Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Remicade if I am lucky !!!

Hi all,
Here in Australia remicade has only been on the PBS since Aug 2004 and we have to meet a strict criteria to get it.
My rheumatologist and I have just filled out the application form and I have passed all the criteria except an ESR above 25mm/hr or CRP above 10mg/L but I am exempt from this as I am on prednisolone so with a bit of luck I might get it.
The only problem is if my application gets passed I only get 2 infusions 2 weeks apart then between 4-6 after the first infusion I must achieve a 20% inprovement in ESR or CRP but because I don't have a ESR above 25 I have to get this 20% from the BASDAI, this is going to be hard as I am partly fussed.
So any one in OZ if your ESR or CRP is not above 25 & 10 you can get around this by going on prednisolone.

Fingers X,
Adriaan

Adriann-

Good luck getting approved for Remicade. You sound like a good candidate for it. I hope it works well for you- Shari

Adriaan,

good luck hope it comes through........should n;t take too long!

David

Hi Adriaan,

I don't know how much 'partially' fused means in your particular case, but I'm also partially fused and could probably easily pass a 20% improvement mark already - even tho it's only been a week and a half since my initial infusion. If you're a responder then it seems to start helping almost immediately.

I've actually run down my staircase at least 3 times this week, and I have only managed that kind of stunt about once or twice... in the last 24 years!

I'd focus on seeing if you get approved and worry about the rest as it comes. I had some sort of unpleasant reaction after my first infusion, and if I react again on the 2nd one, then they're planning to yank me back off Remicade for good. It will break my heart to give up this wonder drug, but I guess hurdles and obstacles should be expected.

I hope you'll get this chance to give it a try!
All the best of luck to you, and fingers X'ed!

mig

Mig,

fantastic progress, got my fingers crossed for you next transfusion........do n;t forget enbrel humira......Ninbot has been through a few of these and finally found the right one.

David

...thanks, JC! And if the next one goes well, I'll definitely be dancing!

I only wish that everyone could have the chance to try it!

Hugs,

mig

Hi David,

Thanks for the X'ed fingers. The progress is unbelieveable and has even boosted my energy too! If it doesn't work out, I think they might have me try Enbrel next. A red tape filled maze to process applications is easily worth it, for this kind of benefit.

Hugs,

mig

Remicade is so beautiful. On it for a year now and enjoy everyday. I take it every eight weeks. At week 71/2 I feel rundown and the pain starts coming back. I'm ok with this because it's a reminder of where I was and hopefully will not return to! Some of you have probably been down this road........I'll cross when I have to. As president I would give Remicade to all! Arthur

Great isn't it!

I've been on the big R for a year and a half now, and it worked wonders for me also. I'm feeling almost pre AS now. No pain, increasing movement, beginning to slowly becoming more upright again, even though Iv'e still some way to go yet, before I can put my head against a wall when standing with my back against it.

Hope you continue with your improvements.

regards

Mattias