Guest guest Posted October 30, 2004 Report Share Posted October 30, 2004 Steph, I agree a positive attitude is important and often hard to hang onto. I also hate the you're so young" and "you don't look sick", I have had some form of uncle arthur since I fell as a freshman in college. I had a roommate in college that got JRA at 6 months and I tell people at least I had an extra 18 years pain free. Age does not = arthritis. The MTX is controlling it well and the doctor is planning to cut the dosage down on Thursday. Everyone is invited to view my pictures from the MD Renaissance faire and the opening of the National Museum of American Indians on the webshots page below or to visit my garden and dog's website. Have fun, Lynette lmthib@... MD - zone 7 Visit Molly's Site (my Boston Terrier and garden on second page): http://home.earthlink.net/~lmthib/mollys_site/ Visit my webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/lmthib ----- Original Message ----- From: DeNicola Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: 10/28/2004 11:27:46 PM Subject: Remicade Hi all, I agree with Harold (aka Grandpavan) about publishing and risks. For example, the new indications for Remicade say you must get a TB test prior to beginning treatment. Apparently some patients had inactive TB and the Remicade brought it active. I talked to my rheumy about it and he said that almost all the cases reported were in Europe, which still struggles with TB in its regular population, let alone immune system compromised. Like Harold, I have been on Remicade for 4.5 years, and will continue to take it as long as I can. I currently do not have insurance so the manufacturing company, Centocor, is giving it to me for free. I understand people being reluctant to try meds because of potential side effects. However, I grew up in NYC and, since I survived 22 years living in the ghetto without being shot, I figure I'm living on borrowed time anyway. November 8 is my 5 year anniversary of being diagnosed with arthritis. While I hate living in pain, enduring fatigue, and the countless "you're so young" and "you don't look sick", having arthritis has given me opportunities that I never would have had (make no mistake, I would give it back if I could). Recently, someone asked me how I could stay upbeat despite all I live with. I just look at bad things and say "At least I could dress myself today" -- something I couldn't do 5 years ago. Sorry for the ramble (although those of you who have been on the list awhile aren't surprised)! Take care, Steph in Culpeper, VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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