Hi Matt. I just got on Humira myself, less than 3 weeks. No bad effects yet though I suppose it's early to tell. It has had good effect so far: 30-40% reduction in overall symptoms including the removal of inflammation in some key areas (knees, elbows). Prior to this I was on Enbrel for almost 10 years. It had a good effect with no known side effects- although in the last year I had a lymph node infection which may or may not have been due to a down-regulated immune system. (I stopped Enbrel because it was losing its effectiveness- which I believe was more due to increased gut problems than Enbrel itself.) I understand your reluctance to mess with your immune system; it's not a light matter. However, you might want to balance that against your current level of pain or disability, and the possible irreversible damage to your joints. If you choose a biologic like Humira, you can still try anything and everything to beat the disease on a more natural and permanent level in the meantime (I am). And you can also try helping your immune system and holding infections back through other means as well, like supplementation. Sometimes it involves sucky lifestyle choices, but if we don't make those choices many of us get bad enough later that we make the choice anyway- maybe after further damage. I believe you'll find a combo that works though it may not be easy. Best of luck to you.
