REMICADE FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

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Registered: 11-03-2003
REMICADE FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
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Fri, 03-11-2005 - 3:14pm
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Infliximab Useful in Refractory Ankylosing Spondylitis



Reuters Health Information 2005. © 2005 Reuters Ltd.

Molly

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Sun, 03-13-2005 - 6:00am
I knew this drug was approved for Ankylosing Spondilitis which I have so thanks for posting the info to actually read. I am still waiting my approval for Remicade. My doc is now talking to the doc at Regence and getting the doc to agree so it should happen eventually and I am hoping sooner rather than later as I am not feeling well at all. I hurt from the waist down and then include my wrists and neck.

Donna
Donna
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Registered: 06-11-2004
Sun, 03-13-2005 - 10:50am

Sorry you're not feeling well Donna :( I sure understand how uncomfortable it can be. And I know how tough Regence is (that's my insurance company too). Let your Doctor duke it out with them - that's what you pay them for. Does a heating pad work for you? I've been trying that when I lay down in the evening. I've been trying to go for walks and swim a little. Exercise is suppose to help. For me, doing one thing (like standing, sitting, laying, etc.) for more than a half an hour seems to bring on the discomfort. I don't know if you have the same problem. My stamina is not good. I can get so tired from going out to dinner with friends that I just want croak.

I hope you feel better soon. I know things will work out for you. :)
Susan

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Registered: 06-11-2004
Sun, 03-13-2005 - 11:05am
Thank you Molly for finding this article! I'll have to print it out. I know that the insurance company's issue is the tremendous cost of Remicade. They just don't want to shell out $1200 to $1400 for each treatment session. Doesn't help those of us who need to try it.
Susan
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Sun, 03-13-2005 - 12:42pm

I take Vicoden at night so I can sleep, and xanax sometimes too. During the day I find the same thing, too, that you described: doing any one thing for a long time brings on the discomfort. I take Tylenol during the day. I have been doing Yoga type strecth exercises and lifting weights and walking with my dog. It makes me feel better, mentally and physically. I think the mental is just as important because hopelessness can set in so easily and make it all much worse.


My doc is doing a good job in the battle with Regence, I hear from his nurse.

Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Tue, 03-15-2005 - 12:45pm
Susan, that's exactly what I was hoping -- that everyone who needs Remicade and can't get it would print this out and show their doctors or insurance company.

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Tue, 03-15-2005 - 11:35pm

The thing is, my ins wanted me to try Enbrel first. It is just as expensive. So it really makes no sense.


Donna
Donna
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Registered: 11-03-2003
Wed, 03-16-2005 - 12:03pm
I know!

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Wed, 03-16-2005 - 7:52pm
Thank you,
Donna
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Registered: 11-03-2003
Thu, 03-17-2005 - 12:43pm
Do let us know, Donna.

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Thu, 03-17-2005 - 10:50pm

Well, I saw him today. I had so many doc appts this week I was confused about who was when.


My GI doc said he has been talking to the Regence doc who is a Radiologist. Can you believe that? A radiologist! This guy is trying to tell my GI doc how to prescribe and treat his patients when this is my doc's field of specialty. It is more than ridiculous. My doc says he thought he was getting through to this guy who was questioning my diagnosis, questioning it with the specialist in the field. He said

Donna

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