Long term Remicade use - questions

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with PA and put on asulfadine (sp?) but had to go off due to

allergic reaction to the sulfa - hives. Due to that, my rheumy was able to

put me on Remicade.

I have been taking Remicade for three years now and it made a fantastic

difference in so many things. No more psoriasis at all, no more swollen

joints in fingers and toes, lessening of back pain. I still had what I would

call 'afternoon flu " when all my muscles would ache around 3pm, but I work a

very active job (own a retail store). Sometimes I get very, very tired at

night and just want to sit and stare, and sometimes I have terrible ankle

pain. I have been on only Remicade and advil (8 pills a day) for the last

three years.

All of a sudden, about two months ago, every symptom of PA and P came back

over the course of one week. I now have small psoriasis lesions on my thighs

and back and scalp, nail involvement in both fingers and toes, and a few

swollen joints in fingers and toes. I am still taking Remicade, but am now

on 7.5mg of Methotrexate as well. My rheumy said my body had built up a

resistance and the MTX would help the Rem fight the disease.

I am writing to ask if anyone has heard of any similar sudden reversal of

good effects, and what was done to help out? It is very, very depressing to

suddenly be plunged back into a world that I thought I had left forever!

Thank you for any insights you might provide.

Jeannie