Hi Everyone!

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement, well wishes, prayers and good vibes!!! Everything went well yesterday with my Rituxan infusion. It ended up taking 8.5 hours because I had some shortness of breath when they first turned up the speed of the infusion. As for pre-meds, they gave me Tylenol, Methyprednisone and Claritin. I wondered about the Claritiin because that drug doesn't do much for me with seasonal allergies. When I had the reaction, they gave me extra Benydryl and Steroids and went really slow. The best news is that the first infusion is behind me and I am feeling pretty good today. Thank you, thank you!

Your advice to drink a lot of water was also helpful, not only in getting a good IV stick but also in just processing the meds. I was tired last night and didn't have the most restful sleep but I know I will begin to feel better as the steroids are tapered and my nose begins to feel better.

My doctor is putting me on Dapsone for a few months because I am allergic to Bactrim. I am a little nervous about adding another drug to the mix but I know they will watch the labs carefully. I'll plan to take a probiotic as I saw mentioned and suggested in some other posts on Dapsone.

Having had Wegners/GPA for 41 years, since the age of 13, I have taken Steroids, Imuran, Cyclosporin and Cytoxin. It sure seems like Rituxan is the least toxic of all of these - what an amazing drug! I am hoping that my nose heals, doesn't fall anymore than it already has and that my 25-year-old kidney transplant holds up with these new meds in me.

My next infusion is in two weeks and I am not sure what's planned after that. Will see my Rheum next week and see what her thoughts are. The specialist at Johns Hopkins that I saw said I might not need long term Rituxan because I have the Cyclosporin on board for the transplant. How long does the Rituxan take to really start working? Is it 2-3 months? Would love to hear your take on that.

Anyway, thanks again for all of your words of encouragement. If I can help anyone out there, please let me know.

Feeling better everyday,

Kim