I have been on Enbrel for 9 months. All very positives results. I'm 40, and had AS since I was 19.
Prior to the Enbrel
I was severely bent over, walked with a significant limp, unable to put on socks. Very bad pain in my hips. I needed a right hip replacement. Very little movement in my neck, unable to lift my arms over my head, the shoulder always hurt. A typical AS person. Life SUCKED. Depressed, angry, I felt sorry for myself.
During Enbrel
After my first injection, I felt positive results. The flare went away, I felt "clean". I had no stiffness at all.
After 9 months, I'm running, playing basketball, even bowling. I loved to bowl and thought I would never do it again. Last week I bowled a 241, 226 and a 257. Now, not all in one day, but is was over a 10 game run. I'm able to bowl about 10-15 games a day without any pain meds. Unbelievable.
Results
I'm standing perfectly straight, able move my neck, I'm not doing a Linda Blair, but significant movement. It keeps improving. Almost able to touch my toes standing up.
Side effects
After about six months, I started experiencing headaches almost on a daily basis. I talked with my Rhemi and he said it was not the enbrel. I talked to Immunex and they felt it wasn't the Enbrel. In the last month, the headaches went away. No other side affects.
Future
I pray that enbrel continues to perform. I'm looking forward to turning my head, touching my toes, and playing with my 5 month old Son Dylan. Something I couldn't do when by daughter (10) was born.
