Tracy's Story

At age 26, I was leading an active life as a wife, mother of twins, and teacher at the local elementary school — I was also battling RA.

“RA absolutely stopped me — I simply couldn’t do anything. It was unbelievable that at such a young age, I was living with RA.”

I began to experience what I mistakenly presumed were minor aches and pains that rapidly evolved into terrible pain and inflammation in my joints. Within weeks, the pain and swelling became so severe that I was no longer able to walk up the stairs or lift up my children. My husband had to carry me to bed each night, and I had my wedding bands cut off due to the inflammation in my hands.

RA absolutely stopped me — I simply couldn’t do anything. At the prime of my life, I was bedridden and had to rely on family, friends — basically everyone — to help me. It was unbelievable that at such a young age, I was living with RA.

After trying a number of treatments that didn't work for me, my rheumatologist directed me to try REMICADE to treat my RA. This was the right choice for me because it took the burden of self-medicating off of my shoulders and kept me involved with my healthcare team. More importantly, my rheumatologist says that this treatment may help stop future damage to my bones and joints.

It has been almost seven years since I was diagnosed with RA, and I am back to being a mom and staying active. I recently joined a gym, returned to teaching, and can play with my girls — something I never believed I would do again. Living with RA has not been easy for me, but now I have a completely different outlook on life. My new treatment has given me a second chance — I feel as if I have my life back!

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

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