Ellen's Story

I was diagnosed with RA at age 28. I exercised daily, was athletic, and loved to dance. I was in the prime of my life when I began to feel pain in my hands that I believed to be carpal tunnel syndrome. I began to feel tired, and when the pain worsened and progressively moved throughout my body, I realized that it was more serious. I made an appointment with my physician immediately.

“I have found a treatment that is helping to stop further joint damage, which is important at my young age.”

My physician diagnosed me with RA and recommended that I see a rheumatologist. Though I was relieved to be able to identify the source of my pain, all I could think was “what next?” I was a young woman, working full time, married, and ready to start a family. What would be my prognosis?

Following the birth of my first son, my RA exacerbated and daily living activities became difficult. Getting out of bed was painful, and I was having trouble taking care of my son. I became overwhelmed just trying to make it through each day. My spirit was dying inside and out. I felt isolated and depressed, having gone from being an active woman to a mother who could not care for her son.

My situation improved only after finding a new rheumatologist when I moved to Florida. I had my second beautiful son and was then ready to begin early and aggressive treatment. My doctor chose REMICADE, and I could not believe the results! I began feeling relief from my pain and stiffness, and the swelling was reduced. After experiencing steroids and their effects on my body, I never expected that I could feel so renewed and mobile! Initially, the treatments allowed me to get back to normal activities, such as walking up stairs and carrying my children, but my improvement did not stop there.

It has been two years since my first treatment with REMICADE, and my RA has never felt better! REMICADE is allowing me to remain active and keep up with my kids. Though I occasionally will feel fatigue, I am able to manage it with rest. It is wonderful to know that REMICADE is helping to stop any further joint damage, but it is wonderful to share my new “freedom” with my family! REMICADE gave me back my life!

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

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