I had my second Rituxan infusion a little over two weeks ago, and today I saw my rheumatologist, to report that it is apparently working! Beginning last Saturday, I am waking up much less stiff, and with WAY more energy than I've had for a long, long time. Finally I feel like DOING THINGS again. I am sleeping better, and have not had the fever and sweats that I've been experiencing for months now.
The down side for me personally is that I have several other things going on that are causing me so much pain, that it's hard to differentiate exactly what is and is not improved due to Rituxan. I have a labral tear and synovitis and bursitis in one hip, and that hip will need replacement "soon" (it will not improve on it's own); AND this Thursday, I am having surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon (tendon damage, which made it tear, was "probably" caused by RA). The hip is a combo of RA and OA, and wear and tear from limping the past few years.
Of course it is one of life's little jokes that I FINALLY seem to be getting some control over the RA with this biologic med, but can't jump with joy because of these OTHER problems. Even so, I am thrilled with the results of the Rituxan infusion and will gladly repeat it when the time comes (doctor says average is 6 months).
Well Poop for the other problems, but YAY for the Rituxan!!!
Hopefully your surgery goes well, and that will take some of the stress off of you. *hugs*
Cat, that is such great news about the Rituxan. I hope the surgery goes well and you get those other parts under control soon, and then with the RA getting better too, you'll really be able to jump for joy.I am so happy for you! Good luck with all the "repairs". Let us know how you are doing.Cat, I am so glad the Rituxan is working for you! It's a shame about your other problems , but try to keep the faith. Hopefully, your upcoming surgery will be a great success. And, perhaps, soon you can get your hip replaced. That's a lot to have to go through, but hopefully the results will be worth it.
I also have RA and OA. The OA has actually given me much more joint/bone pain than the RA. My doc says I'm a "puzzlement". I don't have any visible damage from RA but the OA has destroyed some of my joints and badly damaged many others. But we do what we must do to try to keep going
Let us know how your surgeries go. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Hugs, Nini
Thanks for the encouraging words, everyone! I'm grateful for this board, to have someplace to vent and to discuss this darn RA that "outsiders" never really understand.
Nini, like you, I have more OA damage in my joints than RA damage. I experience RA mostly as fatigue and general malaise, as well as "invisible" RA-caused stuff like blood clots, brain lesions and organ damage.
I am so glad you are feeling better, and when all the rest of the stuff is worked on you will be a new person!!! I am so very glad for you, and hope that it continues.
Yay! to the road of hope!
Yes, Cat, My RA also manifests itself in fatigue and malaise.Hi Cat, I'm Jeanne and don't believe I have "met" you before. I'm still trying to catch up after a 3 month absence. But just wanted to say that I'm really pleased that the new med is working for you, and to wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery.