Hi- so sorry you are having a rough time with your AS. We can help you get through this rough time because we all understand what you are dealing with. The first thing you need to do is dump any doctor that is not helping you. Have had a few of those docs myself and learned throughout the years not to waste my time or money.
I have been on and off biologics for 10 years. I look at it this way, if I get cancer or TB, it was worth it . I want quality of life. I always inject in my stomach because it hurts less there and I don't get any skin reactions injecting in my stomach. Used to get horrible bumpy itchy rashes on my legs. I am petite and don't have much fat on my legs. Doc tells me to inject into fat.
In terms of family, mine is the same way except for my sister because she got AS a few years after I got it. Sometimes I try to explain to family or friends the meds I am on and how the disease affects my daily life and they look confused and say "but you don't look sick" or "why don't you work full-time". I think some people don't know how to be sympathetic
. If your Mom could go with you to see your Rheumy, your doc can educate her and she would have a better understanding. She could be in denial as her way of coping too. Just come here often because we all understand.
In terms of what to expect with Humira, some of us get relief after the first shot, some of us it takes 3 months to work and sometimes a biologic is not tolerated or it doesn't work. I think it is worth a try if you feel your other meds are not doing the job.
Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing.
Shari
