Embrel and me .......

[petalnumber2]

Hello my RA friends,

Some of you might remember that the plan was to start me on Embrel and I was just waiting for a date. Well, my first 4 weeks injections were delivered a couple of weeks ago and I had my first injection last Thursday. The nurse who came to talk me through the medication and do the first injection was brilliant and very helpful.

So, I had the injection in my tummy and I've had no bad reaction at the site, I'm pleased to say. I haven't experienced any nausea either, but I have been feeling very tired indeed, enough to send me off to bed a few times in past days, (which is something I don't give in to lightly).

Also, my feet/ankles and knees have been more painful than I can ever remember and I can hardly walk at all. My only thoughts about this is that my immune system is fighting the medication to remain in control!! Does that make sense to anyone ?

Changing the subject to a more positive one. Our new little pussycat, Polly as was, and is now renamed Tuppence or Two-p for short because my dear husband kept calling her that. (our last cat was Tuppence). She has made herself well and truly at home and is a bright little spark and full of fun, she has brought such pleasure into our lives I'll try to post a photo of her at some point when I've got the hang of my new phone and set it up properly, I'm finding that a challenge in itself, but I'll get there. My best thoughts and hugs to you all, June xx

[Hidden]

please put up piccie xx

[aligator]

Hi June, I have also started on enbrel 3 weeks ago 4th injection due Thursday. I inject in my thigh & now sport large bruises with lumps developing! I have felt brighter in myself but my inflammation has increased in my whole body. I, too believe that there is a battle going on inside between enbrel & inflammation. Not sure who is winning! I hope you do feel benefit from the drug soon. If you feel so rough maybe a call to your Rheumy nurse for advice may help? Take care of yourself. Love the sound of your cat, mine is called Fudge. Love Alison x

[allanah]

When I was in hospital on friday there was a man from the rspca telling me about kittens needing a home! Its just the thought of leaning over to clean the tray when sore! But I would love an animal. Glad the enbrel sounds like something is happeniing xx

[Hidden]

I think your suggestion re fighting the Enbrel makes sense. My body reacted like this to Prednisolone but it turned out I was taking it the wrong way (one every four hours rather than all in one go in the mornings) and same thing when I started on MTX - I flared and flared for the first three months. I'm not sure its an argument that medical people would take on board but with the Pred my friend who is a doctor was staying and we both got a bit hysterical when all my joints on my hands took turns to go fractured and pregnant!

And now in back on MTX and the same thing is happening to a lesser degree - or maybe I'm in do much pain in my belly that I'm hardly aware that my ankles are hurting and swollen again, as are hands and wrists. You will hopefully be winning the battle very soon and Enbrel will be a wonder drug fingers crossed (if I could!)

Xx

[Fidget02]

I have 2 cats....

Sir Reginald Slowbottom- Reggie for short (My son wanted a tortoise, I said no but he kept the name meant for the tortoise!)

Concrete is my one! - Conk for short.... Long story for another day!

They really know when I am having a bad day and don't leave my side. Even to the point of snuggling on the bed with me.

As for the cat box, I found a great solution, Its called igloo snow. kittykit.co.uk. I also use an enclosed cat box from the same site too.

It lasts all week for 2 cats and no smells whatever. Living in an apartment mine don't go outside properly. Though they go in and out the windows (Below has a balcony and a roof on it) sunbathe on the roof and just be nosey.

I would recommend a cat to anyone. I just cannot walk a dog anymore

We need a blog to post pics of all our cats!

xxx

[petalnumber2 in reply to Fidget02]

Reggie & Conk, that makes a great change from Kitty, Timmy and Puss !!

We are very much cat people, in fact we've rarely been without a cat around the house, but my husband would dearly love to have a dog. Trouble is neither of us is up to the walking bit, so enter Tuppence number 2. She is adorable and like your cats she snuggles on the bed with me, in fact she jumps from one bed to the other and makes a fuss of us both, (my husband has a hospital bed next to my single) my how things have changed, but it makes sense.

I'll have a peep at the website you have suggested, because my little one does not seem bothered about venturing out. She is about 8 months old and has come from cat protection and she has been in a small pen for many months, so our two bed bungalow must seem space enough for her.

Anyway I gather you have painful feet/ankles, knees like me! I hope you've had a good day today

All the best June xx