Private appointment with Rheumatologist

[Evie3]

Short story…. i am continuing with Rituximab after long discussion with Rheumy. He said the immunity blood test to Covid isnt helpful and doesnt tell the whole story. My bloods are excellent apparently. He insisted i have the Covid booster, which I did today. Will have flu vax next week. Must continue to take care 😷, but at least I wont be in pain.

[rabbits65]

Sounds like a successful visit , that’s good 😊

[oldtimer]

You sound much happier about the outcome to your appointment. That always helps, being anxious and worried makes the pain and disability more difficult to manage.

[Evie3 in reply to oldtimer]

Yes u r correct. Just needed a word with the professional. Much more relaxed but not relaxing taking extra care

[ks1966]

Hi. When was your last Rituximab infusion, if you don’t mind me asking

[Evie3 in reply to ks1966]

It was May…..so having bloods next week in the hope of next one in November

[ks1966 in reply to Evie3]

That’s great. I had mine on June. Do you think we have enough B cells to mount a response to the booster shot? I’m trying to find out but it’s so hard to get answers

[Evie3 in reply to ks1966]

I really dont know. Rheumatologist gave me hope 🤞. He said anyone with low immunity who happened to get Covid and was hospitalised…they give tocilizumab (cant spell) which helps. Be interested to hear what info u get

[Neonkittie17 in reply to ks1966]

You could ask your rheumy to check your B cells to see if they’ve returned before you have your third vaccine. That’s what I’m doing at the moment.

[ks1966 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thanks for the info. I’ll try and do that. Is there a specific test?

[Neonkittie17 in reply to ks1966]

Not sure exactly what comes under the B cell umbrella when testing but you should have your B cells tested a week before you go for a Rtx infusion and then two weeks after your infusion(s).

[ks1966 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thank you 🙏