wgrebel
08-21-2010, 06:36 AM
I have made great strides in the last month as far as my Wegs goes. I came of Cytoxan July 14, 2010 after I was hospitalized due to the crippling effects the Cytoxan had on my immune system. I could no longer tollerate a theraputic dose of Cytoxan so my doctors began Rituxan therapy July 19, 2010. I have now completed my four Rituxan infusions and have started Cellcept. I am on 1500 mg of Cellcept a day (2 in the am and one in the pm). When I went into the hospital July 13, 2010 I was on 60 mg a day of preds. I am now down to 35 mg a day until Tueday 8/24/10 when I go to 30 a day for a week & then 25 a day for a week & then 20 a week. My rheumatologist has not said what will happen when I get to 20 mg a day. My questions follow:
What is the SOP for stepping down when you get to 20 mg of preds a day? Is is five a week until you get to 10 or is it slower? I am ready to get off the preds ASAP :)
I have tollerated the Cellcept and the only side effect I have had is diarreah (sp). However, I have began taking immodium and that seems to throttle this side effect and make it more bearable. My questions about Cellcept follow:
What kind of side effects have each of you who are on Cellcept encountered? What is your dosage of Cellcept? To anyone who is in remission, do you stay on Cellcept or some kind of maintenance drug like methotrexate once the doctors declare you to be in remission. I have had good numbers the last few times I have been to the doctors and I pray that remission is around the corner for me but I know it will be awhile. One thing you must learn with Wegs is to be longsuffering. Wegs is like playing hide and seek except you (the weggie) are always "it" and you have to look for your opponent (the WG and what it does to you) blindfolded while it hides at the same time. Thanks for any advice and questions ya'll might have.
On a more personal note I have had the best week as far as feeling good in 4 months & my employer has just informed me they are shipping me a new laptop, PC, document station, shredder, & supplies to set up a full office at home. I have been working at home part of the time and my office the other days but home is much easier.
Hope all are well.
WG Rebel "your friendly neighborhood Weggie from Mississippi"
What is the SOP for stepping down when you get to 20 mg of preds a day? Is is five a week until you get to 10 or is it slower? I am ready to get off the preds ASAP :)
I have tollerated the Cellcept and the only side effect I have had is diarreah (sp). However, I have began taking immodium and that seems to throttle this side effect and make it more bearable. My questions about Cellcept follow:
What kind of side effects have each of you who are on Cellcept encountered? What is your dosage of Cellcept? To anyone who is in remission, do you stay on Cellcept or some kind of maintenance drug like methotrexate once the doctors declare you to be in remission. I have had good numbers the last few times I have been to the doctors and I pray that remission is around the corner for me but I know it will be awhile. One thing you must learn with Wegs is to be longsuffering. Wegs is like playing hide and seek except you (the weggie) are always "it" and you have to look for your opponent (the WG and what it does to you) blindfolded while it hides at the same time. Thanks for any advice and questions ya'll might have.
On a more personal note I have had the best week as far as feeling good in 4 months & my employer has just informed me they are shipping me a new laptop, PC, document station, shredder, & supplies to set up a full office at home. I have been working at home part of the time and my office the other days but home is much easier.
Hope all are well.
WG Rebel "your friendly neighborhood Weggie from Mississippi"