Remicade | Arthritis Information

Saw my rhumy today, the outcome was not what I expected, Had nodules on my feet and fingers and minimal pain.  She said that the embrel and mtx was not working and that when I return in November we will probably start the remicade infusions.  Any advice I can get about the remicade will be appreciated.  And I have convinced myself that I am not going to get depressed over this news. MaeMae39324.5826736111hi, it has worked for me, LyndaI don't understand---are the nodules the only reason your RD wants to get you on Remicade? That seems like shooting a fly with an elephant gun. no, there are other problems there is hardly any  cartlidge un  my fingers.  I waited to late to go see a rhumy. to get on meds.  she is using the ex-rays of my fingers as an example.  they are that bad.I see...well, I hope that the Remicade helps! I don't have any experience with it but I've heard success stories. I'm glad you don't have a lot of pain.

Hi Mae Mae, I'm one of the Remicade success stories.  Started out on AP therapy and MXT with no relief after a year, stopped everything lived with the pain, slowly went into remission on it's own, was relatively pain free for 5 or 6 years and didn't see a RD.  31/2 years ago had huge flare, debilitating and housebound, saw RD and had damage in fingers, wrist, shoulder, ankles and knees.  Was put on Enbrel with some help.  Enough decrease in symptoms that I could function on a day to day basis. 

Finally found an RD who took me off Enbrel and started MXT and Remicade.  At the 5th treatment I had my life back. I feel better than I've felt in years. I've been on it for a year, have traveled throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.  

I wish that I could have those years back but I can't.  I was in denial and because of that I have damage.  I just had a total knee and will have the other done later in the year.  My ankle is shot but I have hardly any pain or inflammation.

In addition I haven't had any side effects from either the MXT or Remicade.  I know that I've been very lucky.  I did have an asymptomatic bladder infection that was caught when I had my pre op labs done and was treated with no problems.

Don't be afraid.  Take some precautions re:  germs - use bacterial wipes, wash your hands a lot.  I stay away from people that are ill, if at all possible.  I travel a lot and haven't caught anything unusual.  I had the usual diarrhea when I was in a village outside Mexico City, but that was my fault.  I forgot to be careful and drank and used ice that was made from the local water.  As soon as I could get to a doctor and get meds I was ok about a week later.  It was a horrible week but no worse than if I hadn't been on Remicade.  

Good Luck and keep us posted.  Lindy 

Hey Mae Mae.  Another Remicade success story here.  I spent 15 yrs.  trying to find anything to get my RA under control.  After suffering for so long and many joint replacement surgeries, I was happy when I started the remicade and like Lindy, I was able to do things that I thought I'd never do again.  The last big flare I had was 3 1/2 yrs. ago and that was because I was off the remicade for a while. 

I hope you'll be posting soon with your remicade success story also.  Good Luck!

Lindy and others thanks for the replies.  I have been looking over the shoulder, b/c I get my first infusion on Wed.  I am flaring right now and everything is out of wack...so I hope I can have a success story finally too.

Thanks Mae Mae for asking the questions.

Hi,

I'm coming up on my third infusion of Remicade and while I am by no means wildly improved yet, I have a lot of hope that it is going to really kick in soon for me. 

I was absolutely terrified to get started by the way, but have been happily surprised by how easy and pleasant the whole infusion process has ended up being. The time goes by much faster than I expected too! 

Good Luck!

Melly