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...
Sometimes, I am told by my physician, it takes a long time for Infliximab to get out of your system. In my case, since last November and it is still causing allergic skin reactions in me. The reaction went dormant for about 1 1/2 months then came raging back. I had tapered down to 8 mgs prednisone daily and now the dermatologist has me going back up to 10 mgs and putting me on Dapsone. I'm scared I'm going to have an allergic reaction to the Dapsone, but I am told I have to try it and that I have to go back up on the prednisone. I want this mess over with! It wouldn't matter so much except for the fact that this skin reaction is extremely painful. I'm praying hard for this Dapsone to cure it. I will say that my doctor at Duke has been keeping at it. She's an expert in dermatalogic allergic skin reactions. She never promised me a quick and easy solution. She did promise me she would see me through it and she has been as good as her word.
I also pray that Orencia doesn't cause any problems for me. I'm having my 4th infusion on the 16th. I desperately need for something to help my rheumatoid. I am so stiff that I can barely walk and move about. Even though it hurts so badly to move, I still do because I know how important it is to keep moving.
Trying to maintain my sense of humor. That's almost as important as the meds are.
I also pray that Orencia doesn't cause any problems for me. I'm having my 4th infusion on the 16th. I desperately need for something to help my rheumatoid. I am so stiff that I can barely walk and move about. Even though it hurts so badly to move, I still do because I know how important it is to keep moving.
Trying to maintain my sense of humor. That's almost as important as the meds are.
Tina, I was just reading one of your posts. I too am sorry that you have had such a difficult time and I will certainly continue to remember you in my prayers for a solution for your lung problem. I'm calling my rheumy tomorrow because I've noticed in the last couple of weeks, I am wheezing some and coughing. I have read that Orencia can do this and I have had 3 Orencia infusions so I need to see what he thinks. I would call him today but I had an epidural steroid injection in my lower back this AM and just don't feel like dealing with it today. Anyhow, that's another day. I've dealt with a two different kinds of doctors today and just don't feel like dealing with a third specialty.
It will have to be soft hugs today after the epidural, lol.
Prayers and hugs to you both.//Frances
Thanks for the suggestion. I am looking forward to starting the Arava at some point. I need all the RA relief I can get. Just this danged allergic reaction to tnf's has stymied my RA med plan.
The theory is that these all work together to kill bacteria (mycomplasma) that has built up in our bodies. Some theories think it is from pneumonia and/or food allergies. Some theories think it is from yeast build-up caused by eating sugar/carbs over the years. I am also starting an anti-fungal for a few months to kill this yeast.
I know it sounds far-fetched but I feel the best I have felt in three years. My neck still aches but it aches all day and I think it is from kinked muscles since it does move around. I will see accupuncture doctor Friday to see if this can be fixed.
We will see if all this works. For me, with the only option of Orencia left it was worth a try. My doctor is with Robinhood Integrative in Winston Salem. Also, doctor Weston is his associate and he is seen on WXII tv in the mornings.
It is "taking a village" but I hope to come through this with natural medicines, supplements, vitamins. I also have cut out artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup and almost all dairy and not much red meat.
Good luck to you. Hoping for the best for you. I too am a very sensitive person to medications and this seems to be working.
My Duke doctor has started me on Dapsone therapy for the allergic reaction to tnf's and I have to be monitored closely for liver function and anemia. If it is not one thing, it's the other. Sometimes I am tempted to just quit everything except my insulins and just let it all slide where it may. Lol.
Anyway, your news is good and I am very happy for you. You go girl.
Accupuncture visit is Friday so we will see what they can do with neck. I am probably having false hope thinking it is not all RA related. But I think if accupuncture can help with some of the neck pain I can get off my prednisone and will feel much better when can do that.
If you need to go a different route, you could look up integrative doctors in Raleigh area. My insurance paid for it and I do feel a lot better. Some supplements he wanted me to add I can not take but overall I feel stronger and in better health than I have in three years.
Just trying to give you another option if Orencia does not work out. I may be back begging for Orencia in a few months. It's a trial and error game.
Good Luck to you and I hope you are able to relax and enjoy the approaching fall with cooler temps and lower humidity coming your way. I will be enjoying the NC Beach in September. Need to go watch that ocean.