Sunday, April 10, 2011

Second Actemra Infusion


So I had my second Actemra (tocilizumab) infusion, on Wednesday and NO BRUISE!

I took everyone's advice and really put pressure on the spot for like 5 minutes or more after the needle was removed and held my arm up in the air, and it worked!!!

At least, I'm assuming that's what did it, especially since the needle seemed to hurt even more going in this time. Go figure.

Will report back after the next round if it works again.

In the meantime, it seems my hips aren't aching the same way, so I think (said with caution), that the Actemra is starting to work!

And re side effects, I didn't have a headachy feeling quite to the same extent for the two days after the way I did the first time. Could be because this time out, I made sure to drink more during and after the infusion. Who knows?

:) L

17 comments:

  1. Hooray! so glad it went well. I really hope that's it starting to kick in. Keep us updated on your progress :)

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  2. Hi Laurie,

    I recently came across your blog! I'm 25 and I'm in the Toronto area too. Recently diagnosed with RA. Would love to connect with you via email and hear your thoughts on your journey thus far.
    holmes.sarah@hotmail.com

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  3. No bruise and quick response? Awesome! Sounds like this med's going to work :)

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  4. Way to go with not looking like a junkie ;)

    And, double way to go on the possibility that this med is going to kick some RA ass!

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  5. I was checking in to see how your infusion went. I am hoping so much some of us will find some sort of relief. So many hurting. Blessings and gentle hugs. Tammy

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  6. Thanks guys! I thinking it's working quite well. I was sore-ish today, but otherwise have been doing quite well — woohoo!!!!

    :) L

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  7. I liked going in for my infusion while on Orencia, once a month and I was done til next month. It's great that you feel it is already helping you. Wishing you continued success with it.

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  8. It is because of this healthy sharing that most of us can take it ...to know there are fellow patients suffering through the same pain.Medical Billing Software

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  9. Hi Laurie: Best of luck with the Actmera! These new and "interesting" medications may be just the thing to bring our RA under control. Gentle hugs, Nan
    http://livingwithra-nan.blogspot.com/

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  10. Laurie,
    Know your busy with editing. I wondered if you had seen this research of regulatory T cells and a enzyme associated with cell communication.
    http://www.dailyrx.com/news-article/target-practice-11657.html

    Anxious to get a update on your Actmera treatment as I have not heard of anyone else I know undertaking it. Hope your getting some relief!

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  11. Hi Steph,

    Thanks for the link!

    Re the Actemra: having a meeting with my rheumatologist this week, I hope, but have to say, I don't think it's working as well as the Enbrel. And, well, that wasn't working well...

    So, not sure what will happen!

    Will do a new post when I find out!

    :) L

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  12. What made you start taking Enbrel in the first place? I've been thinking about going in that direction but it sounds like they all have been a mix bag for you. Any insight would be awesome. JwithRA

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  13. I discussed different meds with my rheumatologist, researched them as well, and decided on Enbrel. In some ways it seemed a bit of a tossup, but Enbrel has been around for a while, and there have been good results with it, so that's basically why, plus my doctor has gotten good results with it with her patients. Unfortunately, it just didn't quite do the trick with me, even though I felt really quite good on it — go figure!

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  14. Hi, This is my first visit to your blog and I'm glad to hear this round of treatment went well. I read through your prior posts and no bruising this time is VERY good. (That last one looked painful.)

    I have lupus, arthritis and fibromyalgia. I'm always on the look out for advice and tips so I'll be back again soon.

    Feel good!

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  15. Glad to see you didn't get a bruise - have you noticed any markable difference in your Rheumatoid Arthritis ?

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