PLEASE help about to start Humira

[Fitchick81]

Hello my name is Cheree,

Thank you I’m so happy to find people to talk to!
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s about 7yrs ago, and had my first surgery a little over 3 yrs ago. I was in remission till about 2 months ago and now my doctor want to start me on Humira, but I am very nervous about the drug. I really would like to here from anyone about their experience, or anything they have heard about the drug from other people. Please be as honest as you can! I’m so nervous about this drug because I live a very active lifestyle as a personal trainer and I do want to start something that is going to constantly make me tired,sick or fat. Right now it is very mild and I hardly notice the disease, so I of course would rather stay off meds if they are going to make me feel sick. I’m suppose to start the drug this coming week.

Some questions....
What kind of side effects is there?
How long till the side effects wore off?
Do you loose or gain weight?
Or dose it make you puffy?
PLEASE tell me anything you belive to be Significant

Thank you to everyone for helping me. I can’t wait to formally introduce myself and read about other people living with Crohn’s. If anyone has any fitness questions feel free to ask!!!!

 

[Sojourn]

Welcome to the forum Cheree,

I know there are some people here who take Humira but sometimes it can take a few days to get a response. Just from reading, though, I haven't heard of weight gain or puffiness being a side effect of it. If your symptoms are real mild, I'm kind of surprised it was recommended. But some Dr.'s take the aggressive approach to keep things in check. I would have taken it before I had any symptoms if I thought it would have prevented what followed.

Feel free to jump into the other threads. You'll probably get a response quicker that way.

 

[katiesue1506]

Hi! Welcome to the boards... I currently have a Humira journal started called "Humira... my trek" and it has a lot of info. Also, I have gained weight on Humira, but not because it caused that, just because it allowed my body better absorption of nutrients. Also, Prednisone is the medicine that makes you puffy, Humira does not. If you have any other questions, jump over to my thread and read through it.

 

[Kev]

Yeah, katiesue has a great thread there. A remisson of nearly three years is just great. But. obviously before that, your condition was serious enuff to warrant the surgery. Do you want to risk going back to that state of affairs? You forget just how bad it can get? Once it starts up again, wouldn't you rather tackle it head on before it gets that out of controll again? A little weight gain, some puffiness? Are these your biggest concerns coming out of remission? Pardon me if I sound a little blunt, even a little harsh. But reality check time, isn't it? This disease is presently incurable, shouldn't your biggest concern be about doing whatever it takes to get back into remission ASAP. Just my crazy take on the situation. I'd do practically anything to get back in remission.

 

[Fitchick81]

Your right its pitiful that how I look even come to mine when I think of what I went through just a few years ago. I pretty sure I’m in denial about the disease being back. I really appreciate the honesty.Just an excuse but my profession demands that I portray a very healthy fit individual, and it is a lot easier to hide being sick when I not on a medication that puts weight on. I just don’t like people to know, because I guess it makes me think about it.

 

[lamor32twigs]

Hi Cheree,

I have been on Humira for about a year now with really little side effects.
I, like you, am very active and live alot of my time at the gym. The only thing I am noticing is some decrease in energy level a few days after my shot, but no weight issues. I lift weights four days a week even on Humira I have not noticed any decrease in strength. I have been able to train hard and in the last 6 months drop from 27% body fat to 20.5%.
I am also running and training for a half marathon in January and I don't think the Humira is interfering in my training.
I am having problems with mouth sores, or more like tongue issues and I think those might be related to the Humira, but my doc doesn't think so.

The shot itself is quite a sting when going in, but is short lived and worth it if it controls your disease.
I do get a headache the day of the shot, and sometimes the next day, but I have a history of migraines so that might contribute to the issue for me.

All in all, the med is very do able for me and has allowed me to maintain a very active lifestyle.

Hope this helps you some.

 

[katiesue1506]

I get mouth sores too sometimes... and they usually signal an oncoming flare... mouth sores are a classical symptom of Crohn's Disease.

 

[flying4frogs]

I have been on Humera for 6 months and other than having a reaction to the shot, it works well. THis is the only treatment in 4 years that seems to work. (Other than pred.)

Its worth the journey!
Nelson