Guest guest Posted June 16, 2009 Report Share Posted June 16, 2009 Once again I turn the Group. My Rheumatologist visit today was good, I got an increase in MTX and a new pain reliever which I am hoping will be more effective. The last four weeks have been very bad for me. Also I have go to the hosital and have a special blood test done because I tested positive for exposure to TB. Then my GP will get the results and begin a " TNF " so I can begin one of the biologics. She said this will take nine months to complete! What is a TNF? and what can I expect. I am kind of anxious about it so I have nothing funny to say. But I suppose it probably doesn't stand for No need-to-worry-about-your-RA Factor. More like bend over and grap your ankles, that's been my experience thus far. Stan, Seattle, Actually 28 days of no rain, wow!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2009 Report Share Posted June 16, 2009 TNF = tumor necrosis factor. The anti-TNF biologics (Enbrel, Humira, Remicade) block TNF. Not an MD On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 7:53 PM, detour721 <stanpfister@...> wrote: > Once again I turn the Group. My Rheumatologist visit today was good, I got > an increase in MTX and a new pain reliever which I am hoping will be more > effective. The last four weeks have been very bad for me. Also I have go to > the hosital and have a special blood test done because I tested positive for > exposure to TB. Then my GP will get the results and begin a " TNF " so I can > begin one of the biologics. She said this will > take nine months to complete! What is a TNF? and what can I expect. I am > kind of anxious about it so I have nothing funny to say. But I suppose it > probably doesn't stand for No need-to-worry-about-your-RA Factor. More like > bend over and grap your ankles, that's been my experience thus far. > > Stan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2009 Report Share Posted June 16, 2009 Okay, but what does that mean? What am I gonna have to do, what are they going to be doing for nine months. Do I take injects, transfusions, granola? Stan Re: [ ] RA and a TNF ? TNF = tumor necrosis factor. The anti- TNF biologics ( Enbrel , Humira , Remicade ) block TNF . Not an MD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2009 Report Share Posted June 16, 2009 She may be saying that you might have to be treated for TB for a few months. I'm not sure exactly what was said - I wasn't there. Something has been lost in the translation, Stan. Not an MD On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 10:03 PM, <stanpfister@...> wrote:, > > > Okay, but what does that mean? What am I gonna have to do, what are they > going to be doing for nine months. Do I take injects, transfusions, granola? > > > > Stan > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 I guess we'll find out! Stan Re: [ ] RA and a TNF? She may be saying that you might have to be treated for TB for a few months. I'm not sure exactly what was said - I wasn't there. Something has been lost in the translation, Stan. Not an MD On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 10:03 PM, <stanpfister@...> wrote:, > > > Okay, but what does that mean? What am I gonna have to do, what are they > going to be doing for nine months. Do I take injects, transfusions, granola? > > > > Stan > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hey Stan, TNF stands for Tumor Necrosis Factor and it is a medicine used to block the cytokines(which are proteins that are part of the inflammatory process). These drugs such as Remicade, Humira etc... are part of a larger group of drugs called BRM's or Biologic Response Modifiers which is self- explanatory. heehee You can usually begins to feel relief within two to three weeks. Most of them are given as a one hour IV infusion which is given in your Rheumatologists office or a hospital infusion room. There are some that last as little as 30 minutes, once a month, to one, Rituxan(which I take), which is given over five hours every 4-6 months. I have been taking these meds since they came out in about 1998. They are all usually given in conjunction with Methotrexate. I hope this works out for you!!! MicheleBB > > > > Okay, but what does that mean? What am I gonna have to do, what are they going to be doing for nine months. Do I take injects, transfusions, granola? > > > > Stan > > > Re: [ ] RA and a TNF ? > > TNF = tumor necrosis factor. The anti- TNF biologics ( Enbrel , Humira , > Remicade ) block TNF . > > > Not an MD > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hi Stan - the TNF is " Tumor Necrosis Factor " and the biologics are a TNF inhibitor. High levels of TNF in the blood have been shown to be a cause of the inflammation associated with RA. The Anti-TNF Blockers (Biologics) help block the process that causes pain, inflammation, and joint damage. All of that is after the fact, though. After you're done with your TB exposure treatment. My step-daughter tested positive for exposure to TB also - she completed 6 months of INH (Chemoprophylaxis with isoniazid) therapy (6-12 months is the recommended treatment time). It was very simple - daily pills (if I recall correctly). She did not have any side effects from the medication. She will always test positive for TB with the PPD skin test, so any time they need a test for TB, they have to do a chest x-ray instead. I know all of this is scary and can be very confusing, but it sounds like your Rheumy has you on the right path. The INH treatments will help prevent your TB exposure from becoming active. Hang in there. Praying the increased MTX and new pain pills will help you to be more comfortable. Keep us posted. You know we care Doreen Once again I turn the Group. My Rheumatologist visit today was good, I got an increase in MTX and a new pain reliever which I am hoping will be more effective. The last four weeks have been very bad for me. Also I have go to the hosital and have a special blood test done because I tested positive for exposure to TB. Then my GP will get the results and begin a " TNF " so I can begin one of the biologics. She said this will take nine months to complete! What is a TNF? and what can I expect. am kind of anxious about it so I have nothing funny to say. But I suppose it probably doesn't stand for No need-to-worry-about-your-RA Factor. More like bend over and grap your ankles, that's been my experience thus far. Stan, Seattle, Actually 28 days of no rain, wow!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 I'm not scared, I'm just trying figure out what's involved. Of course, my Rheumatologist was about as informative as left- over spam. I have to go to the hospital lab were were they'll take some blood and do a " live " test. Here's a tip doc, when I give blood it's ALWAYS live. I'm an expert pin cushion at this point. Then I have to " contact " my GP to begin the " procedure " . She said this like the great big medical building he works in is a secret. I'm considering my options, carrier pigeon, message in a bottle, or maybe I'll just give him a call on the phone! I know it's the right path because we (me and the Rheumatologist) discussed it six months ago, we should have started it then, why she kept putting it off I don't know, I thought I'd be trying Enbrel two months ago. I don't have TB, never had it, but I did test positive for exposure and got the x-ray. Some how I've exposed myself! I really appreciate your help. I wonder if I'll have to take these pill secretly, or maybe just keep a low profile? Stan, Seattle, Cloudy -gee that's new! [ ] Re: RA and a TNF? Hi Stan - the TNF is " Tumor Necrosis Factor " and the biologics are a TNF inhibitor. High levels of TNF in the blood have been shown to be a cause of the inflammation associated with RA. The Anti-TNF Blockers (Biologics) help block the process that causes pain, inflammation, and joint damage. All of that is after the fact, though. After you're done with your TB exposure treatment. My step-daughter tested positive for exposure to TB also - she completed 6 months of INH (Chemoprophylaxis with isoniazid) therapy (6-12 months is the recommended treatment time). It was very simple - daily pills (if I recall correctly). She did not have any side effects from the medication. She will always test positive for TB with the PPD skin test, so any time they need a test for TB, they have to do a chest x-ray instead. I know all of this is scary and can be very confusing, but it sounds like your Rheumy has you on the right path. The INH treatments will help prevent your TB exposure from becoming active. Hang in there. Praying the increased MTX and new pain pills will help you to be more comfortable.  Keep us posted.  You know we care Doreen  Once again I turn the Group. My Rheumatologist visit today was good, I got an increase in MTX and a new pain reliever which I am hoping will be more effective. The last four weeks have been very bad for me. Also I have go to the hosital and have a special blood test done because I tested positive for exposure to TB. Then my GP will get the results and begin a " TNF " so I can begin one of the biologics. She said this will take nine months to complete! What is a TNF? and what can I expect.  am kind of anxious about it so I have nothing funny to say. But I suppose it probably doesn't stand for No need-to-worry-about-your-RA Factor. More like bend over and grap your ankles, that's been my experience thus far.   Stan,  Seattle, Actually 28 days of no rain, wow!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hi Stan:    When I was 31 I tested positve for T.B. Due to my age, I went to a T.B. hosp. where they started me on T.B. meds. I became allergic to them, and had to stop taking them.     My Rheumy told me that if I have to think about Biological meds. that I would have to see a disease specialist dr. I hope I never have to consider biological meds. I don't want to risl t.b. of my lungs or bones. Due to the allergies to the preventative T.B. treatment, I can never take them again.     I hope you make out good, and that you can take the T.B. meds., so you can start the biological drugs. It is always something with us, never easy choices to make. I pray all goes good for you.     Wow, 28 days of sunshine! Is that a record for Seattle? Do you miss the rain?     Hope you feel better soon. Wishing you pain free days ahead.  Hugs,  Barbara From: detour721 <stanpfister@...> Subject: [ ] RA and a TNF? Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 5:53 PM Once again I turn the Group. My Rheumatologist visit today was good, I got an increase in MTX and a new pain reliever which I am hoping will be more effective. The last four weeks have been very bad for me. Also I have go to the hosital and have a special blood test done because I tested positive for exposure to TB. Then my GP will get the results and begin a " TNF " so I can begin one of the biologics. She said this will take nine months to complete! What is a TNF? and what can I expect. I am kind of anxious about it so I have nothing funny to say. But I suppose it probably doesn't stand for No need-to-worry- about-your- RA Factor. More like bend over and grap your ankles, that's been my experience thus far. Stan, Seattle, Actually 28 days of no rain, wow!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hi... Thanks for the information. I guess we'll find out, the one thing I do have on my side is very little allergies to anything but I'll have to wait and see what my GP has to say about it. I think we missed setting a new record by one or two days. Now the clouds are back and we're expecting the same kind of damp weather we usually have at this time of year. I hope that wasn't summer! Stan, Seattle, Cloudy [ ] RA and a TNF? Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 5:53 PM Once again I turn the Group. My Rheumatologist visit today was good, I got an increase in MTX and a new pain reliever which I am hoping will be more effective. The last four weeks have been very bad for me. Also I have go to the hosital and have a special blood test done because I tested positive for exposure to TB. Then my GP will get the results and begin a " TNF " so I can begin one of the biologics. She said this will take nine months to complete! What is a TNF? and what can I expect. I am kind of anxious about it so I have nothing funny to say. But I suppose it probably doesn't stand for No need-to-worry- about-your- RA Factor. More like bend over and grap your ankles, that's been my experience thus far. Stan, Seattle, Actually 28 days of no rain, wow!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 Michele, Tumor necrosis factor is a cytokine, not a medicine. Remicade, Humira, and Enbrel are anti-TNF agents. Not an MD On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 7:38 AM, Michele <michelebrooks04@...> wrote: > Hey Stan, TNF stands for Tumor Necrosis Factor and it is a medicine used to > block the cytokines(which are proteins that are part of the inflammatory > process). These drugs such as Remicade, Humira etc... are part of a larger > group of drugs called BRM's or Biologic Response Modifiers which is self- > explanatory. heehee You can usually begins to feel relief within two to > three weeks. Most of them are given as a one hour IV infusion which is > given in your Rheumatologists office or a hospital infusion room. There are > some that last as little as 30 minutes, once a month, to one, Rituxan(which > I take), which is given over five hours every 4-6 months. I have been taking > these meds since they came out in about 1998. They are all usually given in > conjunction with Methotrexate. I hope this works out for you!!! MicheleBB > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 Thanks for the information, I am getting a clear picture now. It was self explanatory, no wonder I didn't get it! Stan Seattle, Cloudy Re: [ ] RA and a TNF ? > > TNF = tumor necrosis factor. The anti- TNF biologics ( Enbrel , Humira , > Remicade ) block TNF . > > > Not an MD > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 , That's what I meant. I'll be sure to reread every post so as not to make a mistake. However, " me think thou dost protest too much " MicheleBB > > Michele, > > Tumor necrosis factor is a cytokine, not a medicine. Remicade, Humira, and > Enbrel are anti-TNF agents. > > > Not an MD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 Sorry, Michele. Fact-checking is a necessary part of my job as moderator. Not an MD On Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 8:07 AM, Michele <michelebrooks04@...> wrote: > , That's what I meant. I'll be sure to reread every post so as not to > make a mistake. However, " me think thou dost protest too much " MicheleBB > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 It's ok I was just teasing you MicheleBB > > Sorry, Michele. Fact-checking is a necessary part of my job as moderator. > > > > Not an MD > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2009 Report Share Posted June 19, 2009 No, heehee I meant the term BRM's is self- explanatory in that these meds modify our biology. hahahahahhaha You are GREAT!! MicheleBB > > > > Thanks for the information, I am getting a clear picture now. It was self explanatory, no wonder I didn't get it! > > > > Stan > > Seattle, Cloudy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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