Biologic purdah revisited

[cathie]

I've got a biologic infusion coming up in early feb. Got to avoid anyone with infection. Now my partner has a cold, and it's all brought me down I'd forgotten about this uncertainty. Just worth sharing. He's gone out to get antibiotic wipers and we're both washing our hands. I suppose it's important not to get ones hopes up.

[Jora]

Poor you. I hope you remain germ-free and can have the infusion. Jo

[Hidden]

Good luck avoiding P's cold Cathie. X

[cathie]

Thank you Jora and Twitchytoes. I should have mentioned that the infusion is a big deal for me having tried two biologics to no avail, Ritiximab is a bit of a hope. Its a year now since I've been virtually housebound, unable to do more than the basics to look after myself and play on the computer. Now I really want my life back - before I have to fact the knee ops.

Hope you're both ok this morning. XX

[Barrister]

Hope you stay germ free & get your infusion. Clemmie x

[Marm]

Hope you are able to have the Rituximab Infusion and it works for you. I'm five weeks post 2nd Infusion and today said to my husband I think it's working as my pain is minimal at the moment. Good luck.

[cathie]

Oh Marm, that's great news. I like the infrequent infusion idea. What is your understanding of when do you have the next series ?

[nomoreheels]

Oh do be careful Cathie. The last thing you want is a delay. Is it worth being sure & wearing a face mask or is that ott?

[cathie]

I think it might be a bit OTT. I've had years of this before when I was on infliximab, and have been doing the meditation exercises my daughter gave me to help with the uncertainty. Its an app called Headspace and the advantage is that you get an exercise a day which you have to tick off. I'm just doing a free version and wont sign up but its nice.

[mattcass]

Hi cathie, it's the same with me waiting to start to see what kind of Biological Agent I will be getting, I think we have caught it early with anti-bios. matt

[NeonkittyUK]

Is this your first Rituximab, Cathie? My first duo were in April 2014. Haven't been back yet. Rituximab has done what two other anti-tnfs could not .. hold back the RA and bring ESR and CRP to where they should be, and give me movement, the ability to do strengthening exercise and regain muscle, feel stronger, and some sanity back after a year of being inside virtually. Previous OA damage/pain on walking it cannot help of course. Hope you stay germ free for Feb, and get your infusion(s). xx

[Hidden in reply to NeonkittyUK]

I am going to have my first Rituximab.. how does the medicine make you feel other than tired..I mean does it make you ill for a few days? It is chemo, right?

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

I'm waiting for my first too. I expect to feel tired. I've been told to drink plenty during infusion. If I get it, husband is now dripping cold and were washing hands a lot. Antibacterials won't help as cold is a virus

[NeonkittyUK in reply to cathie]

My duo of infusions were absolutely fine, I just fell asleep at lot during the infusions as the Benedryl anti-histamine sent me that way and does in general or most. Was looking forward to reading my book but kept dozing off! I did not have any problems with Rituximab but I think as my RA was at such a stage that I needed Rituxi, I was tired out and exhausted anyhow. I just took it easy in general for that month I had the two infusions. As people here with much more experience will vouch, you are so well looked after and so many checks on B/P and pulse and your general well being. Good luck, Cathie and Yikes. Hoping it helps you like it has for me. xx

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

Hi cathie

I got my cold on December first. On 11th dec I had my first infusion of ritux ( 12th cycle) they knew I had a cough cold and it was viral. Over Xmas I got a throat infection so my second infusion was delayed so I'm just having it today. I still have the cough and cold. The doctor listened to my chest and looked at my throat. Chest clear, throat a bit red but only viral so ok to go ahead. So I don't think a cold would stop your infusion but if you needed antibiotics the rule at my rheum centre is that you have to wait 7 days after you have stopped the antibiotics before you can be infused. Hope that cheers you up. And good luck with it. Is your hubbie going with you?

KiKi x x

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

Hoping you are like me Cathie and have a very overactive immune system presently so you can stave off P's lousy cold and get Rituximub as planned. And more importantly - that it works! X

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

Yes I think my immune system is overactive - hence I suppose the RA. I'd forgotten the uncertainty around infusions, when the people in the day unit can send you away because of infection. Its sensible but frustrating. The nurse i spoke to said that they were more concerned about major infection than a slight cold, but I wonder... I think uncertainty for all of us is the name of the game isn't it. I hope your condition is better understood soon.

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

I'm fairly sure my condition is RA just as yours is Cathie but it's the kind of RA that seems to be very devious and requires a forward thinking rheumy. Ho hum we've both had so much fighting to do for ourselves it seems. I'm back in bed again today - I managed to walk the dogs but the confused pain in my legs was so extreme in the chilly wind that it was a kind of hell! I know it's imflammation now because it lessens significantly with max dose Naproxen. Shame my tummy can't cope with this for very long though!

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

We are complicated aren't we. I am looking forward to travelling north to see progress on our house, that has been keeping us both going recently. Windows are going in, all being well this week.

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

How exciting for you both! Youngest son has the cold too and poor love has to get his applications in for art college and revise for exams next week. But I am fairly sure that my immune system is too busy playing havoc my nerves to anything as basic as allow a cold to slip past!

Really hoping same goes for you too. XX

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

Giving myself a treat (Bach) while they rabbit on about Winston Churchill (yuk)

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Yikes2

I'm just having my 12th cycle of Rituximab ( over 8 years). I feel very tired after the first infusion for about a week but after the second one ( 2 wks later) I'm fine but I always block the next day of my diary to be safe. All the B cells ( the ones that cause RA) are killed in the first infusion. It's a long day but it's been the best drug for me in 21 years. Hope it goes well x

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

Yes that's not a surprise, but worth being aware!

[Someonesmother]

I would be banishing him hahahah short of that the antibacterial wipes, hand gel, mask etc. I can tell you that is what I will be doing if my other half is sick when I start on biologics. Good luck and may the germ free force be with you!

[Hidden in reply to Someonesmother]

Me too. I banish my hubbie to the spare room when he's ill or I go in there. Lol

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

I dont have the heart, he's been so kind over the past year + putting up with my moods. We are being careful about washing hands though.

[Someonesmother in reply to Hidden]

I keep trying but he won't go so I am going to start insisting. Last year I had to have 2 weeks off work because of a chest infection.

[digger1]

Hope he gets better quik cathy, hope this treatment works for youxx