At last

[Harvey20]

I had my rheumatologist appointment yesterday after waiting nearly a year , he has told me he is going to give me a TNF drug but won't start it for around 6-8 weeks as I have to see a team that will explain all about the drug , and secondly someone will have to show me how to inject myself!!! Is this the norm when starting a TNF drug ?

[Moomin8]

Yep - sorry.

[helixhelix]

As Moomin...yup. They will need to do extra tests to check you don't have any lurking diseases, and then apply for the funding as these drugs cost around £10,000 a year. And then make sure you know how to use it, and look after it. So it all takes quite a while - sorry!

[Harvey20 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for that , I hate being on steroids,

[farm123]

If they actually had the disease the process would definitely be sped up. It is so frustrating to have something within reach but have to wait first to get the funding then delivery then training to inject (in the past I have been expected to have the drug in my fridge for 2 weeks before the training nurse could come but complained and they were there much quicker). Unfortunately it also can take up to 12 weeks to work once you start so hang in there. On the other hand once I found the right drug it changed my life so although it does not feel it now hopefully the wait will be worth it. Farm

[Harvey20 in reply to farm123]

Thank you for the advise 😊

[Eiram50]

As all have said before me, yes, this is the norm.

It is good to hear that you are now going to receive appropriate treatment. These drugs can take up to 12 weeks to work and if suited, you should see a significant improvement .

Wishing you the best going forward.

Marie

[Harvey20 in reply to Eiram50]

Thank you 😊

[Mhairi54]

Oh good, glad to hear. Anti TNF treatment has made a huge difference to me pain wise and gave me a huge part of my life back. It does take a while to jump through all the hoops required, but I really hope that you find it beneficial for you when you do start.

[Harvey20 in reply to Mhairi54]

Thank you 😊 b

[Jacey15]

It took 5 months from rheumatology nurses deciding I needed biogics to actually getting them so don't be surprised/worried if it takes a while. I have only had 2 injections of Humira but I am convinced I have less swelling in my hands and I have no side effects. Hope you have a positive response too,

Jacey xXx