Forward unto Enbrel

[Azabat]

My rheumy hadn't known that my meds had the potential to drive up sugars, and she said so! This makes leflunomide the last failed DMARD I needed to apply for coverage for biologics. I don't remember the name of the other choice she offered, but I remembered seeing much positive about Enbrel, so that's what I picked. The rheumy also did an ultrasound of my hand and found disease activity...that was very cool to watch! She explained what she was looking for and what she was seeing. I'm discontinuing the lef, and not much looking forward to the probable flare, but I'm glad to be moving on to the biologics. I'll still be on mtx, but lower doses once I start my other injection. We are having an absolutely gorgeous day here, and I feel very positive and hopeful. I start a chronic pain self-management course tonight, too. I send out warm fuzzies to everyone

xx

[Hidden]

Good luck with the biologics!! I wish you the best

Sue

[sylvi]

Oh Bats what a lovely photo of you darling. You are having a real time of it aren't youn darling. I can't say anything that hasn't been said before so i am sending you my love and big hugs darling.xxxxx

[Hidden]

Hi batty

Is that your rheumy?

She looks lovely.

Great news you are getting the go ahead for biological st last!!!

Woop whoop 🎉🎉🎉

[Azabat in reply to Hidden]

That's me, I've chopped off the purple and turned it red My rheumy is cuter and younger *grin* whoop whoop!

[magglen]

Your lovely smile has brightened the start of my day!

I hope Enbrel works as well for you as it has for me the last ten years.

xxx

[Tinat3]

Hi Bats. I too am starting Enbrel within the next couple of weeks after failing 3 DMARD 's. Wasn't given a choice but apparently it works well for PsA

Good luck x

[Azabat in reply to Tinat3]

Morning tinat, Good luck to us both, then! I'm seronegative so my rheumy narrowed it down to one of two, but the nurse was really good at describing the differences. I'm glad I won't have to fill my own syringes for this one! xx

[Tinat3 in reply to Azabat]

I too am seronegative. I will hopefully find out more at my appointment next week. Staying positive ! Xx

[bernese1225]

What a lovely smile. Good luck on Enbrel, really hope it works for you x

[Heathersmum69]

Hi Bats

Wishing you good luck on Biologics. I am starting them too in the next few weeks.

Bring it on!

Jane xx

[craigsif]

Forward and upward young lady all the best x

[Shirl8beauts]

A lovely picture! Glad it's a bright day where you live. Here in my part of UK not sunny, but at least it's not raining at the moment. Hope you do well on the new regime,

Best wishes Shirli

[Smiler53]

Good luck with the new drugs and hope you get a lot out of your course. Hugs Barb x

[hatshepsut]

Good luck! Hope it's the onr for you. M x

[Karen77]

That whole blood sugar thing is super intriguing. Good luck with the Enbrel, I hope you have great success with it!

[angel-delight]

Good luck Bats,

Enbrel was good for me and no side effects.

Wish you well, back to the UK on Thursday, I don't think it will be long until I return.

Take care, Sue xx

[Azabat in reply to angel-delight]

Sue the angel, feel free to drop in any time We have wineries and orchards and mountains and lake and and and ME! xxx

[Metal-legs]

I was on enbrel for 8 years, it was the best drug I have ever taken, it got me out of a wheelchair in 12 weeks. I wish you all the very best and hope it works some magic for you.

[thelmar]

Good luck with the Enbrel. I have just started on biologics and almost immediately the 'fog' has cleared. Long may it continue.

[carotopgal]

Great picture!

[shareasmile]

I can tell you that Enbrel has made a huge difference in my everyday life and I hope it does the same for you!

[Hidden]

Hello Azabat,

If you don't mind, I have a couple of questions to ask you. As we both live in BC, how many DMARDs do we have to fail in order to be able to have a biologic? Are biologic's covered with our BC medical plan, or do we have to pay out of our pockets?

Gentle hugs,

Sue

[Azabat in reply to Hidden]

Hullo Suzanne. I think it's four DMARDs we need to fail, or have reactions to, but you can talk to pharmacare to find out for sure. My rheumy and her nurse made application to the ministry to cover the cost entirely, so I imagine yours would do the same. Essentially it's a special authority to have the med covered, but there doesn't seem to be an question that it will be. I'm on disability, so the chances of me being able to afford it are laughable. You could call health link at 811 to talk to a nurse, or ask your rheumy to be certain. gentle hugs backatacha!

Bats

[Hidden in reply to Azabat]

Thanks for your response Azabat. I am so relieved that there is away for us to recieve the biologics for free. I have a customer who has to pay $1700 a month for her biologic. I don't know her financial situation, but I do know that I could never afford that. I only make $2200 a month, and I fear I might not be able to continue working with this awful disease.

I have my fingers crossed that Enbrel is your miracle drug.

Take care

Sue

[Azabat in reply to Hidden]

Hey Suzanne, I just got more information about coverage. Pharmacare usually has a deductible, then a family limit before it's completely covered. However, the company that makes Enbrel has a program that will help cover that deductible if you can't do it.

[Hidden]

Thank you so much Azabat. Although the sulfa I'm on is trying to "kick in" I always fear the worst. I'm the kind of person who needs her "ducks in a row" I want to thank you for all the information you have shared with me. It has put my mind at ease.

Thank you so much

Sue

[Azabat in reply to Hidden]

You're very welcome! Anything for a friend

[Hidden]

I used Enbrel for 13 years and it worked great. The last few years, tho, I started becoming susceptible to infection and had pneumonia twice. Orencia and Actemra haven't worked so now I'm getting ready to start Rituxan? I recommend taking a good amount of probiotics.

[Azabat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, that's good to know.