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Humira. Humira. Humira.

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/10/2009 8:29 PM (GMT -8)
My first shipment of Humira is arriving tomorrow and I'm tempted to not answer the door. I'm scared to death. sad My fear of this drugs side effects has taken over my life the past month. I constantly think the worst is going to happen. I've never been fond of medications and over the past year and a half I've had to suck it up and swallow 11 pills a day. Although 6mp and pentasa has shown signs of improvement my quality of life is not where i'd like it to be. After 7 surgeries my Dr. says I should be more afraid of this disease than the side effects of Humira. Easy for her to say. I've had such bad luck with this disease  I fear Humira is going to make things worse. I read the side effects on Humiras website EVERYDAY just to freak myself out even more. I haven't always been so negative but this darn disease has changed me completely. I pray every night for a cure. I don't want to be the girl that sits around feeling sorry for herself because I know other people out there have it worse but i just feel defeated.  I guess what I'm looking for is some POSITIVE effects of Humira and ways that other people keep their spirits up. Thanks for reading.
Posted 6/10/2009 9:27 PM (GMT -8)
Hey, I understand what you're going through. This darn disease is so frustrating! But listen, it's important to do whatever you can on your side of the fence; ie, diet, etc, to control some of the symptoms, but it's sometimes necessary to use the products of modern science. I am currently adhering to an herbalist's diet with supplements and herbs, but I am taking Humira every other week. It's easy to freak yourself out because there are a lot of supposed side effects and what not, but I have done just fine with it. It hasn't necessarily made my disease turn around, but I have nothing "bad" to say about this drug. The only thing I have noticed is some increase in muscle pain but that's about it. It's understandable to be scared about trying this scary new drug, but it's worth it if it can give you some relief and improve your quality of life. Good luck, and keep us updated on what happens!
Posted 6/10/2009 9:55 PM (GMT -8)
I've been on it since September. The only side effects I have are intermittent fatigue and head aches. It's really made such a huge difference in how I am feeling (much for the better).

You will never know how it affects YOU until you try it. Any of us can share our experiences, but they are all so different.

Also, it took 4-6 months for me to see any positive difference so give it a chance!
Posted 6/11/2009 5:42 AM (GMT -8)
Ok, you don't know me and I don't know you, but I want to gently grab you by the shoulders, look you in the eye and tell you to cut it out! (((HUGS))) You can't read all the side effects everyday just to freak yourself out. You'll go bonkers! Dealing with this awful disease can cause us to over analyze things and really do a mental whammy on ourselves. Your doctor makes sense. Try the Humira. I have severe crohn's and I have been on it since June of last year. I am doing very well. I even took it while pregnant and I have a gorgeous baby to show for it. I haven't had any awful side effects. In fact, I'd say I haven't had any side effects. I think you've done something really great by coming here and looking for the "positives" about the Humira experience. I think you will find that the positives far outweigh the negatives and that you don't have anything to worry about. Hang in there!!! And keep us posted. We will get you through the loading doses. You have support here!!!
Posted 6/11/2009 8:39 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Miss Mouse,

Fear is something we all know about...

I've been on Humira since January with very limited side effects. Honestly - the worst thing that I'm experiencing is what I feel like is a mild allergic reaction – my skin is itchy. I feel a bit like a freak sometimes for all of the scratching (my ears are especially itchy), but as far as side effects go – that’s about it. Nothing else that I can attribute especially to the Humira.

Also, the shots aren’t that bad. I’m TERRIFIED of needles. My BF gives me the shot, then gives me snuggles. I’ve found that leaving the pen out for about an hour makes a huge difference... It really doesn’t hurt much at alll. (I still get upset, but I’m working on that.)

It sounds like you’ve really been through a lot, and the last thing you want is another scary experience. But if your doc thinks it’s a good next step, you should try it, right? If the side effects are bad, you can stop the meds.

Good luck!! You can do it!!

Joey
Posted 6/11/2009 12:02 PM (GMT -8)
Miss Mouse open the package and follow the instructions. I have been on HUmira since December. You cannot let possible side effects keep you from trying it. Good Luck.
Posted 6/15/2009 9:42 AM (GMT -8)
I am on Humira since April! It did the trick for me and it did the trick in about 72 hours! I am progressing weekly. I was like you mortified after reading the side effects, but the truth is if you Dr. is prescribing it then he/she feels the benefits far out weigh the risk...I think its absolutley amazing that after 15 years of pills, I am only taking one shot every two weeks! That is so awesome to me! The shot I actually enjoy in a morbid way! Its like Im so strong for being able to administer a shot to myself! And the pen is really cool..."CLICK!" 6 seconds yellow window and Im done...What was a 35 minute process for me is now 2 minutes top!

GET YOUR LIFE BACK...DONT FEAR!

Posted 6/15/2009 11:28 AM (GMT -8)
Here's the way I look at it. If you open a bottle of Tylenol and read the precautions it will scare you silly yet millions of people take it severl times a day and you've probably done so yourself. Seriously, read it. Those precautions are put on there by the pharmaceutical company to protct them from a lawsuit if something should happen while taking it whether it is humira related or not. The chances of having a bad reaction are rare. It's like hearing about a plane crash. Even though in the overall scheme of things they are very rare and even less likely to happen while your flying, just knowing that its "possible" to crash can keep you from ever flying.. I start Humira myself next month because Remicade stopped working. I hate needing these or any drugs but if they work for you it can be life changing.....for the better. I wasn't even going to start Remicade till my doctor explained it to me just like I did to you. Best wishes, Tony
Posted 6/15/2009 12:02 PM (GMT -8)
well, i recieved my first four shots and..... I'M STILL ALIVE =) It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The shot didn't really even hurt, just stung a bit. I've felt fine so far! Thanks for all of your advice!
Posted 6/15/2009 12:12 PM (GMT -8)
Glad things went good for you and let us know how things go...lol gail
Posted 6/15/2009 1:51 PM (GMT -8)
hi to you all.im a newby here.im curently taking methotrexate(again after taking throat infections)thats all i seem to be getting these days is virus after virus.i take my daughter to toddlers so im picking up every wee bug from the kids and its wiping me out.i also had azathioprine(lasted a week on that before taking severe flu symptoms)im thinking the next step before another op is remicade.anyone else have such bad luck with aza and metha?
Posted 6/15/2009 6:55 PM (GMT -8)
I too just received the first of 4 shots and was scared to death! BP was 165/115 when I got them! WHEW! I was so nervous. After 48 hours I noticed a huge difference! And wondered why I have put this off for so long! I know the rare side effects are bad but I guess I am willing to take that chance so I can ride bikes and play with my kids!

Good luck to you!

Amy
Posted 6/16/2009 2:49 AM (GMT -8)
I have a CT scan on Monday and if the disease has come back my next step is Humira. I was worried about all the side effects but I'm tired of worrying aboout the negatives and I'm trying to focus on the postives. If I need to take it, I'm going to give it chance.
Posted 6/16/2009 12:06 PM (GMT -8)
I've been on Humera for almost 2-yrs now.  I haven't had any weird side effects.  I do, however, dread the shot every two weeks because it really hurts going in.  Some sort of PH balance issue according to the Humera nurses.

Posted 6/16/2009 2:43 PM (GMT -8)
I started humira 3months ago and I'm finally starting to feel better....the first two months were rough as my body adjusted to the medication....I had increased joint pain, flu symptoms etc....now all that is gone and for the first time I see light at the end of the tunnel...I also have a jpouch and humira is helping my pouchitis as well...at least it is right now..the only side effect I'm disturbed with right now is that I think its making my psoriasis worse...I had psoriasis long before I had UC and crohns...within the past month I'm noticing my psoriasis is getting worse...I know its supposed to help it but I've also read it could make it worse and it is...don't know what i will do...how do you choose b/w your gut and skin?

Posted 6/16/2009 3:31 PM (GMT -8)
Goldy3
Off the subject somewhat but where and how does everybody go to write all there stats at the bottom of their posts? ie: years with crohns, meds on, etc.
Posted 6/16/2009 4:09 PM (GMT -8)
Go to 'control panel' on the top left portion of the screen, click 'edit profile', and then go to 'edit signature.'

On subject, I'm glad to hear you made it through. I hope you see some good progress.
Posted 6/16/2009 4:14 PM (GMT -8)
I've been on Humira for about 1.5 years and I haven't notice many side effects except for bruising at the injection site. Don't worry : ) Everything will be okay. Just make sure to ice the area before the injection it'll help a little with the pain. That's the worst part about Humira at least for me.
Posted 6/18/2009 3:20 AM (GMT -8)
Miss Mouse,

I can feel your anxiety.  I did most of what you are doing prior to starting Humira.  I was pleasantly surprised when I started.  Those darn warnings scare the crap out you.  I was on Humira for 18 mos.  It was one of the easiest meds to do.  Gone were the 16 pentassa ptills or asacol, entocort etc.  Methotrexate did not provide much relier and I dreaded the syringe process.  The Humira pen is so easy to use.  Yes it does sting a bit but feels much better in moments.  I've since started Cimzia.  My body will only respond to a med. for so long and then it stops working which was the case with Humira.  When I started the Cimzia I found myself trying to research every detail.  It is tue that you only drive yourself crazy.  Make sure to take the pen out for at least 20-25 mins as this will allow the medcine to warm up a bit making it easier to flow out of the pen and inject into the skin.  Try to think about the freedom that the Humira can provide.  I was doing pretty good.  I could actually plan to go out of the house for the day.  I've got my fingers crossed for the Cimzia.

Good luck!

Donna

Posted 6/18/2009 10:40 AM (GMT -8)
Hi,

I've been on Humira for about a year now. I definitely think it has helped but not completely. I'm still constantly running to the bathroom which definitely sucks. Currently I've been taking it every other week but I had xrays that showed a few strictures so the doctor wants to increase to once a week. I'm not sure if I'm having side effects of the medication though. I've been having chest pain and it has been going on for awhile. To the point where I actually went to the Cardiologist (who thought I was nuts since I'm 29). BUT my father passed away last year of a heart attack (we think) so I'm not sure if I get anxiety about that so I coincidentally have chest pain. I'm going to the doctor on Tuesday to discuss other medications. I feel like I've been on everything though so we'll see what happens. Anyone else experience any chest pain on Humira??

Post Edited (wahoo217) : 6/18/2009 2:35:05 PM (GMT-6)

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