Starting humira :-0 scared!!!

[Chicken1983]

Just been told I'm starting humira had bloods and x ray done nurse coming out to show me how to inject!!!!!! Scared!!! Excited incase it works but hate needles so nervous not what I wanted for Christmas lol anyone just started out on humira? Is it as horrendous as I'm picturing in my head???? Steroids and immune suppressants and anti inflammatory drugs do not work anymore and I refused surgery if there was another option and humira was it!! Been in flare for 6 months just want to eat pain free for once :-( xxx

 

[Miss Underestimated]

It's not as bad as you think. Just a quick click - click and it's over with. I've been doing it for a year now. Can't let it scare you, just pull up all your courage and do it. You'll be fine.

I hope it works for you!

 

[Chicken1983]

Thanks for replying I always worry too much get all in a state I guess stress does factor in the flare ups lol how long did it take the humira to work for you? Think I may have to I list some help injecting to start with just freaks me out bad enough with blood tests I'm such a wimp lol x

 

[Scaryman]

My question is what's your medicine history like? What type of surgery did you refuse and why? Just wondering why they put you on Humira, Did you try Remicadee at all? I am trying to avoid surgery myself with 3 strictures.

 

[Chicken1983]

I was diagnosed in 2008 after 6 months of agony where I was told it was moderate crohns went from the mouth all the way down not limited to any part it thought it would have a go all the way down I was put on steroids 40mgs for about 3 months then started pentasa 4gms a day went into remission with narrowing to my bowel but docs said it may heal up but after that I have not been in remission for longer than 3 months they put me on azathioprine as well full dose but still no luck colonoscopy unsuccessful due to flare the camera couldn't get very far so he suggested removal of the latter section of the bowel which is the worst part and seems to be causing me all this pain I refused as my friend had a re section and her scar is huge and it split open shd was off for about a year recovering. I know it's not common for things to go wrong but I've seen it go wrong and I'm not keen at all . So I was given a choice all the info on both remicade and humira and I just don't have time to go for infusions in the hospital it's a struggle to get time off for appointments as I do 2 jobs and don't get paid sick so I use holiday to make appointments just seemed less hassle to choose humira plus canulas freak me out more than injections and from what I can see humira and remicade do the same thing so ill give humira a try If not ill be giving remicade a go. In currently on steroids azathioprine and pentasa plus supplements xxx

 

[Scaryman]

I was diagnosed in 2008 after 6 months of agony where I was told it was moderate crohns went from the mouth all the way down not limited to any part it thought it would have a go all the way down I was put on steroids 40mgs for about 3 months then started pentasa 4gms a day went into remission with narrowing to my bowel but docs said it may heal up but after that I have not been in remission for longer than 3 months they put me on azathioprine as well full dose but still no luck colonoscopy unsuccessful due to flare the camera couldn't get very far so he suggested removal of the latter section of the bowel which is the worst part and seems to be causing me all this pain I refused as my friend had a re section and her scar is huge and it split open shd was off for about a year recovering. I know it's not common for things to go wrong but I've seen it go wrong and I'm not keen at all . So I was given a choice all the info on both remicade and humira and I just don't have time to go for infusions in the hospital it's a struggle to get time off for appointments as I do 2 jobs and don't get paid sick so I use holiday to make appointments just seemed less hassle to choose humira plus canulas freak me out more than injections and from what I can see humira and remicade do the same thing so ill give humira a try If not ill be giving remicade a go. In currently on steroids azathioprine and pentasa plus supplements xxx

Ok here is some honesty on humira. Yes the injections hurt. But you can numb the injection site with ice and let the pen sit out for 10 or 15 minutes. But in the end you've got to weigh what's worse forcyour in the long run, dealing with crohns associated flare or minor injection pain? Yes some people can have swelling on the injection site or other complications but generally your pain is minimal. I have 3 strictures and hoping humira does the trick for me to avoid surgery. Did your doctors discuss stricturplasty?

 

[Chicken1983]

I didn't give him much chance to talk to me about anything surgery related I've looked it all up on the Internet before. He said that if I can avoid inflammation then he has seen bowels in worse shape heal up so I may not need it if this humira treatment works he said that he would be happy to try everything and leave any really invasive stuff to a last resort so fingers crossed it works I've heard you can buy numbing creams as well so I'm gonna ask if its ok to use with these types of injections . I'd much rather this than the constant pain by a long shot thanks for your support really helps xxx

 

[B Baker]

Hey chicken1983,

I was in a similar situation to you and was started on humira in July. I was so nervous and stressing out about injecting myself, but honestly its nothing like I was imagining, 10 seconds and its all over. Its been the best treatment I've tried.

I'm stil not 100% and having a few problems again but nothing in comparison to where I was at the beginning of the year. I have had no side effects and its been 5 months. I know its sounds mad but I noticed an improvement in all of my symptoms after a few days!!!

Good luck with it and really hope it works for you

 

[Chicken1983]

I'm really hoping it does work ASAP I really wanna enjoy my christmas dinner lol I'd be fine if I went into doctors and they said right I'm gonna give you this injection now!!! Get it over with ta the waiting bit that's making me nervous but hearing everyone say its not as bad as it seems is putting my mind at rest a little. It's do nice to talk to people who understand you and what it really means to say my stomach hurts today. When really it is horrendous agony but you smile and don't make a fuss. Don't think being on steroids and dealing with needles is a good combo for me I'm a wee bit emotional too hate all the side effects would love to come off them I can deal with an allergic reaction on an injection site if that's all I get I'd be so happy. Thank you all for your support and help I've never spoken about half the stuff I do on here to anyone really is the best thank you all xxx

 

[B Baker]

I was the same with steroids, but not a wee bit emotional I was a lot emotional, my poor boyfriend!!! I've never experienced moods like it, but thanks to humira I'm finally off them. Healthy, well people, have no idea what you go through, its not just the crohns your dealing with, its all the meds you have to take and all that comes with taking them!!

Let us know how you get on

 

[Sybil Vane]

I think you really have to be ready for surgery and the complications that can come of it. I was ready for my first surgery. I had a stricture and it wasn't going anywhere and I couldn't eat anything. I wish I hadn't had my third surgery because it was such a life-altering surgery and they removed so much, changing how my GI tract functions. Basically, I have less than a minute to get to a toilet.

Starting Humira is much better because you can give yourself a chance to see if it works for you. I was on Remicade for three years and never had an infection or a cold. I've been on Humira since February and like it much better--it's nice to have some freedom. It does sting but only for about 20 seconds--a lot less than Crohn's pain! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that this is your ticket!!

 

[Chicken1983]

Luckily my boyfriend Is very very understanding of what he calls my steroid rage lol and just reminds me when I'm being 'short' then I get some Lindt chocolates to suck on and shut me up I think but he has researched everything with me and has offered to inject me I think just to inflict pain to get his own back for everytime I've shouted at him lol I'm praying for a better year.

I can't imagine having 3 surgeries that must be awful having one lot let alone going through it 3 times glad humira is good for you. Ill let you know how it goes for me I phone them Monday to arrange for the nurse to come out and show me how it's done so ill keep you posted hopefully get started before Xmas x thank you all for your support xxx

 

[Geophysicist]

The Humira worked for me initially pretty well. The first dose of four injections was not all that cool but the injection every two weeks is much easier 40mg/two weeks. I've just had surgery after being on Humira for past 2 years. I was diagnosed in 1996 so if the Humira keeps me from another surgery for 16 years, I'll be happy. I'm hoping to stay on Humira as I'm use to it and horror stories about other drugs.

 

[pooplord]

OP: You will be OK.

Three years ago after a colonoscopy my GI said, "How the hell are you even alive?"

After my most recent colonoscopy, my GI said, "Hard to believe that's even the same colon!"

This is after 2 years of Humira. The stuff is great and I am in remission. The physical pain isn't that bad... and the protection plan the company offers offsets the financial pain. I've been paying $5 a month for my shots since I started.

 

[Chicken1983]

Luckily I will get the humira free but I've not heard from this nurse that is meant to be coming to show me how to do it so I'm guessing I will have to wait till after Xmas now which is not the plan so I'm a bit gutted hoping to get it out the way really soon I hate waiting that's all I seem to do like they are in no rush at all been 4 months now I've had all the tests, can tell these doctors don't have to live with it or they would get things sorted s bit quicker!!! Ok rant over I'm so glad to hear how well this stuff works though has put into perspective that a few jabs in the belly to get what could be like a new belly again I'm ready for it!!! But quickly before I get nervous again lol thanks for all your stories great to get to know everyone's experiences and successes xxx really has helped millions x

 

[Sunnylight]

Hi! Iam gonna be starting humira soon does anyone have a advice good our bad about it...And how fast can yu feel the effect...

 

[Scaryman]

Hi! Iam gonna be starting humira soon does anyone have a advice good our bad about it...And how fast can yu feel the effect...

Sunny, it's very individualized. But the drug studies say to measure weather humira is effective to the individual it takes 8-12 weeks. However there are some people that notice it in a few days. It just depends on the individual. Right now I have fatigue and low energy issues, along with joint pain and dizziness. But I take methotrexate and humira. So I'm not sure the doctors will keep me on it. Have you read the possible side effects?

 

[Sunnylight]

Yes, right know I have been taking, Asacol, imuran, prednisone, multi, iron, and previcid.. So I hope this is a better option and more effective.. What side effects did yu get from the humira? And how did it take to notice a effect.. Can't stand pred side effects.. I hope this will not have bad side effects... Thank you for yr response..

 

[Mary:)]

Humira put me in remission too..after just a few months. I also had a fistula and that is gone also. You will be scared at first but then you get use to it. Its been 2 years for me.

 

[Chicken1983]

I finally got my humira today 2 in my leg 2 in my stomach bit sore in my stomach but legs are fine easier than I thought so relieved its over with!!!! Lets hope it works x

 

[Scaryman]

I finally got my humira today 2 in my leg 2 in my stomach bit sore in my stomach but legs are fine easier than I thought so relieved its over with!!!! Lets hope it works x

You should know within 8-12 weeks. But a lot of people notice it earlier.