Re: Remicade Junkie!

[Guest guest]

Bill, this reply won't help you this time but it might in the

future. I'm also remicade-dependent and I have been delayed a

couple of times in the past before the dependence kicked in. Now

that the Remicade is working I am going off Prednisone and a delay

in Remicade would cause me major problems. If I had problems

because of a delay (or even if 8 weeks between infusions is too

long) I would resume Prednisone at a sufficient level to continue

functioning. My Rheumatologist hasn't told me to but he knows I

juggle my Prednisone according to how I feel rather than waiting for

specific instructions. After the infusion I would go off Prednisone

as quickly as I could. Good luck and God bless.

Grandpavan1927

> I think I have become a Remicade Junkie. This is the third time in

18 months that my infusion date has been boggled by my Rhemy's

office staff and my PPO. Authorization delay they say, each

ascribing the delay to the other. However, the delay has given me

the opportunity to discover just how addicted I have become to

Remicade. A few days prior to my infusion date, the efficacy of

Remicade begins to subside and the RA pain and discomfort returns. I

need a fix. It has now been 4 days since my scheduled infusion, the

longest I have gone past my scheduled date, and I feel I am on the

verge of a flare. The pain has really gotten worse and even

depression has set in. I find myself in a constant state of anxiety,

unable to concentrate, and short tempered. Oh yes and playing old

Velvet Underground tapes too! I really " need " that infusion! I know

everthing will be all right when the fluid begins to flow into my

veins. Yes, I Remicade Junkie ($7,438 a fix) at the mercy of forms,

authorizations, and the Company. I know I am not alone!

>

> Regards,

>

> Bill