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...
I know I've been absent over the last month but I want to thank you all for the messages I've received. The group is truly an amazing resource for anyone. So many kind hearts here.
The stress of losing my dear friend, my sister without sharing DNA, really wreaked havoc on my system. However, I'm doing much better mentally. The physical aspect is slower to recover.
I had an appointment with my rheumy today and he feels like it's time to start a biologic. Humira is the one he wants me to start. I know that making the step to biologics is a big one. He also wants me to continue with the Arava but drop the MTX.
I've heard that Humira can make a difference in two weeks but will peak at about eight weeks. Is that right? Any advice for me before I make this leap?
The stress of losing my dear friend, my sister without sharing DNA, really wreaked havoc on my system. However, I'm doing much better mentally. The physical aspect is slower to recover.
I had an appointment with my rheumy today and he feels like it's time to start a biologic. Humira is the one he wants me to start. I know that making the step to biologics is a big one. He also wants me to continue with the Arava but drop the MTX.
I've heard that Humira can make a difference in two weeks but will peak at about eight weeks. Is that right? Any advice for me before I make this leap?
He also gave me a flu shot....wanted it done before starting the biologic.
The TB test I had a year ago was skin. You're not so old! The biggest thing I noticed with Humira was the fatigue lifting. I couldn't stay on it past three shots, so I can't tell you long-term. Some people do report really fast responses, though. Hope you will be one of them.
gina
51percent....Eeek, I'll pass on the anaphylactic reaction. Scary!! Glad you survived it!
Gina...thank you and welcome! I joined back in January and still have this forum a huge comfort.
The tb skin test is basically the cheaper, vaguer version of the blood test (quantiferon gold or QFT). If the skin test is positive then docs will do a blood test to confirm. Some rheums are going straight to the blood test and skipping the skin test. But for mass-scale testing, such as where mandated for employees, they will still do skin tests.
Humira and Enbrel have really changed the game of rheumatology treatment for RA. They (along with other meds in their group) generally work very well. Most people feel the effects in a month (a lot feel it sooner than that) but some take a few months for it to kick in. The most common side effects are burning during injection and possible redness/swelling at the site (use ice on the site, this will really help, and this should get better with each injection), possible headaches(should also lessen with each injection), and slight increase in risk of getting general illnesses/colds. Humira comes in either syringe or autoinjector pen- the pen is a very convenient way to inject as you basically just position what looks like a giant marker on your leg, hit a button, and count to 10. If you are needle-phobic, don't worry as you will never see the needle. Its given every 2 weeks but can be upped to every week if needed. Its made a major difference in so many people's lives. I hope you come back in a month feeling like a whole new person :)
I'll head back to the rheumy's office tomorrow...and learn "how" to inject it. I already know but have to go through the steps anyway.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. As tough as this time is for me right now, I know that my BB (nickname my friend and I called each other) is helping to smooth the road for me.
Humira has been a godsend for me. I noticed improvement very quickly in terms of inflammation. I continued to improve over the first 6-8 months. I've had no side effects other than fatigue, but that could be from something else.
The shot can be painful, but luckily I had surgery across my lower abdomen and most of my stomach is still numb, so I try to find a numb spot and inject.
I was on MTX and prednisone when I started the Humira, but gradually got off of both of them.
I hope you have success with Humira and that it slows the disease and offers relief.
Also, be sure to contact the Abbvie Patient Assistance Program. They are great! They covered my deductible for the first year, and then when my COBRA ran out, they have given me the drug for free. Also, a friend contacted them after being on the drug for 6 months and told them what a financial struggle it was for her family, and they refunded her out of pocket money and offered future assistance.
Good luck! I really hope it helps!
Debbie
I did contact Humira to activate my "card" for copayments, etc. and learned that not only will they cover the copayment for my Humira they will also cover the copayment for my Arava. My rheumy didn't even know they did that.
I have a BF who is much the same. Sister in my heart.
Honestly don't know what I'd do without her.,
She feels the same.
Didn't realize TB test had changed either.
I'm on Enbrel so can't help you much there.
Although I'm curious to see how the Humira works out for you as
Not sure Ill be able to remain on Enbrel.
Hope your days get a wee bit brighter.
Blessings, Sammy
Our prayers to you and BB
Be strong in your heart
The Blues