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Speak Out!
Arthritis Insight Community Members get
ready to Speak Out! We want to know how you feel about a variety of
issues. Every month or so we'll present a new topic here, along with the
author's opinion and we'll provide a message
board so you can tell us how you feel! Speak Out!
Do you want to present a topic for
discussion? Just send
us your letter.
9/8/01-This week's topic and opinion
from Bill Anderson:
Canada and Remicade
Up here in Canada Remicade is as cold
as our winters! Approval is on the back burner and I am trying to turn
up the heat. I will be sending this to every politician in Ottawa within
the next two weeks. Thought you might be interested.
"The Remedy"
The words Remicade and remedy not only sound the same, but for me they
hold a special significance. Ankylosing Spondylitis, a crippling form of
spinal arthritis has been my constant companion for 26 years. Sixteen
months ago I was fortunate enough to be asked to be part of a six month
University of Alberta clinical research trial of the new drug Remicade.
Thanks to the appeals and influence of Dr. Anthony Russell this clinical
trial was extended for several patients including myself.
How does Remicade work? I don't know anything about the scientific
workings but I can say that this drug has completely stopped the effects
the disease has on my body. Before Remicade I was barely able to get
around our one-bedroom apartment, was in constant chronic pain, and a
frequent user of our health care system.
Today I can walk un-aided. I can dance! I can go out and do volunteer
work for four hour stretches 2 or three times a week and after a nine
year
absence on long term disability from the Edmonton Police Service I have
even considered returning to work part time. This list is endless.
Next month is my final treatment on this extended trial.
Now we face a very uncertain future due to bureaucrats in an Ottawa
office building that seem to delay this and other drug developments
largely due to their cost factor. First the drug has to be approved for
our specific form of arthritis then it faces the acceptance for coverage
by the various insurance drug plans. Just thinking of thousands of
arthritis patients being able to work again and the less stress on the
entire health system is mind-boggling. How can one convince 4-year term
politicians of the enormous savings in joint replacement surgery, home
care and disability payments over the next 20 years? One way or another
society and individuals pay the price. Are these inexcusable delays cost
effective?
I often use the word "incredible" when describing the effect
that Remicade has had on me. Incredible as it may seem this drug has not
only been approved by FDA in the US since late 1999 but it is also
advertised in their
media! I must not forget to mention that it was approved in Europe a few
months later.
Oh Canada we wait and wait on thee!
Tell us how you feel about Canada and
Remicade! Speak
Out!!!
Speak Out archives:
8/26/01-Stem
Cell Research by Tom Lee, PhD.:
8/19/01 STRESS!
by Tina Underwood
6/18/01 WHO DETERMINES HOW YOUR PAIN IS CONTROLLED? by Ron
Griffin
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