A quick reply to say I totally get all the fear as I go through it every time.

I also know that the severe ra itself compromises my immune response

For me the fears are the speed of infection becoming serious on the anti-TNf of which enbrel seems to have caused havoc with abscesses and kidneys in people (me included in that)

I think deciding against a treatment is a valid choice in itself

Rtx was not a success for me at all but everyone else bar 2 I have met have done totally fine on it.

I would ask the consultant what happens if things go wrong again?

Be honest that you are afraid to take it and it needs to be a decision based on your personal risk to benefit profile- not in general statistics what about you!

It's no good saying 6 out of 10 will get serious infections when you have already been one of the 6!!!

It's been 100% for you (and it sounds hellish)

Like liz I had to have an abscess drained under ga from under my arm and with septicaemia I nearly conked out for good!

So these things are never 'it might happen' to me- it bloody has!!!!

I play chicken with drugs/ meds I can't function on nothing so have to have steroids which themselves have caused such big issues.

I'm waiting for this new one from America although part of me is in no hurry

Belinda

I totally respect your position on your decision about medication. Like Jenni I have failed on many and had some nasty reactions. It is a personal choice how much each of us wants to put overselves through.

I am waiting for the next drug, Symponi, to be put through my local drugs committe and PCT, but again like Jenni I am in no hurry for this to happen.

Battling RA with medication, appointments, side effects etc can detract very much from family life. I think we will all know when the day is right to say enough is enough. I just hope I am as brave as you have been to stand my ground.

Take care

Jackie
xx