Thank you for sharing Reliegh, you are the first person I have talked to that has been on that infusion. Again, my biggest concern is how low it takes your immune system. Thank you again. Sam

Hi Sam, I feel your pain and frustration, Let me tell you my story. I have had RA in my left elbow 9 years ago and have had it replaced and after 7 years it got infected and had it done again, I was going through all the medications known to man , I have the same problem now with my other side and went through all same medication including Arava methotrexate Embrel injections and finally Rinvoq, Nothing worked for me, So I took the chance and tried a Tyler TOLMAN coach and after 5 weeks I am finally getting back pain free, Still a long way to go to be back to normal but it is improving every week, It involves water fasting but no drugs at all, I hope you check it out because these medicines will end up hurting you more. It’s entirely up to you and worth a try
Kind regards Laurie

Good morning, Sam... the funny thing about me with the RA and all the immunosuppressant drugs we take, my immune system is just fine. I don't get sick any more often than I typically did, nor do I get REALLY sick.. meaning that everyone around me could have the plague, and I just have a cold. So far, the infusions have not lowered my immune system any lower than any of the other drugs I have taken.

The only thing that I have noticed about when I do get a cold now, I always lose my voice. I have a cold right now, not bad, pretty much over it, but I have no voice. So that is a weird thing that has cropped up. I don't know if it's tied to the infusion or just that the RA is now affecting my vocal chords.

Hi Sam! I recently started Simponi Aria infusions last January. And they have been a lifesaver for me. I was on Orencia infusions but I was always flaring and having to do a steroid taper. But with the Simponi Aria, I haven't had a single flare, I have more energy and I have been able to be much more active than I have in years.

My infusion takes about 30 minutes, once they get it all started. I am a very hard stick, apparently I have thick skin and my veins like to roll, deflate and hide. So they insert the IV through the back of my hand, sometimes it takes more than one or two tries. Just make sure you are well hydrated before your appointment, it makes it easier to find the veins. It feels like a pinch, but once it's inserted, there is no pain. I also get a steroid and Benadryl before the infusion starts.

Another thing about this infusion I like is that I go every other month rather than every month. I travel a lot, my mom lives in Florida, I live in NY, so now I can go and spend more time with her, before I need to get home for my infusion.

I haven't had any adverse reactions to the infusion, other than the Benadryl really makes me tired, so I need someone with me to drive me home, as I WILL fall asleep driving. But that's me in general. Benadryl has always done that to me.

So far, so good on the Simponi Aria! Out of all the different drugs I have had for the RA, this one, by far is the best...