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Starting Humira

Hi All, I have received my Humira starting package, but I'm waiting on my GI to set me up with a clinic or infusion clinic to administer the injection. Is this normal? Also should I be seeing a Rhumatologist? I was told to call the office as soon as my injections arrived, so I could come in with nurse practitioner to get instructions and information on self injection. But when I called I was told she was very booked and her assistant would call me back. Didn't hear from him so I called again and he got on the phone and that's when I was told I was being sent somewhere else. I have had a hard time excepting that I have Crohn's then reading and hearing all the side effects that are far worse than what I having really SCARE me.
 
Location
WV
I am waiting to see what medication that will be recommended for my recently diagnosed Crohns. I have been reading about the biologics and it sounds like that may be the route I take. I have many arthritis symptoms and have been treated for Otitis several times. I hope you get this worked out and hope Humira works well for you. I hope to follow and see how things go for you. Good luck. I have been seeing a Rheumatologist for several years and have had some help. I am hoping that the treatment for Crohns takes care of most of the other problems.
 

my little penguin

Moderator
Staff member
So Ds started remicade at age 8 and humira at age 9
Remember those are possible side effects
Pull out a box of Tylenol read the very long paper insert
Liver failure , Steven Johnson syndrome and death are listed as side effects (but they are only possible side effects ) and I gave this to both my kids as INFANTS for a simple fever on a regular basis

The benefits of the meds out weighed the risks of potential side effects

It is normal to have a nurse show you how to give the injection for the first injection For humira then you give the rest

I learned over 7 years ago for ds
He is now on Stelara which is also injection
Didn’t need to be trained again. 😂

Ds was in humira for over 5 years
No major issues
It worked well until it stopped working

He also see a rheumatologist for his arthritis in addition to crohns

Good luck
After the first few shots you will be able to inject it without thinking
 
Please do not be frightened. I was, and after 9 years, nothing happened accept going in to remission!

See if you can get the citrate free pens. You will not even know you injected!

Good Luck
 
Thank you, I was give the citrate free pens and your right, can hardly feel it. I was a little worried because 3 days before my second dose was due I had a flare up and for the first time I had blood in the bowl...I called my doctor and had my hold my injection for 2 days. Today I'm about as normal as one can be with Crohn's. I recently went to see a Rhumatologist and he is linking my Crohn's with possibly psoriatic arthritis. Doing more blood work and scans. I get my results next week. So you say your in remission, how long did it take to be were your at? And does it mean no diarrhea ever?
 
It took a few years to go into remission. There are a few days scattered here and there that are "Crohnish" days. No D for me.

Best of Luck
Mike
 
Location
WV
Will be starting Humira in the next few weeks. I have been approved and am just waiting for the assist program to see if it will help with expenses. I am getting the citrate free pen. Thanks for all of the input and advice.
 
Hi LoJo, I will be injecting my 5th dose this morning and I cant believe how easy it's been. I feel silly now making a fuss. I have a question for anyone out there. Before starting the Humira my GI had me do a TB skin test, but my Rhumatologist had me do the Quantiferon Gold TB test. The skin test was negative but the blood test was positive for "Latent TB" I'm not contagious but I was at one time exposed. Now I have to go see an ID doctor "Infectious Disease " specialist 🙄 . Before my diagnosis my daughter got engaged to be married this November in Cabo San Lucas Mexico and was content running around planning and making arrangements to the special day. 3 weeks ago one of my youngest sister diagnosed with Breast cancer me and her a very close I have been going to appointments and will be with her next week when she starts chemo, and now TB. I have been stressed. Doing meditation and breathing exercises hope this helps and not cause any flare up. Keep fingers crossed.
 
Location
WV
Sorry to hear of your medical and emotional issues. (Hrodri327) Wishing the best for you. I was approved for Humira Assist and start the injections the week of Oct. 14.
 
I've been on Humira for about a year now. One piece of advice I can give is to be patient and give it time. It took several weeks for me to start feeling the effects, but I'm now in complete remission. I was more than skeptical when I started.

Also, make sure you get the citrate free. The one with citrate burns going in.
 
Location
WV
I've been on Humira for about a year now. One piece of advice I can give is to be patient and give it time. It took several weeks for me to start feeling the effects, but I'm now in complete remission. I was more than skeptical when I started.

Also, make sure you get the citrate free. The one with citrate burns going in.
Thank you! I did ask for the citrate free because of posts I have read here. I had my starter dose this past Monday. It was a lot easier than I thought. So far, doing good. Good luck to you.
 
My son had his loading doses of Humira on Oct 1st. He had his second shot couple of days back. So far so good. No side effects. He is 13 years old and is tapering Prednisone (15mg this week!). He is also on 75mg Imuran.
 
Sorry to hear of your medical and emotional issues. (Hrodri327) Wishing the best for you. I was approved for Humira Assist and start the injections the week of Oct. 14.
HI LoJo. hope all is going well, how did it go for you? Were you able to start your Humira? I had to start the Rifampin for my latent TB and that has been a nightmare. Nausea fatigue and daily abdominal discomfort and pain at times. I'm trying to just work through it and hope I can do this for the 4 months needed this treatment.
 
Location
WV
HI LoJo. hope all is going well, how did it go for you? Were you able to start your Humira? I had to start the Rifampin for my latent TB and that has been a nightmare. Nausea fatigue and daily abdominal discomfort and pain at times. I'm trying to just work through it and hope I can do this for the 4 months needed this treatment.
Thank you. I am doing great(I think). I started Humira almost two weeks ago. No problems! The injections were almost painless and easy to do. I am sorry that you are having a hard time. I hope it gets better.
 
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