Rituxan side effects

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

I know that several people are currently on Rituxan.I started getting it

last October. I felt pretty crappy after the first infusion and developed a

little diarrhea.After the second infusion I had diarrhea so bad I couldn't leave

the house.And severe mucositis from my mouth all the way through my GI tract. I

had stool cultures which showed absolutely nothing.My RD was perplexed by my

side effects.The diarrhea lasted for 5 weeks! On a happy note,after the side

effects went away,my arthritis,energy,fever and nightsweats were the best they

had ever been. I'm still on mtx,lodine and pain meds. 2 weeks ago I got my 2nd

treatment of Rituxan,and developed nausea/vomiting from hell. I actually was at

work about to start an IV,when I had to excuse myself and run to the bathroom to

barf.Very classy stuff! Had the other part of the infusion today and am a little

anxious that there will be some wonderful new side effect I'm not ready for.I

would love to hear your experiences.

To all the new members,welcome to the crew! If any of you saw " Mystery

Diagnosis " featuring Still''s,that was me. I wish I could say it has been all

smooth sailing since getting a diagnosis. I still dream of going into

remission,it could happen. I work 3, 12 hour shifts in the ER,a week. I love my

work,but my body doesn't always love it so much. Keep your hopes and dreams

alive for a better day,better health.Share your sorrow,and sadness so you can

lighten your load.Laugh loudly,and often.My partner accuses me of having the

humor of a 12 yr old boy(I'm 36). Allow yourself some time to get angry about

how unfair it is,because it is.And lastly,love yourself,for the talents and

spirit you possess.Get rid of the nasty people in your life,they just drag you

down. Be well,and never forget how strong you are.

Nissa the nurse from Seattle

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