Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
A little background: Diagnosed a year ago, have been on 400 mg hydroxychloroquine since then, added 15 mg MTX weekly about 6 months ago, upped that to 17.5 mg 2 months ago, take 200 mg Celebrex daily since the beginning, and have taken prednisone twice this past year, the first time for 4 months and just recently for a month (weaned myself off a couple of weeks ago). Haven't had many side effects from any of these drugs (a couple mouth sores when I first started MTX and nasty hot flashes on prednisone, which is why I don't want to take it though my doc would like me to stay on it till we find the right drug combo).
On Wednesday I'll have my first Enbrel injection. I've read all the scary risks and side effects, but would love to hear some first hand accounts of how it went for you and what I should expect. Also, if Enbrel works for me, can I expect it to have an effect on the fatigue issue? I would really like to be able to get through the day without having to take a nap!
I'm excited to try my first biologic cause I know they are the ticket for some for whom MTX didn't work, but I'm also a little nervous!
Also, I know you're supposed to avoid germs and people who have gotten a live virus vaccine. My husband has an appointment to get the shingles vaccine on Tuesday (live virus) and my first Enbrel injection is Wednesday. Do I need to be worried about this? How much do I need to avoid him and for how long?
Thanks so much for your help and insight,
Niki
On Wednesday I'll have my first Enbrel injection. I've read all the scary risks and side effects, but would love to hear some first hand accounts of how it went for you and what I should expect. Also, if Enbrel works for me, can I expect it to have an effect on the fatigue issue? I would really like to be able to get through the day without having to take a nap!
I'm excited to try my first biologic cause I know they are the ticket for some for whom MTX didn't work, but I'm also a little nervous!
Also, I know you're supposed to avoid germs and people who have gotten a live virus vaccine. My husband has an appointment to get the shingles vaccine on Tuesday (live virus) and my first Enbrel injection is Wednesday. Do I need to be worried about this? How much do I need to avoid him and for how long?
Thanks so much for your help and insight,
Niki
Starting something new IS scary, try to find a "happy place" in your mind & rest there.
I have been on Enbrel for 5 years now. For me, it helped with the fatigue a lot!! I have had no side effects at all from the Enbrel. I am fortunate that I do not get sick very often - in fact, I think in the last 5 years I have only had one cold. Yes, it did knock me down for a longer period of time and I do think I skipped a dose of my methotrexate and Enbrel while I was going thru the cold.
With the Enbrel in combination with the methotrexate I hope you get the same results as I do. Knock on wood, Enbrel and methotrexate are the only drugs i have ever used for the RA (and prednisone for one year) and I have had the same regimen for 5 years now.
Hope all works good for you!
KiddoGal,
It's great to hear that you've done well on Enbrel--and that you've not had any side effects. Makes me hopeful that I may have the same experience! Thanks!
Also, if you have private insurance be sure to use the manufacturer's copay assist card which will limit your cost (in most cases) to $10/month.
Good luck!