Dear All

Finally saw my Rhuemy Consultant today after dramatically failing on the Rituximab infusion in August. He has said that there is no way that they will try me again on this as I had such a bad reaction. I have already failed on two anti-tnf's and now the Rituximab.

The good news is that there is a new drug called Golimumab Symponi which is in the anti-tnf family. This should be coming into Shropshire in the next few weeks and my Consultant would like to try me on this. It has to get past the drugs committee and the PCT first. The cost is £765 per injection (gulp). I will have to self-inject once a month which is not too bad. I was given a big steroid injection to keep me going in the meantime. Is anyone else on this?

The Rheumy Nurse did my DAS score and I can easily pass for this new drug. She did ask when I would be going for my other knee replacement and I said I will be leaving it as long as possible as I am having real trouble walking with the new knee never mind being further incapacitated with another new knee. Unfortunately it appears the RA is severely impacting on my recovery for the first replacement. She did tut a bit as my knee is severely damaged but whilst I can still walk I am not going near another surgeon's knife for a while. I was also given some wrist splints as my wrists are causing me a lot of pain. I work in admin and am on the computer all day. I must admit whilst typing this I am not wearing the splint as it is definitely something I am going to have to get used to.

We have a good rheumy team in Shropshire and I am just thankful that they are doing everything they can to keep me going.

Jackie
xx

Hi Jackie

Good to hear that you hopefully with be going onto Golimumab, and that you have a such a good rheumy team looking after you. I m haven t heard a lot about this new one but will certainly be giving it a good google

Lots of best wishes Julia x

Hi Jackie,

Hope you get the new drug soon and it works well for you.

Love Doreen xx

Hi Jackie

Good luck with the new drug. I hope this is the one you have been waiting for.

Sheila x