!

Flip, I'm glad you you got through your infusion, and, especially, that you had a nurse that you have confidence in. I hope she'll be there the next time around, too. That must have been a scare when you reacted.

I'd be interested to know what your reaction was, how they treated it and where in the process you were. Did they back the flow back to the rate prior to your reaction? I would expect they'll hold you at that rate the next time, too. I met a woman who was taking Rituxan for NHL. She told me she had had a reaction fairly early in, and they stopped the infusion, and she was back for a retry. She stayed at a constant 50 ml/hour, and had problems. Same thing 2 weeks later. It makes for a long day, but she was prepared and happy.

I'm really glad you made it through OK, and I hope you begin getting relief soon. I think you're probably right about the steroids getting credit for your immediate relief.

ELT and Kaweenee, I hoping you both get some noticeable relief soon, too. I had some excellent relief after 2 months, but it was a full 8 months before the switch was tcompletely urned to "GO," but I've never looked back. I'm praying you all get what I've seen. Do everything else you can, to help it along and to be ready for it, and most of all, keep expecting the best. None of us would be here if we didn't think it was the best option.

Love and best wishes,
doug

All the best to you all for success with Rituxan and Simponi! I feel for those who have such a hard time getting meds to work. I admire your endurance and perseverance!

Thanks for your kind words, Cosby. I wish you all the best as you take the plunge with Simponi. I really, really hope it gives you great relief. You have a wonderful attitude that will always serve you well.

doug