Started Humira

[Siri84]

Hello everyone, how are you doing? I have some news - I finally got my 1st Humira injection yesterday.

The nurse from HAH came home to show how to administer the drug - it is as similar to injecting methotrexate.

I had to go see a client so wasn’t able to process much - but had a slight fever and stomach cramp feeling all day and a disturbed sleep at night due to hot flashes. Quite a bit of tossing and turning in bed. Doesn’t seem as dreadful as Methotrexate

I don’t know what side effects others have - can someone share what their experience with Humira is ? Do I still wait for the drug to hit my system before I can safely say “no dreadful side effects” ?

On a different note , I have pain on the left side of my face from past 3 days . Everything including the eye and teeth is tender - looks like TMJ acting up :/

Keep safe everyone - bundle up with all the winter wear - winter is here !

Siri

[rab1874]

Hi siri hopefully it’s the magic 1, it can take up to 12 weeks to work properly as everyone’s different but hopefully works quicker than that,I can empathise with you about sore face gums etc as I’ve had earache last couple off days xxx

[Siri84 in reply to rab1874]

Thank you . So do you use Humira / other biologics?

[rab1874 in reply to Siri84]

No I used to be on Humira was good until it stopped working, been on Benepali as well and on Toximininumb now great so far

[AgedCrone]

Try to keep busy & stop expecting side effects.I firmly believe we often blame our drugs when we feel “off”......when in fact we are over thinking ourselves into a Non Existent side effect.

I have never been prescribed Humira so sorry can’t comment...but I hope you find it works really well for you.

[Siri84 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. I keep busy(consulting job / travel etc ) - it’s just that I am on so much medication (methotrexate + Sulphasalazine + HCQS) and now Humira . I just want to ensure that I know why I am falling ill and what is causing it . I feel well when I believe that I am prepared .

[AgedCrone in reply to Siri84]

I honestly don’t think we can each tell which drug is causing the problem....that is up to your Rheumatologist to judge. Apart from eating well, keeping hydrated & not smoking I don’t find anything can prepare you for what tomorrow will bring with this disease.

I have been extremely lucky & long ago when first diagnosed had easy access to my Rheumatologist & rarely took more than one drug at a time.

But as I said - expecting a bad reaction is almost a self fulfilling prophecy.

Enjoy your travelling ...if you travel far afield I’m sure you have seen health conditions we don’t have to endure in this country..that always makes me feel very humble.

Good Luck with the Humira...let’s hope you can stop one or all of the other drugs if it does the job.

,

[Siri84 in reply to AgedCrone]

I beg to differ . I maintain a diary which lists all medication / how I feel and what I eat and can tell what caused / changed and is making me feel in a certain way . I was 18 when I was diagnosed and I am 35 - so I have some sort of mechanisms in place that makes me feel prepared and in control of this disease .

I believe rheumatologists might have had formal education but each body is different . They don’t know half the things that we react to / go through .

I am not expecting anything bad - I don’t have a clue on the side effects (read the pamphlet - was too generic )and wanted to ask people who had experience with this drug .

Anyways , thanks for the input .

[AgedCrone in reply to Siri84]

You are a young woman...please don’t let this disease take over your life.

Don’t underestimate your doctors ....rheumatology is not a glamour field of medicine and those who choose it are genuinely interested in their patients.

I really hope Humira will help you.

[Brushwork in reply to Siri84]

Hi Siri,

I am totally with you, if you add a new drug and you feel different it is very likely to be either the new drug or the combination that is causing the problem. I honestly, don't believe our specialists know everything, they are only as well informed as current thinking and that changes very quickly. We individually experience our conditions and develop an awareness of our bodies.

Monitor yourself, be at least in part, your own consultant. Yes report all to your Rheumatologist and seek advice, as well.

Being pro-active and well informed in your health and well-being is the only way, for me and I fully acknowledge that we are all different. However, I am not about to put my life or my health completely in the hands of any Doctor or specialist.

[Siri84 in reply to Brushwork]

That’s so true and exactly how I feel . Thankful that somebody here gets me - somehow people got a wrong message that I am eagerly looking for side effects and that I am cynical . Far from it . Unfortunately came down with facial rash - looks like I’d ought to stop Humira

[KittyJ]

As already has been said I would try to forget about looking for side effects. You will soon know if you have any and worrying and looking for them can make you think things are side effects when they’re not. Here’s hoping Humira is the one for you 😊