Remicade infusions - general questions

[Guest guest]

I have a rheumy appt in a few weeks. I think we are at the point of

selecting a new med - Humira, Enbrel, or Remicade.

While I'm anxious to try something that might be more effective, I'm

also terrified because of a stupid needle-phobia. My dr is leaning

towards Remicade infusions because of this. I've been doing a lot of

reading about all of them. I do keep reading about allergic reactions

to Remicade and people who are wiped out for a few days after the

infusion.

I'd love to hear from anyone that is on Remicade infusions. Your

experience with it? What does the treatment feel like, exactly what

happens, how long does it take, how often do you go for treatments,

what side effects have you experienced, how well has it worked, etc.

Thanks so much for your input and helping this " nervous Nellie " !

Kim

>

> For those of you who have said you feel more pain before your scheduled

> infusion date...

>

> Did this happen right from the start of the infusions, or did it start

> months after your first infusion?

>

> I have never noticed much difference at all after infusions or

before them,

> but I am due for my next infusion this coming Monday, and this past

> week-week and a half I have been in more and more pain each day. Even my

> hands are hurting again, which had gone away pretty much over the past

> months.

>

> The reason I don't know which aches and pains are being effected by the

> Remicade is that I have both RA and osteoarthritis. Everytime I

mention a

> particularly painful spot, the rheumy says that is osteo, or that I have

> both and the Remicade is only helping the RA part.

>

> So, is it possible that though I haven't felt the pain get worse

previously,

> before infusions, that now (my 5th infusion, I think) it has caught

up and

> maybe aren't working as long? I am currently on every 8 weeks for

infusions,

> and weekly I take 4 methotrexate on Sundays, and folic acid everyday.

>

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