Biologic Treatment (Aug06- Jul07)

The third and fourth infusions I received caused problems with my skin. During the infusions I broke out in hives on my arms and was aware of an itching on my legs. At my next infusion to combat this I was given anti-histamines 30-60 minutes prior to infusion (chlorphenamine). The infusions were now starting to give me symptomatic relief.

Despite the difficulties my consultant and I were keen to continue with Infliximab as my ESR had reduced from >80 to 10. After one year of having the disease I was still on a relativley high dose of steroids (30mg). I was also taking Methotrexate (20mg) in combination with the Infliximab. The systemic symptoms had now subsided and the medication appeared to be controlling the arthritic symptoms. My hands and wrist were still giving me problems but I was able to maintain some level of normality.

It was now the begining of 2007 and my condition was relativley stable. My consultant decided that we would be able to reduce my steroid dose (30mg). The amount was agreed at 2.5mg every two weeks. I was apprehensive about this after the effects of reducing the steroids the revious year. However when I started, I was able to tolerate the reduction. Eventually I got to 12.5 mg, but started to feel the effects of the last decrement.