For No Mercy

[roopower]

(and anyone else who helped when my son was diagnosed with RA) Son has been on methx and hydrochloroquine for some time with little effect. We've had a rough six weeks with deep depression but he had his first infusion of Beneparli today. I'm praying hard that this is the answer. Thanks for advise in the past.

[bednobs]

i have never heard of that drug - it is a biological therapy? When i started on biologics, the improvement was miraculous

[Peter Pedant]

blimey

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Risk-management-plan_summary/human/004007/WC500196679.pdf

it is a bio-similar treatment and is an anti - TNF drug.

remember that proteins may be named after their first described effects rather than what they do

and it seems to be quite good
very hopeful for a good response

[bednobs]

oh it's entanercept - i had that for years and years and it worked brilliantly. I came off it when i wanted to get pregnant

[NoMercy]

Biologic therapy usually does the trick, Roo. I'm sorry to hear he's suffered this long.

Has your son made any dietary or lifestyle changes?

[NoMercy]

I'm guessing it's similar to Enbrel, bednobs??

[bednobs]

same, just a different name

[roopower]

Thanks everyone. Just taking the first dose and feeling he may be getting somewhere has perked son up a bit. Time will tell. Apart from not eating red meat and trying to eat healthily he hasn't done much to change lifestyle. I'm hoping I can get him out of the house more now he hasn't wanted to do much but stay in bed for about six weeks! Thanks again.

[NoMercy]

Thanks for updating us, Roo.

Post-diagnosis depression is extremely common with autoimmune diseases.

Your son may benefit from eliminating dairy, wheat, caffeine and grains from his diet and upping his friendly gut bacteria. However it's a matter of choice for your son really.

[roopower]

Thanks No mercy, he doesn't eat/drink much of what you mention apart from Cola and cheese. He seems very positive today and was up before 11am. Thanks for your support (and everyone else) I'm beginning to hope. Son has had a lot of good support from mental health and well being teams as well as work and friends, it all makes such a difference.
Your baby is just gorgeous, No mercy.