Hi everyone, I’m just looking for information and advice. Has anyone on here been diagnosed with serositis due to RA and if so, what treatment were you given? I’ve had bilateral pleural effusions/ pericardial for over a year MMF caused horrendous side effects so my prednisone is now back to 30mg whilst I await infusion of Ritulumab (probably spelt that wrong. My lungs have definitely took a beating and I know I’ll never be the same.
Thanks for any reply
Wendy xx
Do you mean Rituximab?I don't have Serosistis no but however I have RA Interstitial Lung Disease lovingly gifted by RA. My treatment was Rituximab, which I'm still on. My lungs still hurt when I sneeze or laugh 😭 but the scarring has improved massively. When did you start RTX, if that's what you meant?
Hi yes that’s what I mean, I’m getting another ct scan with dye on Monday then they are taking it from there so hopefully pretty soon. How do you feel? Does it help with the breathlessness? When do you start to feel any better etc. sorry I’m bombarding you with questions .
Thank you
Wendy x
Honestly it's fine, so 2023 was the worst year in my 22 year RA life, I was really bad in bed for 8 months, bone marrow biopsies, lung biopsies, scan after scan, lost 2.5 stone. I started mine in August 2023 and I think because of how s**t i felt, within about 3 weeks I was able to get out of bed again so it worked quick for me. Now I FEEL BLOODY AWESOME, I'm now in Remission and have been for about 6 months now, I'm no longer breathless, stabbing pains and costochondritis pain has gone. My weight has come back up and I no longer look like death 😅 I'm now currently waiting for hand surgery to realign my fingers with 4 knuckle joint replacements and weist replacement, as my fingers have literally fallen off the knuckles that are no longer there, I had to wait till the disease was controlled enough
I really hope you feel better as quick as I did, always here for a chat if needed ❤️
Fantastic and I really appreciate this. They have held off doing lung biopsy because they said it’s too risky for me currently, however they do keep checking my contrast CT scans. I know how you feel as the last few months I’ve struggled getting out of bed, I can hardly see, my vision is affected, pain is through the roof and my breathing is horrendous. I’m really hoping this works for me too.
Take care
Wendy xx
Keep us updated xx
Hi Wendy, sorry to hear that you're feeling so unwell. Do you know what is causing the problem with your eyes?
Yes sjogrens and Ra . I have gels and drops but they only do so much unfortunately.
Thanks
Wendy xx
As I thought. I also have Sjorgen's. My eyes are terrible at the moment and getting worse. I agree about the drops and gels. I have just returned from hospital appointment with rheumatologist. I am going again next Monday to see opthalmology consultant. I'm hoping she can prescribe something more effective. Do you use a hot eye mask? I've started to but not sure it help really.
Yes, but again not much help it’s worse now in winter with heating on I’ve noticed.
Take care
Wendy xx
Struggling 😥
4 months since RA diagnosis and no difference in pain. 
Help please; recommendations for an adapted car for my mobility scooter.
Blood clot
best and worst of human nature
