Hi a bit of community advice please
I've been without meds for two months now so the RA is really bad. I'm seeing my rheumy nurse in the middle of April (in three weeks) but I'm really suffering. I've had one injection last Nov. How many can you have a year?. It's been 5 months so an injection now would be brilliant. Get me through the next 8 weeks including the intro of new meds (which I hope is going to be biologicals).
I think it's usually 3-4 a year so I think that you could ask for one now. I had two in January and then another in March, I was very lucky, I don't think they do that as a rule. Clemmie
In the Netherlands they can give it every 6-8 weeks.
But you can get it not endless because it can cause osteoporose , as it did to me.
I have swallowed prednisolone and gotba lot of injections.
It is a magic mee.
Wish yo all te best,
XxxxBas
Can you try & get your appointment brought forward? You can only ask & you might be fortunate & be seen earlier. As Clemmie says 3 to 4 a year seems to be the norm with steroid injections (I don't have them, I'm on low dose deflazacort) but I suppose it's dependant on whatever your Rheumy's protocol is. It may need to be carefully considered when & how much is given if you're approaching qualifying for biologics as well.
I hope you can be helped in some way, RD & no meds isn't the best place to be.
I've tried to get an earlier appointment and this was it. I've given up trying to get I touch with her again. I've had my blood tests today and going to see the GP on Thursday. My las ERS was 120 - I know has gone up. I'll see what she says. It's not the best place to be. But I'm hoping to get something on Thursday. Thanks
Oh right, I hope your GP can help when you see her. In the meantime you could try RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) on your worst affected joints.
Morning NMH,
Why the caution with steroid injections and biologics.
I ask, as I have steroid injections and once my chest is given the all clear should be starting on biologics.
And if I don't ask I won't learn.
Only that if the steroid injection is still effective (dampening down inflammation) it may not be a true representation of inflammation given that it's an integral part of the eligibility criteria (2 x DAS 28 of 5.1 or above taken a month apart).
Thank you. Makes sense .I meet the criteria for biologics and it has been agreed. But the positive t blood test has put it on hold until I am given the all clear.
I have an appointment tomorrow at the chest clinic so hopefully things will start moving forward.
What do you mean by positive blood test?
I was tested for TB before starting biologics. The T spot test came back positive.
Good luck, I hope it comes back clear.
Thank you.Feeling nervous and out of my comfort zone not sure what to expect.
I understand, it's a whole new ball game isn't it. Anything you don't know about you're bound to question.
Absolutely and no matter how many times in happens ( and I should be used to it by now). Lying on a trolley with someone standing over you prodding and invading my personal space I find intimidating.
But the price is finding out what is happening so worth it.
Hi NMH.
Back from the Chest Clinic all positive. latent TB but going to treat me for 3 months with antibiotics.but the good news is I can start biologics in 3 weeks.
They do not apparently treat latent TB but because biologics can trigger it to positive they are
Only downside cannot eat tuna or cheese nor drink red wine in that three month period. But a small price to pay.
Thank you for your support.
Phew. Can you drink champagne? If so I'd celebrate
Oh! Ah well, not what I'd hoped for you, the delay in starting treatment either but it's a means to an end I suppose. Stuff yourself with choc, that'll fight off any cravings lol! 
Yes a diet of champagne and chocolate. Love it.
No disappointing but it is just 3 weeks then I can start treatment.
Hi. If you mean Depo Medrode steroid injection I had one every 4-6 six weeks when things were bad over a 4 month period
That's a relief. My GP is reluctant to give me this but if I have evidence then she's happy to do it.
Yes ask for another if it relieves the constant mentally draining pain....
Just had one 6months after last one...
Hugs to all
Thanks. Draining is the right word for this. I've tried everything else. So it's going to be a last thing
My Rheumy doesn't like to give them unless you are in a really really bad way,needless to say I've had some bad times
Yes ask for another injection just to give you some relief, the norm is 3/4 a year.
I would speak to rheumy dept before asking GP for injection as your appointment is relatively close and the steroid will mask your current symptoms. If you think biologics are on the card you need two baseline evaluations a month apart to qualify and if these are 'upset' with a steroid injection it may delay starting or mean you do not fulfil the criteria. Farm
Please what is biologics
These are newish drug which are genetically engineered to behave like natural immune system proteins. They are administered as an injection and are used instead of pills. I've had three types of these pills which haven't worked or caused major side effects. So it's onto biologicals I go
All done. I'm ready for the weekend and my birthday (on Sunday). My GP took one look at me and just said lets go. I really hope this helps even if it's only in the short term. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice. It's so helpful and has got me through a pretty hair raising time. Love to you all. xxxxxx
Good. I hope it brings relief & doesn't affect your scores, your GP should have taken that into consideration though so you should be fine. Happy birthday for Sunday.
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