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Well, I'm on my way to get my loading dose of Humira..

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/12/2007 8:25 AM (GMT -8)
and I'm super nervous.

It seems like everyone that works at my doc's office is about as sharp as a bowling ball. Yesterday I asked the receptionist what I should bring to my appointment and she said, "Bring all your meds, bring everything." I was like, "Well, the pharmacy gave me ten injections..." and she cut me off and said, "Bring everything you have."

Well, knowing this was incorrect, I called back this morning to talk to one of the nurses before my appointment to see if they wanted me to bring four injections or one. Also, I asked if they had icepacks there, or did I need to bring one. Naturally, I couldn't get a hold of anybody so I had to leave a message. I'm leaving for the appointment in about 15 mins. and I have decided to take four injections (surrounded by an ice pack) in a lunch bag.

My problem with this doctor's office is that I can NEVER get anyone on the phone to call me back, and even thought this guy has been my doctor since May, I have only seen him in person twice and he has never done a physical exam on me even though I have told him several times I have either hemmies or skin tags or SOMETHING happening down there that hurts.

I'm starting to wonder if he really exists or if he's a figment of my imagination. Even today, when I get my Humira, I'm not even going to see him. The nurses are going to do the appointment. So if I have any questions about anything, they will never get answered. Its always, "We'll take a message and have his nurse talk to him and she will call you back." That means if I have a follow up question, its another 24-48 hours until it gets answered....and that's if I'm lucky.

That's why I'm nervous about the Humira. Feel like I'm doing it myself with no help from anyone. Good thing I do a lot of research and don't rely on the docs for answers. :-)

And most importantly, good thing I have you guys. Couldn't get through this without you. Take a bow! cool
Posted 9/12/2007 10:14 AM (GMT -8)
I am doing my loading dose of Humira today, too. I am little nervous but more excited than anything. Be careful about putting an ice pack around the Humira, it's not supposed to be frozen.

My nurse is doing my first injection to, its not something the doctor does. I also have the same problem as you with getting anyone from there to call me back! They told me to bring everything regarding my Humira, too, so I guess I will drag it all in there later!

Good Luck!

Posted 9/12/2007 10:46 AM (GMT -8)
Good luck both of you. I had my loading dose done about two weeks ago and i do my own two shots tomorrow. I was nervous as well but I have not felt tthis good since being diagnosed. Hope all works out!!!
Posted 9/12/2007 11:56 AM (GMT -8)
I had a follow up with a new GI today, and he ended up having me do the 4 shots of Humira while I was there, even though my insurance is still denying it. The shots really were not that bad, and we didn't ice the area at all, just brought the syringes up to room temperature. Good luck with your injections!
Posted 9/12/2007 12:07 PM (GMT -8)
Hi all,

Just got back from the docs. Did all four shots myself. It wasn't that bad, but it did burn like hellfire for a few seconds. I'm over it now though. I feel kind of woozy but I think its due to the anxiety and the buildup of worry about the medicine.

The nurse who did the "teaching" was very nice, but it was the same old thing- I'd ask her a question about the medicine and she wouldn't know and then she'd have to go find my doctor and ask him. Even though he was down the hallway from me he never came in to say hello or answer any questions. Its like being in the land of OZ and searching for the wizard. eyes

Hope everybody else is doing well,

JP
Posted 9/12/2007 12:21 PM (GMT -8)
I may be placed on humira soon myself. You think after all I have been through I could give myself a shot but I can't. I can place IVs in animals, draw blood from animals etc. I even helped the home care nurse fish for my vein once the needle was in me. I cant even give myself my B 12 I bring it to my Dr to do for me. I will be working in a medical office so hopefully one of the nurses there will administer it for me, if not my godfathers wife is a nurse (she keeps her license up but do to many allergies incl latex, plus lyme disease, fibro etc she can no longer work...when she was able to she was a pediatric ICU nurse). She will gladly give me the humira if I cannot find someone else to do it for me. Even when I had imitrex my ex husband had to give me the shot I couldnt do it.
Posted 9/12/2007 12:28 PM (GMT -8)
I have been on humira for abput six month and I really like it. I to was very nrevous the first time but it whent really well.
Posted 9/12/2007 9:00 PM (GMT -8)
I've been on humira for a while know and yes those first four pens burn like &^%*%. I have since then requested the syringe so I can push it much slower and I like that alot better. not nearly the burn that you get from the pen, plus I leave it sit out for a little bit so its not cold right out of fridge seems to help with some of the bite also.
Posted 9/13/2007 4:02 AM (GMT -8)
Best Wishes glad you managed to get that done and hope it works for a long time to come. lol gail
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