Good morning,
I had the appointment on Monday, to follow up and review everything: -
I am taking the sub-cut Tocilizumab. The first 4 months were amazing, life back 90%. It was truly wonderful. Then I started getting a few aches and pains again with an RA feel to them and occasional days of fatigue. At about month 6 I started to get a mild allergic reaction, injection site redness and a cough which lasted a day or so then disappeared, also began to get more migraines. The reaction gradually lasted longer, both cough and itchiness, till it was lasting the whole week. I began to take an antihistamine after a chat with the biologic nurse. Then I started to get flares, short term 8-24 hrs in my shoulder or knee, and more joint tenderness in my fingers and hands...
So. Much discussion with Rheumy, concluded in I am still 80% better than I had been for years. Changing meds could cause more problems than it solves, and things are currently manageable on Tocilizumab. However, if things change - I have a steroid plan available at the GP and will change to Sarilumab if things get out of hand, without needing another appointment first. Any changes or problems to contact the specialist nurse. Flexible next appointment by phone if all is well, F2F if I feel I need it, in 4 months. I also have a referral to physio for an ongoing elbow problem.
I am so, so, so lucky to be under the care of such an amazing Rheumy team!
It's a lovely day here on the Moray Coast. Go gently and enjoy the moments...