First Rituxan infusion this Friday - looking for encouragement!

[bgifmo]

Hi everyone,

I'm getting a late Christmas present Friday...my first Rituxan infusion.
I've been on Methotrexate since September, but my sinus congestion and eustachian tube disfunction have not cleared up, not to mention I have developend an ulcer in my nose (still minor right now.)
My doc wanted to try me on MTX first (was diagnosed over the summer) but said at the time he really likes the RTX results with GPA patients. So since over 3 months of MTX didn't have the desired effect, we're going the other route.
So, I'm excited on one hand, hopeful that this is what will put me into remission, and apprehensive on the other because of the list of side effects that are pretty scary.
I just spent 4 days in the hospital over the last couple of weeks because I had blood clots in my lungs, then had to go back in for pneumonia. So sitting still with an IV for 6 hours is no big deal.
The side effects scare me. Like, maybe i need to look into my current life insurance coverage...(scary thought.)
So, I'm looking for some encouraging words.
Thanks!

[XnCelt]

First infusion Oct 4 - second infusion Oct 31 - no side effects…how did yours go?


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[XnCelt]

Do I see you're in the Rochester New York area?


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[XnCelt]

Rochester was a part of my territory as a Pharma rep back in the 80's.


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[Pete]

I had two infusions in October '13. The only side effect was that I was slightly tired the next day. It didn't keep me from doing anything. Good luck!!

[brew22]

Rituxan was the miracle drug for me and put me in remission.. I had no side affects that I was aware of.. relax and know it will help your body to heal... Let us know how it works out for you Love Susan

[Ruotsi1]

1st infusion for me was on sept. 18, second on Oct 2nd. No side effects, but tired for a few days. Nodule in lung has reduced in size.

[blu4runner]

I have been on Rituximab since Aug 2014. Had 4 infusions 1 week apart and now I get an infusion every 4 months. I have had no problems. It takes a while for you to see and fell the results of the infusions but I am pleased with the results so far. I've had a total of 8 infusions to date. I was on methotrexate prior to the change and started to have a flare.
Good luck and best wishes.

[bgifmo]

Hi XnCelt, yes, I"m in Rochester. Infusion is Friday, so we'll see how it goes...

[bgifmo]

That's great news brew22. Glad to hear you are in remission. Everyone seems very encouraging here about the Rituxan so I'll follow your advice and relax.
I'll post back with how it went for me.
Thanks!

[bgifmo]

Thanks Pete. Glad I have this scheduled for a Friday, plus I'm off work the following week. Couldn't have planned it better...

[rebekah]

Hope the infusions went well for you with few side effects and you are in remission soon! :)

[Debbie C]

I'll repeat what Rebekah just said !!!:thumbsup:

[brew22]

blu Do you also take Prednisone???

[bgifmo]

Thank for asking Rebekah. The infusion went very well. I had no reactions during or after the infusion. I'm enjoying a great holiday weekend and i'm very encouraged about the future. Next infusion is January 8, so fingers crossed that this gets me into remission. Thanks everyone for the the encouragement and positive thoughts!

[blu4runner]

Yes I do take prednisone but the dosage was reduced to 2.5mg daily 2 weeks ago. I was on 60mg daily when I started the first infusion.

[psudad]

Glad your first round went well. I had my first infusion last Dec 17 and my 2nd infusion on New Year's Eve. The 2nd went same as first so hopefully the same will be true for you. I achieved full remission by April and have maintained it since then. The only side effects i experienced were related to the prednisone -- i started at 60 for a month and only gradually tapered from there.
Happy new year!