If I Make The Call Dr. Will Put Me On Humira

[LodgeLady]

I am failing this second prednisone wean. Abdominal pain is increasing and I broke down and took Tylenol PM. I have failed one time before weaning from 40 mg to 30 mg after 11 days of the wean. I have been on some prednisone for 2 mos.now. Again I am weaning from 40mg to 30mg, it has been 6 days this time and pain is creeping back especially after eating. If I call my doctor he is going to start me on Humira. I don't know if I am ready for that but I need to get off this prednisone .

Anyone had any success getting of Pred using Humira? Did you have to stay on Humira if so? I am newly diagnosed and this is all really getting to me emotionally. I can't really talk to my husband because he gets real emotional and worried.

 

[Johnnysmom]

I know that Prednisone is used to immediately reduce inflammation. Usually, your GI will also prescribe a 'maintenance medication' to be started at the same time because they generally take a few months to start working. Did your GI talk to you about any maintenance meds? Even if the Prednisone worked the way it should once you are off of it you would still need some sort of medication to keep you in remission. My son takes 6mp. It is stronger than Pentasa but not quite as strong as Humira.

I would call your GI. He might want you to get on Humira or he might want you to wean your Prednisone more slowly. You can always choose to not do the Humira once you get all the facts and discuss your concerns. We were very afraid to give my son 6mp in the beginning, but we figured we should give it a try. We could always stop if he was having side effects or it didn't seem to be worth it. But if you don't try, you will never know. And Humira is an absolute miracle drug for some.

It's a lot to take in, especially when your not feeling well. I am sure you will figure it all out and come to peace with your decision. I know we did. Prayer helps, as you know.

(((((Hugs)))))

 

[lblair]

Humira is working great for me started in june and symptoms are under control still have good days and bad days but that is normal!!

I just got of of Steriods yesterday I had a hard time weaning off of them but I did it this time do not want to go back on them its awful!!!!

Good Luck!!

 

[LodgeLady]

I made the call. However, my doctor did not think my symptoms were bad enough during this wean. He really wants me to try to get through it, and to let my pain get so bad I can't stand it anymore before we start Humira. Now I know he wants to try and exhuast the prednisone wean first, but I am now really worrying myself about "how much pain" to let myself get into.

Right now I am managing a little better than a couple of days ago. I also put myself on a soft diet so as not to aggravate myself. The worst pain comes towards the end of the day when my prednisone is all but worn off (I take 30 mg in the morning). My doc did up my Pentasa from 2G to 4G so maybe this will help?

Still if I am having these symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea) I am not in remission, right? Or is it all the prednisone? I just don't know what to think. I do know I have lots of Lortab ready for this weekend just in case......:confused2:

 

[leahsmom]

Hi lodge lady, every time my daughter tried to wean from pred she'd flare. When she was down to 10mg pred she started LDN at 1.5mg that was the only time she didn't flare getting off steroids. She was on apriso at the time along with pred

 

[LodgeLady]

I have had a miserable weekend. Last night and today I had major pain, cramping, where I had to take Levesin, Lortab, and basically still having low lying pain. This is in addition to my 4G Pentasa and 30 mg Prednisone. I am currently trying to wean from Prednisone, and now I think it is time to try something else. How much pain and for how long do I need to be in before trying another drug to get off this prednisone?

Calling the doctor back tomorrow...:frown:

 

[LodgeLady]

So pain is unbearable, spoke with my doctor. He is getting the ball rolling for me to start Humira. Got the protection plan lined up. How long does it take to get pre-approved from insurance to the time I actually get the medicine?