Taking it One Day at a Time

I would absolutely recommend Sage! Without a doubt, the staff friendliness is the top reason I have been with Sage for almost four years. I look forward to seeing everyone every month. I will add that their clinical excellence also shines through!

Stephen

Overview

Stephen was diagnosed with Lupus in 2008. He now receives Benlysta infusions and states "Knowing his Lupus is under control puts him at ease...due in part to the Sage staff friendliness.

Stephen’s Story – Taking it One Day at a Time

Meet Stephen.

Stephen is taking it one day at a time. He has been diagnosed with a few different conditions, so knowing his Lupus is under control puts him at ease because his doctors and him can focus on treating other ailments. He was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2008. He tried the standard treatments- steroids, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and NSAIDs – over the years to help reduce mild pain and swelling in his joints and muscles but was not finding the relief he needed. For example, the hydroxychloroquine wasn’t being absorbed by his body so was told to stop taking that medication. Stephen was frustrated that his lupus symptoms were not getting better and asked his rheumatologist what more he could be doing to manage his symptoms. His doctor recommended that he try Benlysta.

Benlysta is an intravenous infusion given every 4 weeks (after the initial 3 doses). In many people with lupus, certain white blood cells called autoreactive B cells stay in the body longer than they should. One of the important proteins for the growth of these B cells is called B- lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS). Benlysta works by binding to BLyS which blocks it from binding to and stimulating the autoreactive B cells.

Stephen has been receiving Benlysta infusions since 2014. He started getting his infusions at his rheumatologist’s office. New management ended infusion services in 2020 and he was faced with finding an infusion center. He was anxious and a little nervous to go somewhere new.

“It was a difficult time- the uncertainty of the pandemic, and also having the bond with my infusion nurse for many years, and she promised she would refer me to somewhere where I would be in good hands. I’ve been with Sage since August 2020!” explained Stephen.

Stephen continued to state “I would absolutely recommend Sage! Without a doubt, the staff friendliness is the top reason I have been with Sage for almost four years. I look forward to seeing everyone every month. I will add that their clinical excellence also shines through!”

The infusion treatment has been working for Stephen, the relief lasts for about 3 weeks and then he takes a low dose of steroid medication to get him through to his next treatment.

“I have less joint pain. And, one unexpected side effect was that my disease has gone into clinical remission. That is, I need to stay on my infusion to keep things at bay,” Stephen stated.

Benlysta
Every 4 weeks
  • Improved joint mobility
  • Increased energy (less fatigued)

*Individual patient results may vary

More Patient Stories

Read about the healing journeys of some of our patients!

Patient Stories

Shannon’s Story: Clear Days Ahead

Learn More

Patient Stories

Brenda’s Story: Grave Challenges

Learn More

Patient Stories

Gerald’s Story: A Breath of Fresh Air

Learn More

Patient Stories

Todd’s Story: Another Reason to Come to Florida

Learn More

Patient Stories

Harry and Gloria’s Story: It Feels Like Home

Learn More

Patient Stories

New Breath of Life for Jeff

Learn More

Patient Stories

Out For A Drive – Ken’s Story on Living with Crohn’s and UC

Learn More

Patient Stories

Ladreaer’s Story: Living Life More Clearly

Learn More

Patient Stories

Lucretia’s Story: Making Plans Instead of Focusing on Her Symptoms

Learn More

Patient Stories

John’s story – Aging Gracefully – Enjoying the little things

Learn More

Patient Stories

Dean’s Story – Painting a New Landscape

Learn More

Patient Stories

Stephen’s Story – Taking it One Day at a Time

Learn More

Patient Stories

Michelle’s Story – Living for the Good Days

Learn More

Patient Stories

Kenny’s Story – A Step in the Right Direction

Learn More

Patient Stories

Tom’s Story – Keeping A Lookout for the Perfect Voyage

Learn More