wading through treacle update…

[HeadInASpin]

Hi lovely people.

Many of you have been kind in giving me support over the last year or so as I have waded through treacle. Every step has felt like a slog and my sunny optimism has been sorely tested. Here’s my update…

I have been to see the consultant this morning and my liver results have improved but not yet within ‘normal’ range. My disease activity is still very high (could have told him that one. lol) So it’s been decided that I will start biologics. Got to have the usual tests before I get the drug but I’m keeping optimistic (and my fingers crossed) that this might just make the difference. As with the other drugs I’m going to approach this with a positive attitude and hope that this will help me to lead a relatively normal life. I’m aware that all the drugs we take in our club can have potential side effects but I’m not looking for them. If anyone has any tips on how to get the most out of adalimumab do let me know.

thanks for all your support

Spin xx

[ruth_p]

Let the nurse show you how to take the medication and give it time to work. They usually say it should start to improve symptoms within 3 months. Make sure you take your injection out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before injecting. Room temperature makes it hurt less. Site reactions can happen but in my experience only for the first few injections, although I only had this with tocilizumab but not Enbrel or Humira. A cold compress and an antihistamine can help with this. 🤞it works for you x

[HeadInASpin in reply to ruth_p]

Thank you, sounds like great advice. 🙂

[Zip1]

I had great success with adalimumab, it did take a while to work but it got my RA under control and although not completely symptom free it allowed me to lead the relatively normal life that we are all looking for! Good luck and fingers crossed ot works for you!

[HeadInASpin]

Thank you, that's so good to hear. 🤞 it will do the same for me. 🙂

[Stills]

just wanted to say I hope it brings you relief and you can enjoy better days

[HeadInASpin in reply to Stills]

Thank you 😊

[greynot]

I hope it works for you. And 110% out of 100 for your positive attitude x

[HeadInASpin in reply to greynot]

Thank you ☺️

[Domhem]

adalimumbab gave me my life back, I’d recently had a baby and the pregnancy had sent my immune system haywire, I was very unwell and in incredible pain. It took 3/4 months but it did work (I did continue to take a dmard and pred but was able to dramatically reduce the pred dose over time). It’s been around four years now and my quality of life is near normal, there are days/ times when I struggle with fatigue/pain but these are in the few and nowhere near how I felt then. It really worked for me and I hope it does for you too, it changed my life. I feel like a different person, I’m on holiday at the moment and was snorkelling with my children, in and out of a boat, something I could not have imagined before. Good luck and I hope it works for you!

[HeadInASpin in reply to Domhem]

Wow that’s brilliant! Thank you 🤞🏻it will do the same for me. I’m desperate to get back to swimming again. ☺️

[Mmrr]

I started Adalimumab a few weeks ago, I've had no noticable difference yet, but very early days.

I've had no side effects, other than a 'clear runny nose' 24 hrs afterwards that only lasts a few hours. The injection is easy to use.

🤞 for both of us.

[HeadInASpin in reply to Mmrr]

Yes indeed, good luck for us both. 🍀

[virtualreality]

Hi Spin, I've recently started adalimumab too, and it's going fine so far. No major side effects, the injections have been fine and it's nice to only have to take it once a fortnight. I'd say the best strategy is the one you already have - a positive attitude.

One thing I personally find helpful is watching people's YouTube videos about their experiences with medications (or RA in general), especially at the start or when I have a change of medication - just find it reassuring I think to hear other people's stories and know that there are lots of other people taking it and doing ok. I did the search 'starting adalimumab' and there are lots there if you think it might be something you find helpful too: youtube.com/results?search_...

[HeadInASpin]

Thank you... I'll have a look at that. 🤞It works for us both 😊