needing some adivce

[charhunt]

Hi all

Im new to this and i have had ra for nearly 4 years found out when i was 21 that i had it, ive just had my 4th infusion of infelximab and was wondering when i was ment to start feeling it make a difference, as still having alot of pain with most of my joints thank if any one can help.

[dickfend]

Hi I have had RA for 40 years and have been on Infliximab every 6 weeks for the last 6 years and if my memory serves me right, it took a good 6 months before I felt the full effect. However, it will not take all the pain away as I still get flare-ups and pain elsewhere, but it does suppress the full effect of severe pain. I guess you are still taking Methotrexate along with your infusions and maybe, if after a time you are still in a lot of pain then maybe your Mtx needs to be increased, but obviously, you need to see your Rhumy nurse or specialist for that advice. I do say that I would have been in a lot more trouble with pain if it wasn't for Infliximab and I'm sure others will tell you the same. I do wish you better, but go and see your specialist if you do not think it is giving you the relief you deserve. Brian.

[Hidden]

Hi Charhunt, I'm afraid I can't answer your question as I'm not familiar with the medication you take. I think you should speak with your rheumy as advised by Brian and perhaps your GP to see about better pain relief until the medication has had time to kick in fully. I hope things improve for you soon, which I'm sure they will given time and the right medication.

Best wishes

Paula x

[lynn-bel]

Hi

I'm on methotrexate and not on your meds but I think generally it takes a while for meds to kick in. As Brian says you will still have some pain and flare ups even when meds ease a lot of the pain. But, there are so many things you can do for yourself. Get asmuch info as you can from the internet - Arthritis UK and the NRAS website will have loads of stuff to read and brochures you can order. I've had RA for 12 years and my main advice is to focus on what you CAN do and not on what you can't. Rest when your body tells you to rest but also get as much exercise as you can. Use ice for inflammation and heat for pain. I take a lot of supplements that I swear by but everyone is different and its up to you if you think you want to try things like Fish Oil, Vit. E, Starflower Oil, all helps me with the inflammation (I take a few more as well, but won't list them all here and bore you!)

Your consultant should help you if you feel you arent getting any benefit from the meds, but do give them time. Listen to your body, ask for help when you need it and stay as mobile as you can.

Hang in there and we are all rooting for you!!

Lynn x

[charhunt]

hey guys thanks i am on the methotrexate im also on hydroxychloroquine still as well as a few other meds for other health problems i do as much walking as i can as have a dog and a small child so rest is really a no no for me as she just coming up 2 and look after on my own i have my infusions every 8 weeks just didnt wont them to take me off them as i werent feeling the effects yet thats all thanks guys for your help

char x