1st loading dose of Humira today!

[carolhew]

Yes, the day has arrived! The home health nurse is coming today at 2:30! I am so excited! One day closer to getting rid of the evil prednisone!


Currently taking 40mg prednisone, 4000 mg Pentasa and waiting to start Humira. Been on Entocort, did nothing!

 

[littlemissh]

I hope it goes well today and you have no problems with your injections. I had my 3rd course yesterday. So far only muscle cramps as a side effect other than the stinging as it goes in.
I tried it in the thigh for the first time...hurt less in stomach for me.
Good luck!

 

[AmandaNG]

Good luck! I was really scared (plus my doctor neglected to mention that you have to do 4 the first time) but it wasn't too bad. I always do them in my thighs because for some reason the thought of injecting in my stomach freaks me out. I recommend using an ice pack on the injection site to numb the area beforehand. It does sting but that goes away in about 10 seconds. Also, wait a minute or two before standing up afterwards or it might sting. Other than that, I had no immediate side effects from the injections. Hope it goes well for you.

 

[carolhew]

Loading dose went great! I did use my abdomen and only 1 of the 4 stung a little more than the others, not too bad though. Oh, and I have a bit of cushion on my tummy Getting a little sleepy now, which is actually kind of nice since I have been so hyped up from the pred! Looking forward to good long night of sleep!

 

[izzi'smom]

Glad to hear it went well...I started today also! Hope it works wonders for you!

 

[carolhew]

Thank you! I hope it works as well for you too!

 

[Miss Underestimated]

For once, a fat tummy is a good thing! That's where I prefer to take my shots.

 

[scott 4216]

Just restarted humaria today. Had abdominal reconstruction surgery in January. Did two shots in thighs, hurt like hell. Never had that experience before. Did the last two in my stomach, with no pain, although I still am quite numb there from my surgery.
I have been delaying since I have had bad fistulas and abcesses that flag and cipro have controlled. Hope Humaria does not mess that up.

 

[carolhew]

Scott, I hope the Humira dose not mess with your fistulas and abscesses, especially after having surgery. I didn't even consider the legs after what I had read on the forum. Best Wishes!

 

[littlemissh]

It's a bit strange why the legs sting so much more than the abdo.
I wonder why? Could it be that after surgery it's a bit more numb there?

 

[NoNameNoFace]

Im due to see the doc next week to start this, I have to go for an xray first. Im worried about it to be honest, the side affects and whether it works. My aza treatment has failed so the doc has decided to give me humira, I pray it works as it sounds brillaint for relieving symptons!

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I only have a small section that's numb now, and it's very close to the scar so I don't stick there - my surgery was 3 years ago.

It stings on my tummy - but heck, I if can dig out a splinter, I can take the stupid shot. We are all much tougher than we think we are.

I got stung by a hornet last summer - now THAT was a STING.

 

[scott 4216]

I have a quaetion regarding exercising with humaria. Does anyone know if humariq would stunt any potential growth from lifting weights? I know as you work out you tear down your muscles, just wondering I humariq would prevent the repair of those muscles.

 

[carolhew]

Scott, I am interested in the answer to your question too!

No Name, I had my loading dose on the 9th, so it is still too early to tell if it is working. From what I have read it can take a couple of weeks to a couple of months to be fully effective. The only side effects so far have been muscle cramps and joint pain, but this could be from the prednisone and my manic house cleaning.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Humira will not interfere with muscle repair. I have had a muscle tear and tendonitis in my arm from an injury. I lift weights and the healing time was as normal.

After two years on Humira I can only suggest what has worked for me over time.....stop looking for symptoms that may be due to Humira. I think folks like us are always waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know, always vigilant of another problem. I think we look to hard for things that may be happening to us.

I have had no sideffects from Humira nor any condition caused by Humira. But hey, that's just me.

Scott, my fistulas disappeared completley after starting Humira. I hope you have good luck with it as well.

Good Luck to all, and try to relax

 

[carolhew]

Thanks Mike! I got chewed out by the Humira nurse for not telling my GI I had muscle cramps the 2 days after my loading dose, when I know it is from the manic house cleaning I have been doing! (Prednisone) You are right on about not looking for symptoms that may be due to Humira! Thanks again, it is nice to hear from someone who had been on Humira as long as you have been!

 

[littlemissh]

Thats the only effect I have had - muscle cramps in my hands, legs and feet for a couple of days after the injections. Does seem to be reducing the last injection though. Why was your GI so upset about it, I thought it was just one of those things.

My white count has been low again as well but it was with higher doses of aza. So still on weekly blood counts.

 

[carolhew]

Littlemissh, My GI wasn't upset it was the nurse with Humira and the nurse with the specialty pharmacy that were telling me to report it to my GI. I think it was a CYA thing on their part! Lol

 

[littlemissh]

That's ok then, I think we crohnies just get used to symptoms and ignore them unless too troublesome!
CYA ??

 

[carolhew]

Cover Your A@@! LOL

 

[littlemissh]

Ahaaa, rather than PAPIYA..put a plug in your a**

 

[indianhart]

Just had my loading dose today and am exicted to feel the effects from it!! I have been in a flare-up since December and am really looking forward to eating something other than italian ice again!!! How long before people start feeling relief?

 

[littlemissh]

It took me about 4 weeks to notice some effect, some note it earlier and some later. If no change by 3 months it is unlikely to be beneficial.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

Muscle cramps - I get them, I've always gotten them, since I was a teenager. Make sure you're getting all your minerals - it can be diet related. Other than that, heat will relax the muscle. Heating pad, hot water bottle, or if you can, stick whatever is cramping into warm water, like in the tub or sink.

Sometimes I get them in my feet when I'm driving - I used to drive a straight shift, and would have to pull over, get out and walk it off. Ouch!

 

[MikeinBklyn]

I agree with Miss U, I've always had muscle pain and cramps, even when I was a kid. Although it gets harder to remember with each passing year.

I only know this about now, the H has given me back my life, especially over the last 14 months.

Not having an extra orifice below is quite nice, and a lot more comfortable.

Good Luck to all.