Rituxan ?

[Damaged]

My Rheumy wants me to do another round of Rituxan. This would be the third time so one and half years. If it has not helped so far, is that likely to change? Would it not be better to try something else? I stopped Methotrexate again after four months. It makes me feel awful. I am torn between not wanting the diseases to go unchecked but having no faith in pharmaceutical approach. I am so frustrated and angry that I fear making bad decisions.

[Amy65]

Damaged sounds like ur rheaumtoglist dosent ask ur option. I'm very lucky mine listens and asks what I think how i feel I'm on my 8th biologic they do help if u get the right 1.perhaps give it an other try if u don't improve tell him that hugs amy

[marybruen]

Hi I was also on methotrexate and I stopped taking it as it made me do ill. I am on sulphasalazine and hydroxachlorphine. I also drink 3 cups of ginger a day which I feel really helps. I haven’t had a flare for ages

[Damaged in reply to marybruen]

I have allergies to Naproxen, Sulfa, Lefludemide .....But have not responded to multiple Biologics and DMARD’s. Unfortunately, I do not tolerate Prednisone or opiates either. At this point I just am drug resistant to all drugs including antibiotics. I just feel I need a break. My poor body has been under assault for more than two years. But with all that money on the line !! Beginning to think continuing these drugs is not in my best interest. But also think doing nothing may not be my best option. Such a a struggle.

[Hidden in reply to Damaged]

I seem to be allergic to a lot of things too. I am mega allergic to iodine and had horrific reaction to Sulfa. Also get rash with hydroxy, aloe vera, plasters, nickel and can't take penicillin. I can't wear wool next to my skin and dread going to the dentist as the anaesthetic made me quite drowsy last time. It makes me a bit nervous so am trying hard with really good nutrition and raw garlic and am better than I was. I am trying to calm my body down and who can say if I am doing the right thing. Just posting to give you some hope. Keep your chin up and be gentle with yourself. If you are interested in more detail as to how I am trying to get better you can always ask me. I didn't want to bore you with my regime. x

[marybruen in reply to Damaged]

Oh so sorry you feel so bad, why not look up alternative natural remedies. There are a lot of super foods out there that help ginger being one of them

[Ardea]

I was first pout on the methotrexatewhen I was first diagnosed. This did not agree with me - I was always sick or sickly withthis. I was then given injections of methotrexate hoping to by-pass my stomache - this still did not work as I still felt awful and sick. I was put on other medication although that also did not agree and finally went on the biological drugs which were great. There is always an alternative if you do not agree with the medication you just need to ask and keep asking a good doctor will try another drug to suit. Good luck and hope you find the right one to try and slow down this awful disease.

[marybruen]

I haven’t tried ginger beer, maybe I should. I was talking about the ginger root

[marybruen]

Ginger root has helped me so much. You can buy ginger root from any supermarket, I peel and slice two pieces put in a plastic jug and fill with boiling water, this makes about three cups let it cool and pour a cup. The rest I put in the microwave and heat up as required. Hope this helps

[InnerBeauty]

Hello Damaged.

I was on Methotrexate for a few months but had to come off it as it made me very ill and weak. My Rheumy is reluctant to try any new drugs on me because she said nothing works or it makes me very ill. I'm currently on Hydroxychloroquine that I take twice a day.

My condition was picked up really late, I was more over weight than I am now, but the inflammatory arthritis has been the main culprit for my poor joints loosing cartilage. I've been told I have the hips of a 75 year old, charming, I'm only 54!!

When i feel ready, I'll probably have to ask my GP to talk to my Rheumy about any other drugs she could try. I know she has not tried all of them as yet. I wish you well Damaged and keep us posted.

[Damaged in reply to InnerBeauty]

I am in a similar situation. I am allergic to several drugs and have not responded well to any drugs so far. This is not unexpected. I am ok with doing my own thing until intervention becomes necessary. All types of changes are possible. They may now have found a cure or cell treatment which make new insulin via pancreatic cells.