Are you on Rituxan? | Arthritis Information
Hi guys, I was just wondering what the criteria is to requalify for the second round of the drug? My assessment is next week and I don't know yet what they expect as far as swollen joint count, ESR/CRP figures, etc, (although mine has decreased now to 16 - one of a very few times in 9 years!) Any info would be appreciated, and I shall have to try and contact my RD. Regards Janie.
My rheumatoid arthritis I feel is improved but nowhere near what it was but maybe that will eventually happen again and stay like it. My osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease in my spine on the other hand is crippling me, my neck, spine, hips, are terrible, and I have to have a CT Scan and knee XRay on Tues. My GP said she thinks the disc above my laminectomy at L5/S1, is slipping forward and there is encroachment on the spinal nerve as per my last MRI a year ago and they have been expecting it to get worse, I think something is awfully wrong as I am getting sciatica in both legs, numbness in both feet and burning so I hope its nothing too serious! I will keep you informed, hugs Janie.I wasn't aware you had to requalify. I just assumed you would be on it until the dr. had another "brilliant" idea. I am due to get the second round at the end of June. But, I am going to call my RD tomorrow to try to see him this month to discuss the med. My pain dr. isn't too impressed but I still think it is due to the stress caused by the whole jaw situation. But, want the Rd's input. The day of the infusion, I have an appointment with him, but I will be already getting the med at that point.Hi Rocky, its ok, I just researched on the Australian Pharmeceutical website, the criteria are
After a minimum of 12 weeks since round 1 of first infusions, you have to be reassessed and then results have to go to Medicare within 4 weeks.
An ESR < 25, a CRP <15, and a swollen tender joint count 50% less than baseline. I hope to meet the bloods, but I don't know about the joints, they are still very sore, may have to up the pred for a while. Thanks for your help anyway, regards Janie. Hope your jaw is feeling better.
If I could send you a medal I would, you sure do deserve one! Hang in there girl.....things have GOT to get better. And you have lots of prayers and good thoughts coming from me.
Lyn oh janie.. I've had merely some of the spine issues you have and I sympathize!! and feel for you so!
sciatica is the most debilitating pain I've ever felt.. ever.
back to your question about being able to have your next infusion....this is slightly OT: I read the criteria and have to wonder what about those of us who are sero neg.... have no blood markers?? would we never be able to have that treatment? (these are the things I have to ask in regard to the healthcare plan our president is proposing and how if affects us)
Hi Lyndee, thankyou so much for your kindness, I believe God will look after me and I have had lots of nice good things happen since my Mum went up and joined in! Lol. I agree with you Babs when you say what about sero-negative? I completely get that! I do not know how they reach their criteria goals at times, it seems so unfair. As Rocckyd says, some people do not respond before the assessment is performed so what then? I think that is why my RD said he may push my pred up to get better results but only if the drug did actually make a difference, which it certainly did in the beginning. Thanks so muc everyone for your responses, I really appreciate your time and thoughts, hugs from Janie.
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