Al's Story

While carving the turkey for Thanksgiving, I first felt intense pain in my shoulders. The pain quickly spread to my hands, wrists, elbows, and eventually to every joint in my body. It was difficult to get out of bed, button a shirt, or even turn a doorknob. The pain had progressed so quickly that I was unable to participate in our family tradition of cutting down the perfect Christmas tree.

“My rheumatologist suggested REMICADE — it was important to treat RA aggressively right from the earlier stages.”

After a gloomy holiday season, I went to my physician who diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis and recommended I visit a rheumatologist. Most of my initial treatments, as with most people, only dealt with some of my symptoms and I was shocked that an MRI had detected joint erosion. My rheumatologist suggested REMICADE — it was important to treat RA aggressively right from the earlier stages.

Soon after my first REMICADE infusion, the inflammation and pain went away. My rheumatologist ordered a follow-up MRI of my hand and we were both relieved to discover that there was no further joint damage. I suddenly had a new outlook on life.

I never lost hope and now I can look forward to carving the turkey, bringing home a special Christmas tree and cherishing every moment with my wife and children. I can get out of bed on my own, tie my own shoes, throw a ball, and best of all, I can open the door for my beautiful wife.

Al is representative of patients responding to REMICADE therapy under a physician’s supervision. Individual results may vary.

• Learn more about how REMICADE treats Rhuematoid Arthritis