Might be starting Humira....some questions

[Txgirl]

Hi all,
30 yr old female recently diagnosed with crohns:frown: GI wants me to start Humira since I've already had an abscess that had to be drained and now have a fistula. She gave me no other options of anything else to try first.

I'm a little bit freaked out by this med. because of some of the things that can happen to you, such as getting Ms, Lupus or even worse cancer.

Can someone help ease my mind a little. Tell me how long you have been on it and what if any side effects you have had please.

Thanks in advance

 

[Txgirl]

Anyone ??:shifty-t::thumright:

 

[AB5]

I'm 40 I've had Crohns for 24 yrs. I've been doing humors injections for about 2 yrs so far I feel great. I've joined a gym and workout 4 days a week. I have not experienced any side effects.

 

[Txgirl]

Awesome. So glad it works so well for you. I'm praying for the same Thanks for your post

 

[Mountaingem]

I'm on Remicade, haven't tried Humira, but I totally get being freaked out by the side effects.

Before Remicade I couldn't walk most days; sometimes I was wheelchair bound. Plus fistulas, abcesses, anal fissures....total nightmare. Now I am able to exercise on an elliptical, and it gave me my life back. I didn't realize just how sucky life had become until the medicine finally got the disease under control.

There's no easy choices with this disease, but you deserve better than what you're going through right now. I wish you the best with your treatment!

 

[AB5]

Your welcome TXgirl. The best advice I could give is be patient with this disease. I have had 6 operations. Crohn's for me has always been slow to react to meds. I will say a prayer for you. If there's any other questions I'll be glad to help anyway I can.

 

[Lucy_Poppy]

I was on Infliximab ( which I believe is what Remicade is called over here in the UK?) for a year and I'm hoping to go back on it soon. And I have to say it was a miracle drug for me.

I was going through a really bad long flare and it put me into instant , full remission with no side effects whatsoever. It seems a little daunting being put on IV drugs but I would much rather be on infliximab than other tablet drugs like pred.

The risk of side effects really is very small, especially the serious ones like lupus. Before the infusion the nurses give you IV piriton (an anti-hystamine) and IV hydrocortisone (steroid) which helps minimise the risk of less serious reactions during the infusions like headaches , nausea etc although I never got these anyway.

Infliximab totally transformed my life , and I'm currently begging my doctors to let me go back on it!

Good luck

 

[beth]

-----> The Humira thread to read first <-----

 

[Txgirl]

Thanks Beth for the link!! I had already read some of the pages on that post. but alot of them are old and was just curious as to how many people were still on it and for how long.

We I took the leap and start humira today. 4 pens, then the 2 in 2 weeks, then 1 every two weeks from then on. I sure it helps and I don't have to try something else or even up my doses, since it still freaks me out LOL

Did 3 shots in the belly and one in the thigh. Thigh stung a bit more so stuck to the belly area. Its does sting a bit but thats about it.

 

[beth]

Good luck, hope it works well for you.

I do my injections late at night as I get headaches and often feel grouchy afterwards, so best I sleep it off. I stick with belly, too much of a wimp to try elsewhere as it's not too bad. Cake afterwards helps too!

 

[ChefShazzy]

Hi TxGirl, I've been on Humira for the past 14 months. The only side effects I have had are itching and swelling at the injection site, which seemed to have calmed down over time. I skipped taking prednisone with my last injection, and the reaction was not nearly as bad as it used to be.

Also, I should mention that it took about 3 months for me to feel like the Humira was working. So, don't be discouraged if you don't have immediate results. All the best!

 

[MikeinBklyn]

TX,

I too had an abcecess and fistula.

Humira made it disappear in two days. I was on an injection every two weeks, but it was not doing the job. We increased the dose to an injection every ten days and poof.....goodbye fistula.

Believe me, the positives grossly out weigh the possible and remote negatives.

I was freaked out about the sideffects. They list all possibilities. Most of those possibilities may not have been connected with Humira during the trials.

If I stub my toe while on a drug trial it is reported.

After a year on Humira all I can say is that it worked for me with no issues.

My life has been returned to m now that the fistula is gone.

Good Luck

 

[Txgirl]

Thank you all for your replies. It sure helps