Treating RA Archives | Page 4 of 14 | Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior

Treating RA

Where the Rubber Meets the Road or What If Only the Cancer in Dave’s Kidneys Was Treated?

Kelly O'Neill Young 21 Comments , ,
Measuring disease activity: where rubber meets the road Recently a rheumatologist friend told me of needing to prove ACR20 (a measure of 20 percent improvement) in order for a patient to continue receiving a biologic treatment. I don’t know whether it was private or government insurance, but something bothered me about it. Of course, 20 percent improvement...Continue reading      21 Comments » Read more

Why Rheumatoid Disease Patients Still Fall through the Cracks

Kelly O'Neill Young 69 Comments ,
“Well, at least it’s nothing serious.” How many rheumatoid patients have heard that, some even from doctors? Last week, after Danita’s story, I wanted to share with you this letter to the editor of Musculoskeletal Network, but health issues and life and a board meeting delayed me. The letter below is my response to the Musculoskeletal...Continue reading      69 Comments » Read more

21 Tips to Prepare for a Biologic Infusion

Kelly O'Neill Young 18 Comments ,
How can patients get ready for a Biologic infusion? Doreen asked how to prepare for her upcoming Rituxan infusion. Here are some general tips that might help with any kind of Biologic infusion. As usual, I’ve learned most of these from other patients and from the effective teacher called experience. The orange Rituxan blanket was a gift...Continue reading      18 Comments » Read more

Prednisone Versus Prednisolone: the Same for Everyone?

Kelly O'Neill Young 96 Comments ,
Whether medicine is personalized or not, patients are It’s fascinating how drugs are metabolized differently in different people, with different side effects and varying levels of benefit. But, prednisone is one thing we hear works the same on everyone. Is that right? Prednisone works well enough on most Rheumatoid patients that it’s used by some doctors as...Continue reading      96 Comments » Read more

Xeljanz Cost with a Copay Card, Free Samples, Efficacy, & Side Effects: Gathering Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Stories

Kelly O'Neill Young 135 Comments ,
Please share your experiences with Xeljanz on the comments page here. Patient stories are starting to come in across the blog and I thought this would be more convenient for others searching for answers. Here’s my story. A copay card for the newly approved DMARD, Xeljanz Two years ago, my rheumatologist recommended I “just wait for something...Continue reading      135 Comments » Read more

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Get a Flu Shot? 15 Facts on Vaccinations & Autoimmune Disease

Kelly O'Neill Young 50 Comments ,
I’ve had pneumonia, the flu, H1N1 virus, and Norovirus – it’s not a pretty picture with RA... 1. Do vaccines work as well in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients? New study shows vaccine protection may rapidly decline with anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate and TNF inhibitors. A new study published this week in Arthritis Research & Therapy showed that...Continue reading      50 Comments » Read more

10 Answers to “When Do I Start a Biologic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?”

Kelly O'Neill Young 44 Comments ,
Patients ask: How do I know it’s time to start a biologic? This question was recently posted on our Facebook page and it’s one most patients ask at some point. Initiating Biologic therapy is a decision that is obviously made together with your doctor. Here are some factors in this important decision.   One important source of information:...Continue reading      44 Comments » Read more
“imaware™
    Advertisement
Would You Like Free Email Updates?
Stay in touch with RA Warrior.
We respect your privacy. Your email address will never be shared.