And on we go.....

[medway-lady]

So yesterday I saw the new Rheumy and very nice she was too. All scores zero so remission continues but because of infections I have to change and so its now onto Abatarcept. I did think this might have happened as I've taken 9 lots of antibiotics in 18 months plus two lots of anti fungal stuff. I'm to continue with the Etanercept for a month then leave it for a month and then the new stuff will arrive. I won't need any more X-rays or tests and it is disappointing but she said this one might not knock the immune system so hard but again its pot luck. She said said so upsetting but this one works a bit differently so its really good to get a good response but so annoying when it impacts so badly on the rest of the body. She did a different type of exam in that she asked me to touch toes - yes, back of head, yes, push against her hands and stand on one leg all yes. I did feel it gave her more information as well as the usual look at hands and shoulders. She also said if this one does the same then we try another. So its a minor set back not a huge problem and I walked out feeling like I'd be listened too and very optimistic. Plus she was running on time and the local hospital has stopped charging blue badge holders. What a result !! x

[springcross]

Glad to hear you had a good appointment and I hope the Abatacept works really well for you.

[Neonkittie17]

Same here, I have to change to Abatacept (from Rtx) due to the number of bronchial infections and courses of abx in the last 3 years. 23 lots of abx since January 2018. Every other month basically. I’ve been saying this to them for 2 years but it all got lost in the pandemic. Then when I got to Speak to my rheumy again in June she said we have to stop Rtx. My rheumy told me that Abatacept tends to be “more gentle on the lungs” and you tend to have less infections. No guarantee though. I can’t start till my B cells are back, which will be next year. I had a chest CT as it had been 3 years, to check up with my respiratory consultant and all good ... nothing to be seen (but I still have very high bronchitis symptoms, and it’s not asthma.) Blood tests continue to try find out how to help it. B cell blood tests every

I have not had any RA inflammation/zero CRP and great control of RA since early 2014 but my side effects are too frequent and severe. (Add in the vaccines/Rtx scenario too.) Shame as it’s kept me moving so, so very well and no side effects for the first 5 years whatsoever. No RA pain at all. Just old osteo. My rheumy said Abatacept should hold back the RA as similar level of med for me but it is a bit lower spec than Rtx. It interferes/disrupts with the signals on the CD4 & CD8 T cells apparently but doesn’t get rid of them. I’m reading up .. it’s a little more complex re the T’s! I’ll go for injectable at home as don’t want a monthly hospital visit. Good luck for your new year Abatacept. x

[Marionfromhappydays]

Hope it works for you x

[Summerrain14]

I am pleased that you had a good appointment with your rheumatologist, it is a shame about needing to change your biologic but hopefully this one will work as well and stop the infections. I am wondering if my current biologic may have been causing more infections but hope to have a productive appointment with my rheumatologist next Friday. I don’t want to change the biologic for no good reason of course but it had crossed my mind about my re current infections and my biologic is not controlling my RA as well as we had hoped but it all just needs looking at. Hope all goes well when you change your biologic xx

[Sheila_G]

Great! Glad your appointment went so well. x

[Knip]

So glad you had such a good appointment. It is so disheartening when we feel rushed or our thoughts are brushed aside because of a lack of time. Hope the new drug will be as effective as the one you are stopping, but without the need to be contstantly taking antibiotics etc. Good luck. xx

[Mmrr]

Isn't it so good when you feel listened too ?I hope the new med works well for you without the infections.

[hatshepsut]

I was on Abatacept for 4+years. It's a kind biologic!! Hope it's the one for you