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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Thank you for your imput over the last few posts. Put like that it makes me feel strong towards it now.
I had all my bloods done yesterday so they will be ready for my RA nurse next Friday when I see her to see the final decision.
Have good w end all . x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello All,
I saw my Rhummy nurse on Friday. Went through the usual assessments etc. my DAS was 6.9 I think, anyway I do qualify for Rituximab. Went through all the pros and cons. What a long list and one thing that stuck in my mind was 1 in every 200,000 gets inflamation of the brain which is irreversal. Weighing everything up I signed to say I would like to give it a go. I HATE the way I feel especially the fatigue is a big part as I am not able to do or be who I once was. The infusion sounds a little terrifying but I am sure I will do ok.
Now sit back and wait whilst she speaks with Consultant and then gets me booked in...... going places again.
x x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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Thats good Rose, pleased that you passed for the RTX.
Repeat after me:
"I WANT Retuximab,
It will be easy peasy
I will be well after having RTX.
It will be totally fine."
Jenni xx
PS Add 'I will make Jenni a late night hot chocolate... "how to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/14/2011 Posts: 301 Location: South Hampshire
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Hi Rose
Glad you have got through all the preliminaries. I think if we all read the side effects of the drugs, none of us would take anything. The ones for humira were pretty bad.. yet it is the only drug that has like me - and I haven't had a single side effect!! So hopefully Rituximab will be the one for you.... then we can say Rituximab flag flying high!!!
Take care Anne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Rose,
you know how scared i get starting a new drug,
( i decided not to read too much info with Humira ) just listened to my Consultant and Rheumy Nurse else i doubt i'd ever have taken it,
having to have an Alert card is enough for me !!
i agree with Jenni,
think to yourself this is going to work and i know i am going to be fine, my Consultant wouldn't give it to me else.
i am rooting for you every step of the way .. you've gone on tooooo long not being controlled.
keep posting we are all here for you,
take care
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 2,127 Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Rose Despite my long suffering protestations about not taking any more drugs, I'm happy with Enbrel, Methotrexate, Naproxen and Prednisolone say she! Clearly I'm delusional as none of it's working  ! My GP has written to the rheumatologist to tell her that after being uncontrolled for the last 15 months he wants something doing it's not good enough! Looks like I will be joining you on the Rituximab road so we can perhaps swap thoughts! I will have to get the Enbrel out of system first (three weeks I'm told) and then .... Will keep you posted! Hope you don't have too long to wait Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello All Jenni, that made me smile but oh so true. lyn, I know what a bad time you are having these past few months.  Yes if your do start rtx, we can of course do comparisons. Poor you. I have to say that my hands and feet this week end have been dreadful, sharp pains , swollen,  and last night I slept 13 + hours. x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 2,127 Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Crikey Rose, over 13 hours sleep! I wish! Still, you must have needed it so hope it has done you some good! Yes, been rubbish over recent months and struggling with stairs at the moment. Kind of gave me a wake up call over the weekend that I can't endure meds that don't work anymore! Today I've upped my steroids again as a way of keeping going ... alas now I can't sleep again! What a bummer Are you signed off work still Rose? I've lost track! Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010 Posts: 576
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Hi Rose - I will catch up properly soon! Just wanted to say that I'm glad that things are moving along again and you can look forward to feeling better when you get started. It's always a scary time but we are all here for you xx Take care, Ailsa
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hi
Lynn I went back to work last week and did 11 hrs. In as normal tomorrow.
My head is in a better place but the swelling fatigue and pain still there which has enabled me to go back. I was off for 7 weeks and last week felt like the new girl again. I was shaking like a leaf, this week should be better.
Hope everyone else is bearing up
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/28/2011 Posts: 956 Location: North Preston
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Hi Rose
Glad you have been accepted for Rxt. I know it is scary but like the others said, try to be positive and imagine how you will be in 6 months from now on your new meds. You will feel so much better. Thinking of you
Sheila x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello All
Well back on here again after the NRAS Hic-cup. . . missed everyone.
Well, I am on antibiotics again, this time for bad sinus and everything that goes with it like headaches etc. but . . . I have got my date for the first RTX infusion for next Wednesday. To say I am nervous is an under statement , however unless this clears up over the weekend I will not be having it done. The 'pack' is all quite scarry but I do realise that they have to put all sceanarios forward but it really is frightening with all these drugs going into us.
Can anyone advise me - - I thought I would ask my GP to sign me off work for 3 / 4 weeks so the infusions can do their work. Is this sounding PATHETIC ? ? ?
Rose x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Rose I just wanted to wish you good luck with the Rituximab. The infusion is easy. Put your feet up and if you are lucky, like me your nurse will get you some tea and toast to calm your nerves. You really should not be scared as they closely monitor you. Many people have had no reactions and if, just by chance, you do have problems they will be on full alert. I like Jenni am one of the very few who could not tolerate it but my reaction was quickly dealt with and the nursing staff certainly follow a strict protocol. I believe it can take the wind out of your sails for a few days after and if you think you should be signed off work then go for it. Whatever makes you feel comfortable. Just go with a positive open mind and you will wonder what all the fuss was about. Remember this would be "The One" Keep us posted and will be thinking about you. Jackie xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/3/2011 Posts: 717 Location: Torbay
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Dear Rose Like many others have said on here, everyone is different in how they respond to drugs. My colleague at work has had RA for 15 years. He said that he has had times where one drug will work wonders for up to 5 years only to then fail for no apparent reason. However each set back has been followed by finding a different drug or combination that will work for so many years and give him a good period of remission. So please hang on to hope and faith that there will be a resolution to this for you too. Good luck and keep us posted. Naomi x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Rose,
sorry to hear you've another infection .. it's been like that for me with UTI's this year.
i really sympathise with your fear of starting RTX, you know what i'm like starting new Drug. but try and think positive and put your faith in the Drug, the Consultant and Rheumy Nurse that this is going to be the one. you've gone on too long now without being under control.
as for work, if it were me i would have the time off. it's a lot to deal with and will hopefully take some of the pressure of you while starting it.
keep us posted we are with you every step of the way,
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 88 Location: Aylesford, Kent
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Rose-B wrote:
Hello All
Well back on here again after the NRAS Hic-cup. . . missed everyone.
Well, I am on antibiotics again, this time for bad sinus and everything that goes with it like headaches etc. but . . . I have got my date for the first RTX infusion for next Wednesday. To say I am nervous is an under statement , however unless this clears up over the weekend I will not be having it done. The 'pack' is all quite scarry but I do realise that they have to put all sceanarios forward but it really is frightening with all these drugs going into us.
Can anyone advise me - - I thought I would ask my GP to sign me off work for 3 / 4 weeks so the infusions can do their work. Is this sounding PATHETIC ? ? ?
Rose x
Hello Rose Really sorry to hear your suffering with a Sinus infections. I sympathise with you as I suffer bad with these and they make you feel absolutely dreadful. Its no secret how scared I am of going on to this drugs, so I know how your feeling. It is scarey reading through the information on this. Its an internal struggle that goes on in our minds with that question "do we or dont we ?" over and over again. I dont think you sound pathetic at all for thinking a head and taking some time of work, it would be one less worry taken off your mind. That way you dont have to stress whether you feel up to going into work. None of us know how our bodys will react to drugs and how our RA will react. Put your mind at rest hun and take the time off. I am thinking of you and hope the sinus infection clears up real quick. Love Belinda x Treat others how you wish to be treated!!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Thank you to all that has replied to me. All you views and advice have been taken on board.
I am still coughing a bit and have the old sinus head but I feel the worst is over. I see my GP tomorrow and I am going to see how he thinks I am, he will take my blood test etc. as well and I will let you know tomorrow.
Thank you all so much. x x x x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/28/2011 Posts: 956 Location: North Preston
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Hi Rose
I hope your trip to docs was beneficial and he has given you something for your sinus problem.
Sheila x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Just wishing you Good Luck and hope all goes well for you.
I can imagine how you are feeling, I was nearly in tears the first time I took MTX worried about what would happen.
Thinking about it Rose, you will be monitored whilst you are having the drug and like Jackie said there will be nurses there keeping and eye on you so if you do get any reaction (not that you will) help will be there straight away. That must be a better option that when we sit at home and inject ourselves all by ourselves.
So take in plenty to read, relax and try not to worry.
Be think of you.
Love Paula
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Sorry, my post appeared twice.
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