Two weeks on Tocilizumab and all is well...

[Brushwork]

Either the Kenalog steroid injection is still working after 6 weeks (never experienced this much relief before), or the Tocilizumab kicked in straight away, or possibly a bit of both.

My joints are ok, no morning stiffness, even my eyes are a tiny bit better, still struggling with fatigue a bit, but I am not complaining. I honestly haven't felt this much relief for this long for 2 years. I even cleaned my fridge and cooker!!

I hope I am not tempting fate writing this... I hope this is the drug that gives me my life back but I am trying not to pin too much hope on it yet...

Go gently through this lovely day

[Lolabridge]

So pleased to hear you are improving and hope it continues. It’s great to be able to do things again but cleaning the cooker is a bit rash! Don’t overdo it too quickly. 🙂

[Brushwork in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you. I am not good at pacing myself 😀

[Madmusiclover in reply to Brushwork]

Me neither. Enjoy the freedom.

[bubblyalex]

That is the best news. My fingers are so crossed for you. I have my first infusion on the 29th march (4 weeks clear of the second jab). They’re going to inject my knees at the same time so I can do a rapid taper of the steroid. Do you think the fatigue is a side effect ... could it be that it’s been so difficult and your body is relaxing after the onslaught of flares?

[Brushwork in reply to bubblyalex]

Thank you Bubblyalex, I hope the infusion and injections go well for you. I really don't know regarding the fatigue, some days I wake up feeling like I have endless energy and yet its gone by 2pm. My hope is that the fatigue will reduce as time goes on. I am keeping my fingers crossed too.

[bubblyalex in reply to Brushwork]

I hope so. It does sound like it’s been magic for you and no reason to think it won’t stay like that 😁

[CallMeSunny in reply to bubblyalex]

Seems as if you and Brushwork are possibly on the right path now. Fingers crossed tight for you both...keep being positive .....it WILL happen x

[Marionfromhappydays]

Really pleased for you, hope it continues .

Hey take things steady cleaning the oven sounds extreme 🤣

[Brushwork in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Thank you

[Boxerlady]

Such good news - just enjoy feeling better and forget the oven!

[springcross]

That's great news Brushwork, I'm really pleased for you, long may it continue. xx

[Mmrr]

Such good news.Fabulous.

[Neonkittie17]

Great news! 👏🏻💗

[dwsurquhart]

I have been on toci now for 3.5 years. I felt hugely better within the first 2-3 weeks and now 3.5 years later, I still feel better. I still over do it from time to time, then need a day or two to recover.

Glad to hear it is working for you.

Scott

[Brushwork]

Wow, that is brilliant. Thank you I’m keeping my fingers crossed 🤞 for a similar outcome, after this promising start.

[HanaleiBa]

I love my toci! Enbrel was fabulous, but toci got me to full remission. Really happy for you. I do all the diet, sleep, etc stuff as well, but am always so sad that it took me so long to embrace biologics (though for me that only meant 3 months). My perspective is who knows what the future will bring - but why wouldn’t I try something that could help me have a better life now?

[Brushwork]

I had tried two others, one did not work, the other I had an allergic reaction to. My fingers are crossed.

I am really happy to hear you are in full remission

[Swimming20]

It worked for me straight away l was really impressed with it ..love it x

[Silverpixie]

Tocilizumab was my 5th biologic in 4 years. None of the others worked for very long. I, like you had kenalog alongside. However, a word of warning- I started to get symptoms again after 8 weeks and needed another kenalog injection before tocilizumab finally kicked in (12 weeks). So don't give up too soon. Since then (4 years ago) I haven't looked back. I get minor flares (especially when work is stressful) but feel amazing. Good luck, I really hope if works for you.

[Brushwork in reply to Silverpixie]

Thank you, duly noted 😊

[allanah]

Fab . Yep my TCZ kicked in very quickly too !! Fingers crossed this is the one !