Hi everyone- Gosh I have been gone for quite awhile.. mostly feeling really crappy. I went today for my second infusion of Orencia, and am hoping that this works for me. Has anyone else had luck with this med? I swear, I think Enbrel made me hurt worse, and the Humeria only lasted a week, instead of the two.
I am in terrible pain today with my knee.. and am hoping my rheumy calls something in for me just to get me through. Motrin and Alleve are just not cutting it right now.
Cross your fingers for me!
I started it back in October. I think I have felt a difference. I can really tell when it is a few days before my next infusion. Every joint seems to hurt at that point.
My Rd said that they are told to wait 6 months before passing judgement on Orencia. So-I am trying to to jump to conclusions yet. I have already been on Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and now this one. It has to work!
I hope you find some relief. My frustration with Orencia is that is seems that they can't really play with the dosage. With the Remicade they could change the amount and the length of time between infusions. The infusion nurse said that they were pretty locked in with this med/
I've been on Orencia for 5 months now. I started out on 500 mg. and was bumped up to 750 mg. last month because I was having a lot of breakthrough pain and swelling two weeks post infusion...it seemed to help me initially, but didn't hold me for the entire month between infusions.
This past month I have been on two Medrol dose packs because of back pain/spasms, so I really can't say if the increased dose has helped. I was due for my next Orencia infusion yesterday, but because of the holiday, I won't be getting it until the 14th. I finished my second Medrol pack a few days ago, so I'm really starting to hurt...I'm just hoping I can hold out until the 14th. Hopefully, when I finally do get my next 750 mg infusion I'll be able to tell if it's really working for me.
BTW...I'm also on Methotrexate 25 mg. and Minocin 200 mg. M/W/F.
They started me on 750mg, but I guess since I've only had 2 infussions, I haven't had any effect yet. Still no word from the rheumy... I called back and nothing! I think that is the most frustrating part.
I had yet another sleepless night, and called into work today from the knee pain--- I have done everything I can think of for some relief to no avail!
Sandra
Panz I have been on Orencia since Aug 06. For me I notice a difference in 48 hours. I felt good for about 8-10 months. This Aug will be 2 years. I'm feeling pain in my knee and fingers. It could be due to me not taking the Methotrexate with or the cold weather here in the Pacific NW I'm not sure. I go see my RA Doc this Friday. Don't give up just give it a few months and see what happens. Good luck!!
RA 12 Years Orencia 750mg Methox 15mg folic acid, Fosamax.
I still see no difference.... He did finally give me some lortab, but boy I hate taking those! Anyway, he now says my knee pain is the cartiledge, so I am supposed to start PT for that. Not really sure how PT will help with the cartiledage issue, but am willing to give it ago.
Now, my hands are swollen again, my fingers hurt to bend them, and overall I fell crappy. My rheumy says I have NO inflammation, but I really don't see how thats possible. I guess I'm on to another waiting game.......