Rheumatoid burn out ?

[Calla2712]

Morning all, I am currently on Ritixamab infusions to treat my RA which I have had since I was 32, am now 68. At first the treatment would last about 6 months before I needed another infusion. My last infusion was July 2021, and I am still feeling ok with no flare ups. Makes me think that my RA has burnt out. Consultant says I am in remission? and that I could be ok for up to two years on this treatment . Anyone else in the same situation. ?

[Neonkittie17]

Happened too with me. I always repopulated B cells very slowly so also less need to repeat the infusions more frequently. My rheumy told me several of her Rituximab patients went 2 years before the RA inflammation/symptoms returned. I last had a Rtx single infusion in April 2021 and didn’t start my new med until September 2022 so Rtx lasted me 17-18 months and 23 months on, at present, I believe it’s still doing some good as I never dipped down or flared between ending Rtx and starting Abatacept September 2022. Rtx is keeping you in medical remission as they say, but at some point it will eventually come back is the thinking, depending on when the B cells repopulate/rejuvenate. That’s the very good side of Rtx that of keeps you symptom free for up to a couple of years if you’re lucky. Glad it’s working well for you, so enjoy the freedom! x

[Calla2712 in reply to Neonkittie17]

thank you for your comment, a lot of people have replied to me stating something about B Cells. Hate to say it, but not sure what that means. Had a leaflet given to me when I started this treatment, but I have a tendency to not read stuff like that. I am not a person who looks at side effects etc, can be scary, so avoid it if possible. Could you tell me what the B Cell thing is ?

[oldtimer2 in reply to Calla2712]

Put very simply (it's all terribly complicated) B cells are the cells in the immune system that produce antibodies. They are programmed by T cells that pass information to them about what type of antibodies to make against specific invaders - or in our case, our own cells. Some biological treatments reduce B cells, some T cells and some the inflammatory particles called interleukins. There are other parts of the immune system involved too.

Currently it's trial and error trying out which treatments will help, but work is going on to identify which part or parts of the immune system in each person needs calming down.

Hope that helps!

[sunnyweek]

That's an excellent result. Nice to hear you are in remission. I wish it could burn out, they used to say this. I've had it 34 years but no sign yet!I'm on retuximab and initially went about 7 months, now go almost a year. Over 2 years is amazing glad for you and hope it carries on a good while.

[smilelines]

this post gives me hope. ThAnks for posting. 😀

[Angels54]

I wish ☹️

[stbernhard]

Not in the same situation, but very happy for you. Enjoy!