Today was my second Rituxan infusion. After the first one, my significant ankle swelling disappeared the next day, but was replaced by worsening foot/ankle and hand pain a few days later. I haven't really recovered from that yet. I'm hoping the swelling going away means that the Rituxan is really doing something and it's just getting a bit worse before better.
The second infusion went fine like the first, although sitting in that chair for hours (I got up from time to time) made me stiff and my hands are kinda swollen tonight.
I saw my RD on Wednesday, and got the results of my bone scan. In the 1 year (almost exactly) since I had the first one done, they did not see any significant changes from the original activity, which is good, even though my pain and swelling don't seem to match. It did show worsening in my lumbar spine though.
I spoke to my RD about my inability to perform at work, and we agreed that it was time for me to go on temporary disability. Tuesday will be my last day in the office (I figure Wednesday is when the pain might get bad again if it follows like the first infusion) and he has tenatively put me out through the end of December. I told my boss yesterday and we are working to get coverage at the office. It's my hope that this is a short term leave and I can go back in a few weeks, a month or two at the most.
After Thanksgiving I'm going to start aquatic physical therapy. Other than that, my main goal is to try to maintain a positive mood even though I'm not working. I know that's a tough one for a lot of us, so any suggestions from having been through it would be appreciated.
Well if nothing else, at least I have a plan.
As to what an infusion is like, ya know I think a lot of people wonder that and I had a lot of questions about it too, so I think that is a good enough idea to make a separate post...
Does your work have partial disability? Mine does and I started working three days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri so I have a day of rest in between which is great). Although it may not be enough in a little while, it is helping me transition to full time disability. I find it so hard because I have clients that depend on me and I a driven at work, but the RA makes it impossible to work and keep going. It is such a hard balance. I found once I started the disability, it was easier to accept than I thought.
Dammit, the ankles are swollen again and I am having terrible pain in both my hands and feet. At least today was my last day of work for awhile so tomorrow I can just rest.
Suzanne, you are right having a plan does seem to lighten the load. I hope you do get back to work, but take it slow and easy. Sleep late tomorrow and baby yourself a little.