Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group approved for Enbrel study

Thanks for asking Paul.

I will sum it up...."What AS..???"
I am doing GREAT, on what ever they are giving me. I have to keep taking Vioxx throughout the study, but I'm feeling soooooooo good that I almost forget to take it.

Hope you are doing well, also.


Betty

Mars, I too am from Quebec. Can you get that Enbrel through medicare. I am trying antibiotics, but if they don't work, then I will probably try the Enbrel. As I have only had AS symptoms for about a year, I am hoping the antibios will work, but if they don't the Enbrel seems like a good option.
Take it easy, and when I get my own computer, I'll stop posting anonymously,
Tom

Hi Tom,
Glad you found this place.
I was diagnosed in '96 but have had problems since '82. I've tried many things since and was just accepted for Enbrel last september. Medicare does not cover this unfortunately for so many. My insurance didn't want to cover it at first because they said it wasn't made for AS. My rheumy wrote them a nice long letter and they finally accepted. At first it was for 6 months and they just accepted for another year because it is working wonderfully for me.
Any rheumy you see will probably make you try MTX or Sulfasalazine first anyway.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and join this wonderful group will you?
Take care,
mars

Betty!

How great is it to say "What AS"
I hope you continue to feel good. What a wonderful feeling

Come on over, I just have a room and a hall to paint

linda

Thanks Paul

Paint...???? I'm just now getting around to doing my projects!!

How is Enbrel study going?

What stage are you in?

I've had three injections. My next appointment is March 14. It will be interesting to see the joint measurements on this next visit. I feel that I can stand up straighter now.



Betty

Thanks Linda. I hope many others get to try the Enbrel soon.

Betty

Hi Betty,

My Rheumy just told me about an Enbrel study near my home. I called the clinical trial nurse and she was worried that I wouldn't want to drive the 20 miles to their clinic. I asked her if she was kidding and said that it was no problem.

They said I can stay on my MTX injections, but my prednisone has to come down to 10mg/day for at least two weeks before I can enroll in the study. My Rheumy's office just called on Thursday with the tapering schedule. So I should meet the meds threshold by the first of April (hopefully no foolin' though...lol).

I have only been on reduced prednisone for two days and the pain is already coming back with a vegence. It did not help that it snowed yesterday. Every time my Rheumy has tried to decrease my prednisone a storm front replete with colder than normal temps and moisture blows through at the same time.

I hope you continue to do well. I will be anxiously waiting future posts from you. Your success inspires me.

Angela

Paul, I know what you mean. It does feel like a long wait. I had to wait almost three weeks..so you should be hearing something soon. Keep me posted.

Betty