Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to see my rheumatologist and he's finally conceded that the Remicade infusions aren't working,which I told them 2 treatments ago but they insisted that I keep trying.That was an expensive mistake which cost my insurance $4,500 a pop,so that's $9,000 down the Crapper.

Anyway they are going to try Humera and hopefully that will do something for my hands as they worsened during the time I wasted taking the Remicade.I don't think that they take the pain in my hands too seriously even though that's why I went to see him in the first place.They seem to be concentrating more on the arthritis in the rest of my body.I tried to hammer home to him how important my hands are to me by telling him quite seriously that I'd rather loose the use of both legs than the use of just one finger.

I also told him almost 2 years ago when I first saw him that I was convinced that the condition in my hands was neuro-muscular(as did my Accupuncturist,Chiropractor and my cousin who is a massage therapist)but what do we know?....We're not real doctors.Anyway a Rheumatology expert who was with him during my last visit took my hands,arms and wrists and moved them around in different positions and got me to try and move my hands certain ways.Right away she sdaid that it wasn't arthritis in my hands but that it was neuro-muscular.Of course the Rheumatologist who blew me away when I suggested it 2 years before,agreed fully with her.I could've hung one on his beak-the arrogant pratt.

Anyway I will ask him if he has done anything about getting me in for the neurological tests that he said he would,if not, the excrement will impact the oscillating ventilation device-if you know what I mean.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Thinking good thoughts for you and the best of luck and I hope a solution is found! I too think remicade is worthless for what its worth.

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Mona
"Music is What Feelings Sound like"

thoughts and prayers for you, sir. good luck tomorrow.

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~Dan

Every man should have a doctors education.Would make things easier. Most of us don't have that. I do not. But 3/4 year ago I accidentally got a new doc , that took some of my thoughts serious - sent me to specialists- and discovered a kind of disease been bothering me for 30 years (!) and could have sent me to an early grave. Serious medical treatments these days , will hopefully lead to a recovery. I have fortunately no trouble playing - but the inspiration is not on it's top level But - there are times to come ! Wish you luck , Guit ! Mojo sent

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A-man

Guitslinger I am praying that this Doctor will find a remedy for your pain. I fail to see how switching you to Humera will help if the Remicade didn't. They are both similar in the way they treat arthritis. I hope that he will send you to a specialist for neuro muscular tests. In the mean time don't get discouraged. You're an important part of this community and I value your opinions. Play what you can when you can. Hang in there friend...