Although this could be about any other biologic. How do we know if it's working? Are we supposed to have another set of MRI's? I had my last ones about a year and a half ago and I wonder how long before the joint damage is stopped. I was on Humira for about 6 months before the Dr. put me on Remicade and I've been on that for about 6 months. I'm just curious if anyone knows. I'll see my rheumy and I can ask him them.
Hummm... that is a hard one. I mean for me when I was on Humira I thought it worked pretty darn good. I mean I had little to no swelling, more energy, just felt better over all compared to before the Humira.
I think, for me, if my swelling is down... it is working. I have a LOT of swelling when stuff is not working.
I guess it would be hard to tell if something is working or not if you did not have the visible swelling like I have.
Maybe it would have to do with how the pain has decreased? I know you will still have pain from joint damage, but I am thinking that is a different kind of pain compared to "joint attacked" pain. At least mine seems to be different.
Let us know what your RD has to say about it. Good luck at your visit.
Anyway, I hope you get your Remicade soon.
My blood work says it's working, I get a copy of it everytime I have an infusion. No longer have anemia of chronic disease and CRP is in normal range. I don't feel all that much better, that's like from 2 years ago, but the damage to my joints is permanent and the dr said it will never change.Hi Deidre. My bloodwork has always been normal and I have very little swelling. My MRI showed damage in my hand and wrist and my rheumy says that I definitely have RA but I sure have questioned it especially when I've had such a hard time finding meds that will work for me. I think I need to insist on pain meds next time I see my primary care. I haven't been good about "insisting"