Started Enbrel late July and did really well for about 3 months. At same time I was decreasing Pred from 10mg (by 2.5 every 4 weeks). Now down to 2.5mg daily pred, and enbrel 2x 25mg weekly, but having problems with all the usual bits (feet ankles wrists shoulder neck). Due to see nurse in Jan and probably rheumy at same time.
Should I increase pred... or hang in there? I really want off pred but no good with pain. I also wonder if I will be kept on Enbrel or put on Humira? Anyone been down this road before???
Hugs
Anna
Maybe it's the cold weather? I've noticed that I'm getting achey (been on Enbrel for 1 1/2 years). My dr. started me on Arava daily after I'd been on the Enbrel for 5 months and was doing fine. I think though that the change of seasons does a job on my joints. I refused the pred from the get-go and by reading this board realize I made a good decision. I hope you feel better soon.anna, I am in the very same situation. put on enbrel decreased pred,began to flare,i continue to flare,but i will not go up on the pred. I was hoping my doc would try humara, i think she wants to add a dmard to the enbrel,it is suppose to help the tnf's work better. I am on 6mg pred now. boy i felt great when i started enbrel too,until i started to decrease pred. keep my updated on what your doc says, i have an appointment with my rheumy soon. I wil let you know what she says. I have gained 10lbs on this pred crap!
maybe try to decrease 1mg per month,thats what my rheumy suggested.
kel
Anna, I've been on enbrel for several months, and MTX. I started flaring and my RD upped my MTX. Now I take 50 enbrel and 25 injectable MTX. Seems to be working, it's only beena few weeks though.Anna, When I have an especially bad day, I will raise my pred. 2.5 mg. I am off of pred. right now but I think I would still take 2.5 if it were an unusually bad day. I would go right back to my regular dose the next day and be fine. This is just what I have done. I don't know if it is bad advice - just what I have done. I hope you feel better sooncall your dr and see what he suggests.
i know you wnat off the pred but keep in mind that 5mg to 2.5 mg is a huge percentage drop. Maybe you should go from 5 to 4mg
What's a tens machine?Actually, weaning off the prednisone could be causing your flare.Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A "TENS unit" is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. My husband used one of these when he had his knee replacement surgery last December. It's what got him through his physical therapy, and helped him on his tougher days.
They don't work for everyone, but some people swear by them. You might check with your insurance company to see if they will cover a rental. If they do, ask your doc to write the prescription...can't hurt to try!