rheumatoid studies

[Guest guest]

I started a study a few weeks back for a Anti-TNF injection, it's a once a week shot. And like Susie's no name yet. Research studies go in phases, the first is usually a double blind study, that means both you and the research will not know if you are receiving the drug or a placebo. I'm in a third phase of a clinical trial, that's means it's open label, everyone in the study gets the drug and they are studying potential side effects on a larger segment of the population. Normally at this point the drug has been determined 'safe' and the dosage has been narrowed down to a effective dosage. My experience so far is good, the swelling is down, my energy is better, not great but better. I even cooked last night! That's a big thing for me. I do have a question: As the swelling went down in your joints, has anyone else experienced itching in their joints?

Before any participation in a study the research will go over all possible side effects, what the study entails, what is expected of you and any tests. You will get written information about all aspects of the study. It's also a way to get the ultrasounds and MRI's your HMO will not pay for.

Oh, and I should introduce myself, my name is , I am from California. I've been dx since 2000 at 40, although as someone who had 'growing pains' as a teenager, and never had painfree joints, the dx was only a formality after I could no longer walk in the mornings. I knew I had RA, both my parents had it and my mother died from it. I've been on Mtx since 2000, now at 9 pills a week. If you feel sick after taking Mtx, ask your doctor about taking folic acid with it, folic acid keeps that flu feeling at bay. I am also on Sulindac and the usual other stuff. For those of you who can't decide about taking the Mtx(methotretate), it took at least 3 months for me to see any improvement. So don't stop too soon, it takes time. I know I must have had some side effects during that time, but it took me so long to get a doctor to pay attention I was in fairly bad shape by the time I got on Mtx. Enbrel and Humira were not an option then, so you are lucky today to have them. Although my GP did talk to me about them about two years ago, but that was when they onlyused it for advanced RA. All in all, I consider myself lucky. I only have a few joints that are going visibly bad and my bone damage could be worse. I am still working and hopefully with the injections, I will have another 5 years before I have to look at retirement. Before my Rheumy figured a way around the HMO (gotta love HMO's), I was looking into Disability retirement. Luckily, I have a Rheumy at a research hospital with active RA research going on.

My goals are to be able to do my artwork again and dance.

Subject: Re: rheumatoid studies

I keep forgetting to sign my name.

I'm Susie from Indianapolis. And I'm the one who is taking part in the study.

By the way are there any Hoosiers out there?

Susie