I haven’t been on here for many years also and have been on Biologics —Remicade for years, which worked so well, and then I got a cancer diagnosis last Jan ‘24, and I had to get off my biologic also. I had stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and am happy to say that I beat it! My pain in my body from the AS was managed pretty well by the chemo, since it kills your white blood cells. Then in Sept I got the wonderful news that the cancer was gone and I am now taking the maintenance infusion of Avastin for a year. I did develop neuropathy in both my hands and my feet, and my organs were being affected too—I am still working on that. However, my body was feeling a LOT of pain, especially in the kidney and rib areas so I asked my PC,my Oncologist and my Rhuemy if I could get back on the Remicade, and I was told no to the Remicade, but I could try another Biologic that was different. They put me first of all on a Cosentyx sample and it was helping some but not enough. Plus, my insurance wouldn’t cover it because it was an at home shot instead of a clinical applied medicine. Then I got approval from all my doctors and from my insurance company to try Simpony Aria infusion, as it is given in a clinical infusion situation. I was feeling much better in 24 hrs and has been working well for me since. I am turning 69 tomorrow and I will never again complain about my age. I will be grateful for every birthday, and every day I can enjoy being a grandma to my noisy, messy, funny and fun little grands. Celebrate everyday! Be your own advocate and ask for what you feel you need. I have been blessed that my doctors have all consented to work together and continually work together at getting and giving updates that they share. I hope and wish for you all to have that and advocate for that. It was good to get back on and share. Laurie
