First assessment for Anti TNF

englishrose
englishrose Member Posts: 99
edited 2. Sep 2009, 13:08 in Living with Arthritis archive
Had my first assessment today for anti TNF and was well past the min. score. Unfortunately due to change in rules you have to be on 20ml of Methotrexate for a month or so and I am only on 17.5. Next lot will be 20ml but that means I will have to wait 2 months before next assessment and absolutely no steroids. Hope I can go that long without major flare - had four since April - so I would cross my fingers if only I could!!
Hope some of you have had a good day.
Jane

Comments

  • dobbie
    dobbie Member Posts: 12
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jane, I'm in a similar situation. I can't tolerate DMARD's and struggling with the NSAIDs too. I had a nasty reaction to Leflunamide back in July which resulted in a stay in hospital. Rheumy has said next step is TNF drugs but I need to wait until at least Oct before they'll even assess me because meds need to be out of my system 1st (and apparently my reaction wasn't serious enough for a washout of meds :!: ).

    I'm lucky than I can still cross my fingers (today at least) so I shall cross them for you too :lol:

    Sarah x
  • tracey22
    tracey22 Member Posts: 41
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Had my first assessment today for anti TNF and was well past the min. score. Unfortunately due to change in rules you have to be on 20ml of Methotrexate for a month or so and I am only on 17.5. Next lot will be 20ml but that means I will have to wait 2 months before next assessment and absolutely no steroids. Hope I can go that long without major flare - had four since April - so I would cross my fingers if only I could!!
    Hope some of you have had a good day.
    Jane

    Hi english rose i have my first anti tnf assessment tomorrow and not sure what to expect i know i have to have the das score done and blood tests but did you have a chest xray done and was it all ok
    I am only on a low amount of metho and have been told that i will definitely be eligible for the treatment. hope it doesnt take too long as am in agony at moment with shoulders and knees.
    any advice would be appreciated.

    thanks

    tracey
  • englishrose
    englishrose Member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    No, I had no exray - just the DAs calculation. I know you have to have TB test and chest ray, so I assume they will come later. I just wish they would get on with it. When you a feeling rough, a couple of months seems a very long time.
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I know what you mean about waiting, I am counting the days and it feels like forever and that it will never come.

    I just hope that the anti-tnf work for all of us and we can get our lives back.

    Tracey, good luck for tomorrow

    Janie :)