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Humira Questions...help

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/2/2007 12:24 PM (GMT -6)
My doc wants to start me on Humira.  I have been in a flare for a while now with no relief from Remicade or Predinsone.  Recently taken off of Asacol and 6MP and put on Colazel, but I don't feel like any of it is working.  Has Humira worked for any of you guys?  I have not had single formed BM for at least 6 weeks now and am making at least 12-15 trips a day to the bathroom, including several times during the night.  At least the Prednisone stopped the accidents and cramping.  I seriously thought I was going to have to start wearing diapers for a while.  Just needing some advice.  I am starting to get frustrated.  If Humira has worked for anyone, please let me know.  I am a young woman who wants to get better so I can start a family with my new husband. 
Posted 10/2/2007 1:35 PM (GMT -6)
Hi, sorry you are having such a rough time!

I started Humira after not responding to Pred and 6MP. I haven't noticed any positive effects yet, but it's only been three and a half weeks. Some people say that it helps them almost immediately. I hope you get the help you need!

Jana
Posted 10/2/2007 1:41 PM (GMT -6)
Ladybug - I have been on Humira since the end of April and it has helped me quite a bit. It has definitely decreased the D and urgency. I can't say that I am 100% better but compared to where I was five months ago I have come a long way. I actually gained about 8 lbs on Humira so you know things are not just going right through me anymore. I still need to stay away from greasy fried food and food high in fat but things are much better. It is worth a try, I saw improvement almost immediatly. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions as you think of them. Just an FYI - I am also on Imuran, Pentasa and suppositories. MB
Posted 10/2/2007 6:02 PM (GMT -6)
Thank you for your responses.  I appreciate the support!  I still have to wait to see if my insurance will cover Humira.  I am willing to try anything at this point, but I am nervous about long term side effects from this medication.  Does anyone else have any reservations about that or have experienced anything from taking Humira?
Posted 10/2/2007 6:52 PM (GMT -6)

Ladybug,

I've been on Humira since March, and it has made a significant difference in my health.  I was sick for over a year, with no relief from entecort and imuran. 

There are lots of threads on Humira on this forum, and lots of people are on it, just search on Humira. 

There are side affects from taking this drug- some people have them, some don't.  I get fatigued for a few days after an injection, get an injection site reaction, red and rashy, and some minor nueropathy (tingling) in my fingers.  As for long term side affects, you'll have to way that out in your own mind.  It worries everyone, but being sick for so long is no way to live.  I had to make the choice for quality of life right now.  Make sure to talk out all your concern's with your gi.  Good health and good luck! 

Posted 10/2/2007 8:01 PM (GMT -6)

Ladybug...

truly sorry to hear of your issues...the sad part is that it is too often the  common story here....

I had not really had a formed stool for many, many months...well over a year...I was losing weight and the doctors said my absorbtion was very low.   I was not on amy meds and the gastro really was pressuring me to try remicade...instead I started taking LDN (low dose naltrexone).  While the LDN was not the wonder drug for me that it has been for others...it did stop almost all of my "D".  I had formed stool on a regular basis...I cut down from about 15, 20 or even more trips to the bathroom to about 5 or 6...twice a week I would spike up to 10 or 12...but still formed and the bleeding was weekly not daily.  I was not happy with the final results and things just sorted stayed the same for a while...so I quit the LDN and have now started with Humira...again no miracles here for me, bu tit has only been 6 weeks (8 doses) and there is some improvement.  I have stayed with formed stool and the bathroom trips have remained a pretty constant 5 or 6 a day...with bad days only occuring once every 10 days or so....

You have to figure out what is right for you...but I don't think starting with the LDN could hurt...it is very cheap...about $70 for 90 days ....1 pill per day.  if it doesn't work, no harm no foul.  I feel it is a very harmless drug and one that may give you some relief until you decide on a long range plan that would include help from your insurance company.

Good luck

Posted 10/2/2007 8:24 PM (GMT -6)
Humira has worked well for me .I'm glade that my Rheumy talked me into giving it a try.
Posted 10/2/2007 9:51 PM (GMT -6)
Humira has been a godsend to me. Started it in March; it was Humira or surgery and I opted for Humira. It's affordable, easy to administer, and I saw a turnaround in my health within 2 weeks.
Posted 10/2/2007 10:16 PM (GMT -6)
YES YES!!! Please give it a try. It has done nothing BUT good things to me!!! If you would like I would be more than happy to give you my e mail if you would like further support or help with this. I am 26 years old as well and you sound like me as far as your Crohn's goes. I have been on HUMIRA for about 7-8 months and am about 70% better that I have been in 6 years (since I got Crohn's). Highly recommend it!
GOOD LUCK!
Posted 10/2/2007 11:31 PM (GMT -6)
Has it helped anyone with inflammatory arthritis sx? I am also about to start humira, am allergic to remicade. And I also haven't had formed bm for quite a while.
Posted 10/3/2007 9:51 AM (GMT -6)
I just had my loading dose of Humira on Friday, 4 syringe shots which burned like the dickins going in. So far I haven't noticed any positive effects from the Humira, but haven't suffered any adverse effects either. I am hoping that after a few weeks I will start to have positive effects from the Humira, I'm holding my breath because I've tried everything else. Give the Humira a try LadyBug, it just might work wonders for you. Hang in there!

Marci
Dx with CD March 2006
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