Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Finally Humira!

Well the long wait and miserable months of failed Nsaids and Methotrexate are finally ending and i start Humira tomorrow. I have geared myself up with high hopes. Maybe too high. I have read all the information and sat through the video instructions for the injections but prefer to get the info from the horses mouth so to speak. What to expect? what is the norm? will i feel anything noticeable right away or am i in for several more months of allowing a drug to do its job?.. I know the answers will vary but still would like to hear what everyone has to say....

On a side note does anyone have contact with Kevin_A anymore? I have been gone for a while and saw how upset he was in one of his threads. kevin if your reading this come back buddy. The stooges will never be the same without you here:)

Thanks, Reese

haven't been on a biologic myself, but just wanted to say so happy for you and wish the best outcome possible!

I started Humira a month ago. I am so happy with it. I am feeling so much better with it. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.
Donna

Well I am on Remicade but I hope this works out well for you.

i took my second Humira shot on Monday 6/28/10. with my first shot, it didn't really hurt while doing it, but the second shot hurt really bad, the shot and the medicine going in and spreading. and it hurt for awhile afterwards...i'm keeping my hopes up that it will help with my pain because i've heard that it helps some people right away and some people it takes months...i was really hoping that it would work right away but so far no luck. i'll keep my fingers crossed that it works fast for you!

Reese,

I have also heard for some Humira works fast and for others it takes longer. For me I noticed flexibility improvements within a couple hours of the first shot! I separate flexibility and pain when looking at this. Before you take your first shot know your limits on some movements (touching toes, turning head left to right, pivoting your spine left-right, etc) and then try those movements hours to days after. As I said I noticed flexibility improve first and I got so excited about that. Then when that excitement wore off I realized I still had some pain, but less. This pain has practically gone away (like 90%) after 6 shots. I notice that I can sneeze without shuddering/crippling pain! I also noticed for a while my back pain between the shoulder blades would disappear and start to immerge a little towards the end of my two week period between shots. But, this period I do not feel that pain at all! The occasional pain I feel now is at the top of my tailbone at night in bed after about 4 hours of sleep. My doc says to give that more time...she says that my muscles relax in bed and allow the fluids to collect...she says Humira may help it in time. But, this lingering issue is nothing compared to my state before Humira. So, in summary I saw immediate improvement in many areas and continued improvement in others.

I hope this works for you too!!!!!

John

Humira took about 1 1/2 months for me to see a difference. Then I suddenly realized I hadn't had a flare in over a week. It continued to get better, but I still had flares (now 1xmonth instead of 1xweek).

Give Humira time to work - at least 3-4 shots. If it doesn't work, don't despair. I've seen other people move to Enbrel or even Remicade. Not all biologics work the same for everyone. Just keep in the back of your mind that there are other solutions. That keeps you from going insane!

Good luck, Reese!

Hugs,

My first shot, at the Rheumy's office really stung. My second shot at home, I didn't hardly feel. I let the pin warm up for about 20 min, I used an ice pack on the injection site and I used my abdomen instead of my thigh. I had read, on a IBD forum, that it hurts less on the abdomen.
Donna

Thanks everyone! I didnt notice much yesterday although i had energy last night but i think its too early to credit it to the Humira. I have ate the right combo of foods and have noticed increased energy before so maybe thats it. I woke up this morning in the normal amount of pain so my hopes of a quick miracle drug were probably stretched in my imagination. So i will give it some time and hopefully it has a gradual effect. I cant bring myself to do the NSD but i am back on the LSD and have lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks so it always makes me at least feel a little better having the extra weight off and my blood pressure gets under control. I will keep you posted on any noticable changes. Others may want to know if it is worth pursuing. Its a long battle with the insurance companies due to the price. Its funny i dont feel richer with the additional 1600. US dollars worth of meds running through my veins:) What a rip off crock to charge that much. What is it made from unicorn horn or something? or is it just because it actually works so someone figures they can line their pockets? i feel for those who do not have insurance.

Thanks, Reese