New treatment

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 tnguyen308 1 Comments

After 18 years with the same Rheumatologist, I've decided to change. I was not feeling any better even though I was told I was fine and in remission. I wanted a fresh new set of eyes on me, after all, it's my body and future that is at stake.

After a few visits with the new doc, she noticed a lot of things my old doctor was not doing, including TB tests. Because of the medication I've been on, Enbrel, I'm supposed to be getting these tests every year, however, after 11 years on this medication, I have never been given this test. Boy, was she shocked to hear that. Also, even after my knee surgery, my knee has never been back to 100%. She was able to remove some fluid from the knee and inject it with steroids twice. It was a good relief but still, only a temporary relief. After x-rays, MRI's and blood tests, my doctor realized I was not in remission, I actually have active disease causing flare ups. Not only that, the disease was not under control and eating away at my joints. I was not happy at all to hear this. My doctor recommended for me to go on Remicade.

After a lot of thought and research, the hubby and I decided it would be the best treatment for me. Today was the first treatment, though very nervous, everything went on without a hitch. The only thing that hurt was the needle to insert the IV, after that, it was lights out for me for three hours. Hopefully, this new treatment will help me with the progression of my disease.