I'm so bummed and in lots of pain. Been flaring for about 10 weeks. The infusion I had about 10 mons ago didn't work. But I was so busy and stressed so thought I'd just hang on for mt next treatment which was 2 weeks ago. No relief and still flaring pretty bad. Was off pred or a few weeks but strted back on 5 mg. But I HATE pred!!!
So my question is, do any of you who have taken remicade have experience with it working for about a year and then just stopping? I am takeing 7 ml (bottles) Very frustrated. Want to get 'healthy' and in shape but the flareing really puts a damper on that.
Thanks
Tara L
Hi , how much MTX do you take with it? I take 20mgs. Sarah Lynda
((((hugs)))) Sorry you are still feeling icky. I know how frustrating it is. If you can, consider asking your rheumy to up your mtx dose a little bit. I know you hate pred (most of us do) but I am wondering if your pred dose is too low also. Might want to ask rheumy about that.
I hope you start to feel better soon.
Hi Tara, I've been on Remicade and MXT for over a year with no significant relief until 3 weeks ago. I've had the Rem. and MXT adjusted many times and the last adjustment was magic. I now have no inflammation anywhere, no swelling, no pain. I have a few aches and some pain from damage and of course my OA knees are shot and are painful, but as far as the RA/PA I'm doing great. It's only been 3 weeks and I'm in awe of the changes in my body. Even my back has quit hurting. I don't know how long it will last but I'll enjoy it as long as I can.
It wasn't clear in your post how often you get infusions. How much MXT are you on. Your RD may have to increase the MXT and move the infusions closer together.
I'm on Remicade 500 mg. every 5-6 weeks, MXT 17.5 (down from 20mg) and Pred. 7.5 mg. (down from 30 mg. a year ago)
Sounds like you need a heart to heart with your RD. Lindy
Hi Tara -
How often are you getting your Remicade infusions? When I initially started Remicade, I was getting the infusions every 8 weeks. It started working immediately, and I did really well for the first year. After the first year though, the effects started to wane, so I was bumped up to every 5 weeks and things started improving again.
Other than the side effect of tinnitis, Remicade at 5 week intervals is working better than any of the other biologics that I've been on. Maybe you could talk to your rheumatologist about lessenig the time between infusions, along with temporarily upping your Prednisone.
Just a thought!
Gale
Tara, Maybe this is just a bad time that you need your pred. to get through. I know you were really hopeful about your Remicade so don't give up yet. What other biologics have you tried? Quit putting pressure on yourself to "get back in shape". You are beautiful just how you are