My story with psoriatic arthritis and Orencia infusions

By Shelley9296

1 min read

I have been suffering from psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia for many years. My doctor has me doing Orencia infusions, which helps greatly. The infusion takes about 30 minutes once a month. However, 5 minutes into the infusion I start feeling relief. I hope this helps someone.

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Jill.Brodie Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Shelley9296" user-id="4271665"/> , I am so glad to hear the infusions are helping you. That is wonderful that you get relief right away. Our community is always looking for different treatment options, I am happy you shared this information with us! Jill, Team Member
harry90 Member
Hi Shelley, Are you still taking the Orencia infusion?
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="harry90" user-id="3278810"/>, I'm just tagging <inline-mention username="Shelley9296" user-id="4271665"/> here in the hopes that she will see your question. Are you on (or thinking about) Orencia? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
2. Shelley9296 Member
 <inline-mention username="harry90" user-id="3278810"/> yes
harry90 Member
Hi Christine, Thank you for touching base. Harry's Orencia was filled, ready to be picked up and will be getting his first injection sometime this week....I'm researching, finding tips on the best way to inject. I am guilty of overthinking but I like to be prepared for any unforeseen dropped shoes.....those sneaky shoes. I read here from some that the the relief from Orencia infusions is quicker than the injections . So, I messaged his dr yesterday for her input....maybe we should try infusions first. We thought the injections would be less fearful for Harry but after reading posts from the experts here, I'm rethinking....we can always give him a Xanax first few times before he realizes not to be fearful. Are you on Orencia? Connie/Mom 
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 Hi Connie, <inline-mention username="harry90" user-id="3278810"/>, it's good to hear from you again. It is so wonderful how much research and due diligence you're doing to help make this process as easy as possible for Harry. (Those dropped shoes really are sneaky!) I can't personally speak to Orencia infusions vs injections, but hopefully your doctor can help you determine which the best course would be for Harry to start on. Some people find injections much more convenient, but then others prefer infusions. (Sorry, that's not very helpful.) Also, if you do end up deciding on the injections, we do have some information here about tips for injections which I'll share with you in case you haven't yet seen them. One of our advocates wrote about her tips in this article, <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/giving-yourself-injections-tips' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/giving-yourself-injections-tips</a>. And, while this next article is technically from our sister site for Rheumatoid Arthritis, the information in the article (with injection tips) can be used across for board for those doing self-injection, https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/managing-needle-fear. If you're comfortable, please let us know what you and the doctor decide, and how Harry is doing. Sending you both gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
2. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Shelley9296" user-id="4271665"/>, thanks so much for getting back to Connie about the Orencia infusions. It can be so helpful to hear from others about their experiences. Are you getting relief with your current treatment? How are you finding your PsA symptoms to be? Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)