Updated Rheumatology Appointment

Today I saw my rheumatologist.
I had not seen her since the Cimzia was deemed an allergy and off limits.
I knew it wasn't going to be good news, so at least I was prepared. I am happy with the plan going forward in the sense that it was what I was expecting. Or half expecting.

So, no more Cimzia. That one was a no-brainer. My throat swelling reaction was too severe to try staying on that particular medication. Turns out I am not an anti-TNF patient. My body just reacts poorly to it.

Then there is the question of the mind-numbing migraines after cortisone injections and oral prednisone.

What I am hoping is that it is a bit of an intolerance but not dangerous. That way, prednisone is not entirely taken off the table and I can still get cortisone injections once or twice a year to help with pain.
The only thing scarier than having to take Prednisone is having to take it but being unable to.
So, for now, we need to figure out if the migraines are a side effect or a serious/dangerous intolerance. Until that is figured out, no more injections, no more oral prednisone. (Fingers crossed I do not have any bladder inflammation in the meantime). So my rheumatologist is referring me to the headache clinic to discuss the problem and the protocol. There is a potential for seeing a neurologist and getting some imaging done to see if there is any damage in my brain.
Then, if they clear me, she will book more injections.

What if I can't get them? What if all cortisone and derivatives are now allergies? What about pain?

Well, there may be a new medication available in just over a year. BUT that medication is likely another biologic. The only anti-inflammatory I seem to be okay with is Methotrexate. I have allergies to ASA, NSAIDS, biologics, and potentially corticosteroids. Add to that an allergy to chlorine that prevents aqua therapy and I feel a little cornered as far as pain control.

So I guess I am hoping that we find out that the migraines are a severe side effect but not actually dangerous. Give me that. Just that. I can handle migraines with my migraine medication when I have to. Any more allergies to medications and I will feel in trouble.

Fingers crossed.