Autoimmune conditions and weightloss injections

[Mrsredlipstick]

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, fibromialga and low thyroid. All medication is at high levels.
I have recently started Rituximab infusions every six months.
I have lost five stone over the last two years but still need to lose another four stone. Does anyone know if I can get these injections or is there a contraindication? My consultant wasn't keen but didn't give a reason other than just carry on eating less.

I really do hear what people are saying about how hard it is. I had to use a wheelchair at times on holiday this summer and I felt so judged because I'm obese and my teen was pushing me at times. Whereas I have a lovely friend who has the same illness but is in a wheelchair permanently. She is slim and somehow looks more obviously like she 'must have a good reason' for being in a wheelchair if that makes sense? This is probably my own internalised prejudice about obesity to be honest but it really shocked me how harsh I was on myself about using the wheelchair.

You're really encouraging me to take the plunge! Which suppliers did you use?

@Jabtastic I get you. My 12 year old DD has had ro wheel me though airports before and getting airport assistance just makes me feel crap (as you say, judged for the weight not the dissbility)

I used MedExpress. They were great. Approved in 10.mis. Delivered within 24 hrs. My referral code is on the referral thread if you would like it. It gets you £40 off. I used someone's off there to get me started as its a good disount. (Takes it down to just over £100)

I think Oushk would be good as they offer consultations and will really discuss things with you. I suggest going onto their Facebook page to read up about it and they sometimes offer codes for discounts.

Are you finding Voy good? They're expensive but they offer coaching too don't they?

OK so thanks to you guys I took the plunge! I've ordered my first lot and I'm half petrified. I went for Voy because I wanted the coaching and advice related to my illness. I don't know if it will be worth it but they are competitive for the first month anyway. I can always cancel and change providers if necessary.

@Jabtastic I've found Voy reliable if on the expensive side. The coach drops in weekly via WhatsApp. If you share your referral code on here, you get a discount even if no one uses it!

Thanks @Bamboozled5! I used a random one from the thread of codes as I was just looking for info and clicked the Web link but then it said I had claimed the code and I felt guilty wasting it! How do you get a discount just by sharing it here?

I really need the coaching element I think because I want a nutritionist's input. I'm really hoping this will just kill my cravings for junk food.

@Jabtastic I'm not sure but every month I've shared the code and it's cost me £30 less than the full price 🤷🏼‍♀️ on my next order. No one seems to have used my code though.

For me it works by just making me not hungry. Sometimes you can hardly eat anything! I still do eat the odd bag of crisps but your appetite is just so much less overall and you can stick to low calories for months on end!

I have my intro Web sessions tomorrow. I'm very excited!

DH tried not to fall about laughing at me standing like an ugly ape for him to take a front on photo without sucking my stomach in. He was trying to be tactful though and just said 'It's eh not very flattering.'

Well I've been researching all day whilst I wait for approval. Numan health.
It turns out there is a published paper by a Dr Drucker highlighting the positive effect on inflammation in 2021.
So it begs the question why was this hidden? It now being tested in oral form for dementia.
I know it will have some side effects but for me it's worth trying.
Some are saying this is the best thing since the pill.

As a warning, the side effects can be bad to start. Some people get none but I had very bad diarrhoea in week 1 for a couple of days. So time first dose carefully to avoid being out a lot then. Another week I had horrible sulphur burps! Also indigestion and constipation. It seems to have settled now. I haven't needed to take more than 5mg to get results.

OP, I have a discount code for Numan (not many people seem to use them). I don't know if it's too late for you to use it but you could give it a go. Link below:
https://mobile-api.numan.com/bff/refer/weight-loss/73dbd4f5-739b-430d-8abf-8cc0a63f10a3?utm_source=mobile_app

RA, EDS and other chronic conditions here. Started Ozempic in April 2023 and have lost 50lb and maintained that loss for around 9 months now. The difference to my joints not carrying the extra weight around is huge (sorry) and I’ve had less infections this year. I take a biologic for it.

Rheumatologist has always told me losing weight and being active was the best chance I had of improving my QoL (diagnosed age 30) but acknowledged that it’s easier said than done when you are in agony 24/7. My pain is significantly reduced now and I work full time in a very full on job which would have been impossible three years ago.

Im with Numan and they take their coaching VERY seriously 😀I lost a lot of weight at first - just due to the 'food noise' stopping and adopting a healthier lifestyle. (Before I didn't bother as I wasn't losing any weight anyway and was very down). I had to have a 45min phone consulation with a nurse to make sure I had no underlying conditions. Ive been on it since May and they are now 'finally' letting me move up to 10mgs as my weight loss has stabilised.
People act like you can go private and just start injecting yourself willy-nilly. It's not like that at all.

My GP recommended Orlistat. He was so angry with me because I said 'First of all I have no problem shitting myself after eating too much fat. And secondly isn't it a bit cruel to prescribe a drug that causes diarrhea to someone with limited mobility?'

@TheGoddessFrigg thank you for the post.
Do you mind me asking what you have lost?
I'm looking for three benefits from the jabs.
Weightloss, less inflammation and less wine cravings (I gave up drinking years ago but it is a struggle for me).

@Mrsredlipstick
I have lost 23 kg, so over 3 stone. I started out at 97kg and I'm now 74kgs. I need to get to 67kg so I can request that the Orthopedic team reconsider me for a knee replacement.
The best thing for me has been psychological. I feel much better about myself, I don't feel self conscious about going outside. The awful thing is that people have been much more helpful - my disability hasn't changed but obviously being thin and disabled people don't feel you have brought it on yourself ☹️

Yes! I am really conscious of that. I think that was what I was trying to say about my slim friend who is in a wheelchair full-time. I also read a thread on here once where the OP noticed a huge difference in how she was treated walking with her stick depending on whether she was wearing makeup and smart clothes or a comfy tracksuit. I really took that on board, and my slim friend is the same- works very hard at her makeup, hair and clothes.

It's wrong that we should feel compelled to perform just to be treated as 'human' especially when basic survival takes so much more energy than it used to.

I'm very glad the MJ helped you so much. Do you feel confident about keeping the weight off now?

So mine is supposed to be arriving tomorrow. I'm more excited than fearful.

Well ladies I haven't been approved yet. The pharmacy wanted to know what I was given Rituximab for (it's original use is non hodgkins).
I don't expect to need the jabs for more than six months however if it helps inflammation then it might be different.
My friend with diabetes takes hers continuously.

I hope you get the OK soon @Mrsredlipstick. I thought Rituximab was pretty well known for RA! A lot of these drugs are repurposed - mine is a type of chemotherapy. My MJ was approved really quickly but I'm still glad I was able to check with my consultant first because it gave me extra reassurance.

You should go to a private GP prescriber and get more info. Mine only prescribes to people with another autoimmune condition. There is a bit of a risk of thyroid cancer with untreated hashimoto’s but this can he managed by regular monitoring

My kit has arrived! Very excited. It's nice and cold and very well packaged. Going to go for a walk then get stuck in - literally! 😅

First jab done. It's mostly idiot proof - I say mostly because I accidentally threw the cap away before taking the needle off and almost stabbed myself! Got a bit nauseous very quickly but it's mostly passed now. It has made me sleepy and getting some tingling in my hands but I get this as a neuro symptom sometimes.

Very excited for you @Jabtastic .
I'll be watching closely.

I feel a bit nauseous 🤢 and burping hugely it's not an attractive picture here this evening! I ate a very plain dinner and not too much (I thought) but tomorrow I will eat a smaller portion and eat it very slowly chewing well.