Assessment for drug effectiveness. | Arthritis Information

Hi guys, my RD phoned me last night due to the fact that I am coming to see him next Thursday. He is so kind, I asked him should I up my pred as my joints are hot, swollen and sore and I have to have had a certain response to qualify for the next infusion of Rituxan. He said as I seemed to have had a good response in the beginning after the first infusion that he would recommend that I definitely have it again but he wants to see me now like I am and if necessary he will then send me home to up the pred to get the results we need. He also said that now the rules are getting more relaxed as to when a patient can have the next round. After round 2 for me, if my disease returns in less than 6 months I can then have the drug when I need it rather than wating the 6 months. So wish me luck, I have been sleeping a lot and experiencing all sorts of pain, nerve, bone, sciatica in both legs, numbness in feet and hands which RD says is peripheral neuropathy from RA. If I feel as good as I did last time on Rituxan I will be one happy person!!!!!!

My son Liam is still struggling, unable to go to school for more than 3 hours a day, unable to take his pain refief of ibuprofen due to bad tummies, and is taking tramadol and panadol together but it is definitely not adequate. I don't know what the paed RD will say in another 3 weeks, he told Liam he must be back at full time schooling or he will stop all his meds!!!!!!!! I am ready for him if he says anything like that again! I have sent Liam back full time and the teachers can't believe how ill he looks and feels and end up sending him to the sick bay where he always falls asleep and ask my hubby to come and get him. Home schooling is looking like a strong possibility. Will update you soon, hugs Janie.

PS Liam has developed little swollen areas alongside his spine that are really tender, my GP saw them and did not like it, told me to make sure I tell RD, I did tell him and he wants an MRI done, any idea what the areas are bearing in mind my RD says he has ankylosing spondylitis and JIA? Thanks in advance for listening and for any ideas.oh janie........ such trials for one family...... I am sorry for your discomforts and sufferings.

I hope the infusion works!!

I always have your son in my thoughts..... I hope things begin to change for him soon....

I haven't any ideas since I have no experience w what you ask......

best to you both

Thanks Babs, I so appreciate your kind words and thoughts, I hope you are doing ok too, any plans for the weekend, it is Mothers day here on Sunday and wouldn't you know RA is interfering again, I need to leave home at 9.30am on Sunday due to another hosp appointment in Brisbane. My mother-in-law is coming with me to keep me company and to help out if I need it. So we will celebrate Mothers day together, it won't be the same without my two little munchkins though! They want to pretend it is tomorrow instead, howe sweet? Regards Janie.BUMP[/QUOTE]

Hi Janie

Hoping all goes well on your trip. How long of a ride is it to Brisbane? I think as long as the kiddies celebrate with you tomorrow that will make them very happy.

I will be thinking of you come next Monday.

Pat

Thanks Pat, it takes 4 hours, but its quite pleasant, they have movies and a canteen on the train, so I don't really mind. I will have a great Mothers day, I am sure, thanks again. Janie.
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