I need your opinion on starting Humira

[afidz]

Ok, let me go back a little bit, for those who don't know whats going on. I was on Humira in 2009, I loved it. I went into remission after a flare that almost killed me with in a month. I maintained remission for over 3 years. It was the best 3 years I could of asked for. I was able to be normal again.
So, I had to stop Humira in 2010 because I had a hernia and I was having surgery to get it repaired. The plan was to get off of it temporarily and go back on it after I healed enough. I got a severe infection anyways. Followed by another hernia, followed by another infection. This has been an ongoing cycle for 3 years. The last surgery I had was in March. I got an infection 7 weeks after surgery, which is pretty much unheard of. And now..you guessed it, another hernia. I don't know when I am getting the next surgery, money and scheduling are tough, but I am thinking December.
Through all this my body finally gave way and I fell out of remission last February, I was surprised I lasted as long as I did with out any meds. I haven't been able to take anything because I am always waiting on an infection to clear or a surgery to heal. The only thing I could take was Asacol HD, and I ended up in the hospital with in a week of taking it from side effects.
So now here I am, feeling like crap. At this point, I am thinking about just starting Humira. If I get an infection regardless of whether or not I am on meds, then why not? I go to the GI tomorrow. I have already been approved to start it by my insurance, all I need is his go ahead. Opinions?

 

[Jennifer]

At this point I feel you have to try to avoid the worse outcome. If you and your GI feels that not being treated will cause more harm then going back on Humira may be best unless there's another treatment plan that your GI can offer. Let us know how the appointment goes tomorrow. *HUGS*

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I'm concerned about your restarting Humira with the warning signs that are given and your medical state. But, do hope that if you do try it that it will start working wonders for you. I echo Jennifer's request & hope all goes well for you with your appointment. :hug:

 

[afidz]

My doctor and I have decided to go ahead with Humira. I have to get one more approval from a doctor on Tuesday and then my GI will push the rest of the paper work through.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I know that I already said so on facebook for ya. But, hope all goes well for you and that things start calming down for ya. :hug:

 

[afidz]

Thanks. I have a lot of hope for this.
HOPEFULLY it will not only help Crohn's. But my arthritis and joint pain and Iritis that seems to keep coming back

 

[Jennifer]

Let us know what wound care has to say about it. Hope you heal up fully soon from your last surgery and hope the Humira is the ticket. Maybe it will some how miraculously help you heal faster.

 

[afidz]

lol that will be nice. but somehow I don't think thats possible.

 

[mish2575]

I've been on biologics for many many years and I SWEAR that it actually makes me less prone to infections. *knock on wood* I know that goes against all medical documentation but it is my gut feeling and I havent had any serious infections all these years.

I've had minor surgeries for boils and two c-sections (but wasnt on the biologics at the time of the sections).

 

[afidz]

Ugh I feel like crap. I really hope I get approval to start Humira from my doctor on Tuesday. My eyesight is blurry from the iritis, my back is killing me and is sore to the touch, my knees are killing me and I have been nauseous for 3+ weeks. My second bm this morning burned and I did notice blood when I wiped. After I got of the bathroom I was overwhelmingly nauseous. I noticed my tounge was hurting so I looked in the mirror and it looks like I am starting to get a sore under my tongue. Luckily I haven't really started getting the cramps yet, and if I do they are very mild and I can ignore them.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Sorry afidz Wish all this could be avoided...:hug:

 

[Josephine]

I hope you get approval for Humira, feel better soon. x

 

[ellie]

Sounds like humira is the way forward for you..
Significant flare, especially if you have iritis, is a real challenge.
Hope your GI establishes a treatment program that works - any role for a short course of prednisolone while you're getting things under control?
As for the recurrent hernia - how problematic is it? If it's not threatening to cause an obstruction, then maybe it could be relegated to the "back burner" while your CD is being brought back under control


HD

 

[afidz]

My wound care doctor agreed to let me start Humira, she is faxing my GI the necessary paper work so he can get my RX ordered. Very excited!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Glad to hear that you're getting taken care of!!! Hopefully things will start improving for you soon... :hug:

 

[Jennifer]

That's awesome! Let us know when you start.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

That's awesome! Let us know when you start.

Jennifer. When she starts Humira? Or, when she starts feeling better? I'm a little confused...:ybatty:

 

[Jennifer]

When she starts Humira. Then we can focus on when she starts feeling better.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Oh, ok. Just had to ask! :ysmile:

 

[jjk308]

I had an operation - gallbladder removal - while on Humira and it had zero effects on it and I healed quickly. Doctors no longer seem inclined to stop Humira before an operation. Otherwise only one skin infection in 7 years on Humira and a tendency to pre-cancerous skin lesions, lots less problem than the squamous cell cancer and lesions I had while in Azathioprine.

I also have lower back scoliosis due to a pelvic malformation, and a long history of arthritis and orthopedic problems due to my generally hyperactive immune system, as I tend to get a lot of arthritis quickly, calcium deposits, around areas of injury or stress. But Humira certainly isn't responsible for any of that.

 

[afidz]

I have had an infection after every surgery. And it all started with the being on Humira for the first one. Its a case by case situation and its a decision that needs to be discussed with the doctor and patient. Its great that you didn't have any complications for your surgery though
I don't think Humira caused any of my back or arthritis problems either. Its all genetic problems. I am hoping that Humira will stop or slow down the degression of my spine, as well as put my Crohn's back into remission. Just waiting for my insurance to approve it.