Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Enbrel Study "new thread"

The other tread was getting long. Cindy and I decided have decided to start a new thread. Those in the study and others taking Enbrel, please check this tread frequently. We will be discussing the affects.....both good and bad . When this thread gets too long....we will start another.

Betty

I hope that doesn't mean we have to start all over???? LOL
mars

I like hearing stories about feeling good the next day. It's truly been a miracle. I got out of bed that first morning without help and dressed myself. It took me about 3 weeks before I could attempt socks, and sometimes I still can't. But that isn't nearly as bad as having to have someone help you with your underwear and everything else. I thought life was over for me. I couldn't do much of anything, except be pushed around in a wheelchair. The pain was getting out of hand, and the doctor's told me to take tylenol. Definately doesn't help.

I've been on the Enbrel now for 7 weeks, and life sure looks different now. I've even painted my bathroom. A couple of days ago, I started flaring. It's quite like it used to be. I'm still walking, although one ankle is really swollen. Most of my pain is in my knees and wrists, but it's not so bad that I can't handle it. Still wondering about the memory loss thing. I go back to Altoona on the 27th, so I'll ask then.

I'm curious to know how many of us are on or starting Enbrel. I'm sure that this is like any other treatment and there are people who Enbrel doesn't help, or who can't tolerate it. But it must not be too rough on the system. I'm allergic to all NSAID's, cox2's, sulfasalazine, and MTX, and a million other things I could name. But I had NO bad reactions to Enbrel.

Hugs,

Cindy

The only reaction that I have noticed is finger, and wrist hurting a very small amount. Also nodes under the right arm hurt a little. The doc is watching this carefully.

My personality has changed (don't know if this is related). I use to be very outgoing; talking all the time. Now, I don't want to talk and people say that I am withdrawn. This could be related to the meds or just that I am burned out with the job. This should be the happiest time of my life. I too will be asking the doc about this.

Yes back to Marcella for you...

Good thread Betty: I have been on Enbrel for 2 years.I have even learned to stick myself in the upper arms.I seem to have less "sticking myself with a needle" pain this way.It also seems to help me in the neck area where I had surgery a month ago.It is truly a great drug but not the cure we all seek.
thanks
Kev

Kev...

Have you noticed less energy or depression?
I've never been depressed so do not know how it feels. Either work or the Enbrel is causing this.

Betty

My energy level went up as my pain went down. That lasted for about 6 weeks. Now I'm in a full-blown flare, and my energy is gone. I'm a bit depressed, too. But I think that could be pain-related. I have NO pain meds, so there is no escaping for me. Since "AS only affects the spine and is not very painful," I have been advised to take tylenol. I have a few Vicodin squirreled away, but I hate to waste them, when those few may have to last me the rest of my life. Does that sound like I'm venting?? I'm in a lot of pain tonight, so probably won't be able to stay here long. My husband thinks it's because I climbed some stairs last week. But really now, since there is nothing much wrong with me, why shouldn't a healthy, able-bodied woman be able to climb stairs??

Hugs,

Cindy

I'm so sorry to hear that you've gone into a flare again...
Is Enbrel supposed to be a "cure-all" or just something to reduce the
frequency of flares?

-paul

Cindy,

I'm sorry to hear that you are in pain. . Depression and pain is no fun. Take care and I will be thinking about you.

I have no pain....but did fight depression for a few days. Do not know why. Everything, everybody bothered me and so I just had a cry. That took of everything for a while. :-) I think it is mainly work, I hope. ...or maybe I was feeling sorry that I have to go through all of this stuff. Who knows....I just want the cloud (head feels full of cotton) to lift like the pain has.

Betty