Just wondering if anyone else has experienced one infection after another while on remicaid?
I have RA, AS, Fibro, Crohns, reactive arthritis, shingles, etc. Have been taking Remicaid for three years. Tried Humira but didn't seem to work. Also take methotrexate. In the last year I've started getting one infection after another. Generally bladder infections or sinus infections. Also whenever I get a cut it leads to an infection. I went four months recently with no infusion and no methotrexate because of the infections that came one after another and couldn't seem to be treated fast enough. Also seem to get every virus that comes down the road too.
Does it reach a point where I can't take remi or metho because of the infections? If so, is it then a trip to the next medication? Enbrel is pretty much like Humira isn't it?
Now I look back at the few months infection free when I was getting Remi and it was working well enough for me to feel some "desire to do something". I call it a Zing of Zest. The first time I felt that after years of not it was like finding a long lost love! Forgot what the feeling of "wanting to do something - anything" was like. Wow . . . wish I wouldn't have taken those healthy times for granted.
Anyway, I hate depression and pity pot but sometimes I'm so there. I wonder if anyone else knows what I'm talking about? Anyone else fighting the infection roulette game and what are or did you do?
The comfort derived from reading about the struggles of others that know so well my struggles IS HUGE! Family is sympathetic but my teeth grate when the hubby says I need to just "COWGIRL UP". . .
Thanks,
Kwendt, I can't help you on your questions about infections as I just started Enbrel and I am praying I won't have infections interfere. I can relate to your "zing of zest". It is a big tease when you get to experience what it was like "before". I thought I appreciated my life but obviously I had no idea how much to appreciate it until it was taken away. Don't give up. They are coming out with more and more treatments for ra. One day at a time.....
Have you ever read "Even Cowgirls Get the Blue". Very funny book. You can cuddle up with it instead of hubby and "COWGIRL UP"
I've never responded on this board, I just read. I though I would let you know that I do know what you are talking about because I am living it too. SOOOOOOOOO frusterating and anxiety provoking. I too have struggled with bladder infections....one after another. I'm on MTX and Enbrel. This last infection was so bad and stubburn (on antibiotics since Sept 1, off my meds) that I was hospitalized. Now I'm home since Monday, feeling better, but feeling confused and stiff. Can't live with the Enbrel and MTX and can't live without it. I also wish that I had my "zest" back without a nasty infection. My WBC was as low as someone on chemotherapy (3.0), these drugs really lower our immunities. In other words, you are not alone and I know that there are so many of us who feel great on the DMARDs and Biologics, but can't stay away from bacteria. I hope that you are able to return to your meds soon and try to stay determined. You are not alone!!!!
debb
I'm right there with ya girls. I take MTX & Humira....and honestly did fine on just MTX but several months after Humira I did started the repeated bladder infections. I've had several; and recently spent the last month off all my meds due to bronchitis and a sinus infections that took three different antibiotics and a 10 coarse of predisone to clear it up.
It's a vicous cycle. Like Debb said; can't live with it....and you can't live without it. GO figure. I've been lucky in the respect that my infections have all seemed very minor in compairson to my RA. It's a chance I'm willing to take as long as they'll let me. This combination of medications has worked far better than any other I've tired....despite the infections.
I'd like to welcome you both. I hope you'll both continue to join us on a regular basis.
Lovie
Okay I think I will stop whining now. Misery just loves company. I developed infections soon after beginning remicaid. I was already on 20mg (or whatever) of mtx. I got one infection after another, but no bladder infection (at least I don't think so!). I was so miserable with the bronchitis and sinusitis and exhaustion that I was not bearing up too good. I was taken off mtx and remicaid two months ago and put on prednisone and pain is better. Exhaustion is still there and some pain in extremities. As far as depression and 'pity pot' go, I am sure more than a few of us could climb in that boat with you. When I first started remicaid I immediately had a love affair with it because for a while I would be free of pain and able to do things (even sheared my 40' long hedge). Zest I had and then my body I guess couldn't stand it so I had to get the remicaid closer and closer together. My rheumy said the mtx is the culprit, not so much the remicaid. You have a bigger burden. I just have RA and fibro and have to watch my blood sugar. Hang in there - maybe we will have another Zest party later!Have you talked to your rd??? My rd, and dr too, have me go off my enbrel and when I was 0n mtx whenever I had an infection. When you are sick with an infection and You continue taking your meds like enbrel, mtx, humira, arava, etc. You are just making it worse!!! I usually have to go off my meds for 2 to 4 weeks in order to get rid of my sinus infection, blood infection, bladder infection, etc. I hope this helps, just remember these meds lower our immune system even more. Can't live with them, can't live without them!!!
meme