KJ,

Saw my RD today and we talked more about the abatacept trial.   He has
decided not to have me participate in the study, because he is afraid
that I might get the placebo and he doesn't want me to have to be off
meds again.   But, he did say that the abatacept is actually due to be
approved sometime late may  or in june and that as soon as it is
approved, he wanted me to go on it.   He will still be running a study,
I just wont be participating in the study.  He said he is really excited
about this particular med, especially for those who have problems with
infection or for those who have failed all the other meds available.
So, hopefully it will be approved in the next few months and I will give
it a try when it is on the market.   He also said his office will deal
with my insurance company so that I can get on it as soon as possible.
I forgot to ask him about the price of it when it comes out compared to
enbrel and the other stull like remicade, kineret, and humira.  I will
go see a vascular specialist to determine which type of IV access to
have put in.   The RD would like me to have something that they can use
for the IV hookup as well as draw labs from.

I also talked to him about the mtx and he said the manufacturer is
saying mid june to mid july before the issue with the injectable mtx is
straightened around.   So for now, it is back to the pill form---ick!!!

Had a cortisone injection in each shoulder as they were so inflammed I
could barely stand to have a shirt touching them.  So, hopefully by
tonight or tomorrow things in that area will be doing better!

Keep me posted as to how your discussions with your RD go as far as the
abatacept goes.

Hugs!

Donna G