Sheryl's Story

Before RA abruptly entered my life at age 34, I was a working mother with a new baby and a ten-year-old son. I enjoyed power walking, biking, and exercise classes. RA changed my life — it shut me down. My hands became so swollen that I feared picking up my baby girl.

“Finally I can take part in normal everyday activities, such as walking up stairs, cleaning my house, and taking care of my family like I could before.”

In August 1990, I noticed pain in my shoulder. I thought it was a pinched nerve. In a couple of months’ time, I could feel the pain in every joint of my body — it hit me like a ton of bricks. By Christmas it was excruciating just getting up to walk to the bathroom.

I first saw a rheumatologist in March 1991, and he diagnosed me with RA. Over the next eight years, an ever-changing medication regimen brought more side effects than relief. Sitting in a position where I wouldn’t be in tears was difficult. I knew there had to be more that my doctor could do for me.

In 1999, I had just about lost hope when my doctor mentioned a new research study for a treatment called REMICADE. After discussing it with my doctor, I agreed to enroll in the study and was one of the first patients to receive REMICADE.

I never dreamed this treatment would have such an impact on my life. My first dose was in November 1999, and I soon felt better. My pain began to lessen and I started to regain my mobility. Finally I can take part in normal everyday activities, such as walking up stairs and taking care of my family. Today, almost all of my RA-associated pain and swelling are gone and my overall quality of life has improved. REMICADE is helping me manage my RA while stopping the progression of the disease. I lost many years to my RA, but now I feel like I am reclaiming some of what I lost, while helping stop further joint damage.

Today, nobody believes that I’m an RA patient! I find it awesome that I can give my first grandchild all the attention she wants. I missed out when my kids were young, but now because of REMICADE, my daughter and I are able to go on long walks and bike rides together, and I am so thankful to be able to have this opportunity!

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

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