New member, starting Humira and worried

[Iwonka]

Hi Everyone,
I was diagnosed with rare crown's about 15 years ago.
I was treated with Pentasa and Asacol ( drug allergy )
I am starting Humira today, after major allergic reaction to Remicade.
I'm scared but want to have it behind me already. After reading some of the posts I am afraid of the pain , also I am not looking forward to gaining weight ...
I know Im doing the right thing, need to get better ........... but scared

 

[Polaris]

Just wanted to send my support. I was on Humira for a year and it helped me greatly while it worked. (I tend to build up antibodies to everything). The injections are scary at first but they become so much easier as you go. If it's too much to handle on your own, you can always have a nurse do them or a friend/family member.

 

[Grotbags]

I was on Humira , like Stelarjess, I eventually become immune to the effects of meds, and it was the same for the Humira.
You do get used to the pain, but even at first, it's not that bad, and it's only a tiny moment in your day.
When I first started using it, I really did have to gird my loins to press that button, but a few weeks on and I was jabbing it in no problem.
My nurse suggested having it out of the fridge for 15 minuets before using it, she said it hurt less going in.

 

[DougUte]

:welcome:Hi Iwonka.

Humira has been a good med for me. I have been on it for about 3 years and have not developed antibodies to it. (Not everybody does!)

The pain from the injections is not terrible, and lasts just a moment as the Humira is going in. I would not worry about it. Just let the shot warm up. I actually take it out of the refrigerator 1 hour before I take the injections. I still cannot inject myself, so my wife does it for me. The pain is not really a big problem. Honest.

 

[Bailee208]

I hate to be negative, but I was on Humira for 1.5 yrs. In that time I saw little relief from my Crohn's symptoms and was CONSTANTLY sick with something. I caught every flu, cold, infection that was going around. I was horribly anemic and my stomach was covered with bruises from the injections. I finally quit taking Humira when my doctor found I had developed thyroid goiters. I am now dealing with hypothyroidism and getting biopsies to see if I have cancer. In the end everyone reacts different to medications, my advice is to make sure the benefits are outweighing the risks/side effects and don't be afraid to tell your doctors about any worries/concerns you may have. Good Luck ~ I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Lam123]

I am on humira weekly. I have been taking it for 4 years and it has given me great remission. I do have moments where I get a few symptoms, but I can get that under control with added rest. The injections I find very easy and quick. I do get some sinus issues with being on humira that I didn't have before humira, but I can handle sinus issues over crohns pain anyday!

Good luck!

 

[Iwonka]

Hi everyone ,
I have been on Humira now for 2 mo, so far so good, pain got worse with the last shot ( last week), I have muscle pain for 2-3 days after - feel like someone beat me up.
I have noticed some gain weight and being tired no energy. Has anyone experience same?
Thank you for all you support at the start ! It meant a lot!

 

[MoCo]

Starting Humira tomorrow. Scared silly. Oh God I hope this works!

 

[Maria2009]

Please don't be scared. Its not that bad.. Think about how you will be when it works.. I think your going to do great. Best wish.
Maria

 

[Iwonka]

Hi MoCo
I was very scared too having gone through horrible experience with Remicade
It will be ok stay positive !!
There is a lot of us here that are with you !
Good luck and think good thoughts

 

[POTTYTIME!]

I have been on Humira for my loader doses and one maintenance dose. Only side effects are a migraine for 2 days. Very sleepy on injection day, and joint aches 3 days before my next shots. The pain is so so. Feels like I was kicked in the leg by a horse for about 20 min. Then its ok.

Went to my GI today. He is not happy that I am getting nothing from humira as of yet. Said I should feel better at least alittle. He does not want me to take injections just to take them. Says that with his experience, if it is going to work it will show signs of working within a month. Getting a CT SCAN Friday to prep for Resection and fistula surgery. Have got worse in the past few months.

Current meds:

Humira injections every 14 days
Pentasa 4000mg a day
Prednisone 40mg a day
Bentyl 60mg a day
Norco 10-325 when needed
Nexium 40mg a day
Liquid fish oil- Omega 3 800EPA/500DHA
Chamomile oil
Jarro-Dophilus EPS probiotics

 

[MoCo]

Thanks everyone for the more positive comments. It really does help to read some success stories and not just all the bad ones. I hope you each find your magic wand medicine quickly and easily. Peace to all. Hoping my next posts will be able to be positive ones as well.

 

[Iwonka]

How about weight gain with Humira treatments?

 

[POTTYTIME!]

I have put on 20lbs in 2 months but I think more to do with the prednisone than anything.