HELP! How can I convince a 21 yr old woman to take Remicade or Embril?

March 3, 2002

Hello All,

I have joined this group to find some insight and support.

My 21 year old stepdaughter was diagnosed with RA last year. Her

name is Amber. She also has asthma and additionally began using

heroin before she was diagnosed, but is continuing to use for pain

control. She is trying to conform to a methadone program, but

everyday is a battle. The pain and depression overwhelm her, and she

talks about taking her own life. She has the opportunity to begin

Remicade therapy, but she is focusing on the listed side effects.

She is afraid she will not be able to have children after taking the

Remicade. The anger, depression, and pain take its toll on her and

everyone around her. From where is stand, the benefits outweigh the

risks, BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

I can empathize, but I can never truly understand what she is going

through. I have fibromyalgia so I know about pain everyday. I only

know that if there was a medication out there that could take it

away, I would do it.

I can't get her to go to any support groups in the area. She is very

skeptical of the internet because of some of the strange things that

happen in chat rooms. If I could read her some messages from people

that understand, maybe it would be a good source of information and

hope for the future.

I guess what I am hoping is that someone could picture in their mind

what they would say to their own daughter. Could anything you know

or have gone through help her? Your thoughts and kind words are

greatly appreciated.

Here's hoping!

Rowan

Recommended Posts