Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Starting Humira (probably), scared to death...

I was on Humira for 5 months, bi-weekly injections. I did feel a little better but not much really. I started to get what felt like nerve twitches on my arms and legs, something I never had before, but my Rheumy said they were just muscle spasms. Then I got sick flu-like symptoms so I stopped the Humira. I couldn't go back to it because the thoughts of the side effects just worried me too much.
I remember the phrase "Sir, it's not the disease that got you into so much trouble, it was the cure".

Must have missed your post till today....sorry.

If you were just diagnosed and you are trying NSD/LSD, personally, I'd wait till you give those a good try. It's always best to treat with the smallest/cheapest/less dangerous method you can get by with. If you STILL are having major quality of life issues/work issues, then it may be time to try biologics. I didn't get any response to the LSD.

I didn't get to try biologics till after going through several NSAID trials, SSZ, and MTX alone. It took 1.5 yrs after diagnosis to get through that much, then I was able to try Remicade, which didn't work. I've been on Enbrel for 6 weeks, which is going okay so far. I was waiting for the 'it changed my life,' but I also worry about the side-effects.

Personally, the rheumy may be moving a little quickly, unless you've got some very major damage already. If you are uncomfortable with starting the Humira, you have the right to say 'no,' or to say 'no, for now.' Don't let the doctor push you too fast. He works FOR you and WITH you.

Thank's Gbash for your reply. I have been ill but now that my primary care Dr. is looking back at my blood test's she see's that something began before I started taking the Humira. I think that it is so important to let other's know what their side effect's are so the rest of us can be on the look out as well. I really appreciated that.
I am at the 3 month mark now of taking Humira and I cannot tell any difference in symptom's. I will see the Rheumatologist on Monday and decide where to go from here. I wrestled with going on it myself. My quality of life has become really reduced and other's said that it really helped and changed their lives around. To me, it was worth the try. We will see.
Pea

My Rheummy's rationale for starting it so soon is that the sooner in the disease progression you keep inflammation at bay, the more likely you are to be able to completely prevent permanent damage. Even on NSD, I still have morning stiffness and soreness, especially in my thoracic and am still on the drugs in my sig. Which will Also cause long term damage to other areas. Trade off. I'm already starting to taper the pred and am down to one naproxen. next is the tramadol. Started the Humira on schedule and already noticed minor to moderate improvement after the first shot. Want to prove it with NSD/LSD and Humira by getting off all other crap.

Every day I woke up thinking about what to do and I just 'felt' like I could feel myself losing permanent mobility. That drove my decision. I will do both unless I have side effects. then I will stop Humira if needed.

Glad you have made a decision that you feel comfortable with and have a rationale for. Its different for each of us, but the better informed you are, the easier it is to feel OK about whatever you end up doing. Good luck with it all.

Humira for about.. 4 months, Was flare free till the 7th of october, my middle back not SI flared and still is in pain, about 2 weeks so im guessing the humira might not be working in me. I as well was waiting for that "changed my life" and so far ive had the worst flare in about a year or 2

still taking humira, but i think my doc is gonna pull me off it cuz i dont get the mega benifits from it, thanks Abbot Pharma for the attempt

the marbles in the shoes suck , well thats what it feels like lol