Well my first orencia (abatacept) infusion was today and it was a non
event - thank goodness.  I have had a cold so it was touch and go as to
whether they would do it but I was fine by this afternoon so my rd said go.
He insists he is onsite when I get it as I have reacted to some things so
viciously and they kept me over an hour later than they normally would.
They also did a joint count as a baseline so we have ammunition for
pharmacare (provincial health insurance) if it is ever approved and if it
works - otherwise there is no proof where my body started from.  The joint
count showed 4 times more involved joints than 6 months ago and my function
tests were abominable.  I didn't need her to tell me that.

Anyhow next infusion is in two weeks.  I was a wreck yesterday and this
morning and must admit to being nauseous this evening but I know it is from
relaxing from after the infusion - I am not normally nervous but really was
this time.  The hardest is not to want results too badly.

Anyhow all is well tonight.  At least the process has started - we started
trying to secure a med for me back in June - it has been a long haul.  My
last dmard was enbrel last October 13th so you can imagine what my joints
and my fatique level have been like.  Add a little (well a lot) of
neurological damage and pain to the right side and I have been just a little
bitchy lately (just ask my husband).

Thanks for all the support everyone.  Now it just has to work for me like it
works for KJ.

Kelly