Wednesday I had my RD appt. and we discussed the Remicade. Well, it was a failed attempt, so now I am to try Embrel. I did my first shot today. While we were talking about the huge inflamation and he said he wanted pictures(which apparently are clear of PA...whatever that means...is there an alien instead???) I begged for steriods...so I started 5mg. yesterday. Today my heart rate was up for a few hours during the day. I hope that is the pred and not Embrel. So, the RD's office called and said that my liver enzymes were up for the second month in a row. Well, I did not know they were up last month. So, I have to lower my MTX by 5mg, and we will continue to go down until the liver enzymes settle.
So, I went to the GP to look at my feet and possible plantars fasci-itis. Yep, it is and probably caused by the inflamation in the joint...which was very apparent. He also is very concerned about my BP 137/97. So, I am to track that for a couple of weeks. Of course with all of the overwhelming news I started the appt in tears after my BP was taken.
I just want a little break...not much just a little. I know that everyone feels this way, and I am sorry for complaining.
I hope others are better...mentally and physically than I am today.
Aww Shelly. Don't give up, Enbrel might be just the thing. And maybe when you start that you won't need so much MTX anyway. That's what we'll pray for, K?Thanks so much Link....that is what I am praying for. If my heart rate continues to sore during the day...I will have to wean off of the pred. I do feel better tonight with the Embrel and Pred, but am getting tired quickly. I know that it will take time, but I hope this is the ticket. This would be way more convienent than doing the Retuxan (the six hour drip). I so don't want that.
Yep, we shall pray for that...thanks
Pip How are you feeling today after the Enbrel? I took my first sure click dose yesterday and I am noticing quite a few improvements, mostly that I am just 'more interested' in life in general. I do hope you are feeling better, either from the Enbrel or from whatever helps!! Shelly I am so sorry to hear of what is going on with you. I have a couple questions hope they are not too silly. When you give yourself shots does it hurt? I have only had to give myself shots once before and it was a blood thinner. Those suckers really did sting. And my stomach was so black and blue. Also, is it the meds that makes the liver enzymes go up?? Or is the the RA that does that? Guess I can take my lazy butt and google that question. Hang in there hugs going your way. Hi SHelly and shykymom......I started enbrel pen injections once a week about 6 weeks ago and noticed after just one shot that I felt better! Virtually no morning stiffness, my swelling went down and my blood work all came back normal. First time in almost 2 1/2 years! My hubby gave me the shot in the arm but last week he was working so I gave it to myself in the stomach and didn't even feel anything. I let the shot sit out for about a half hour and then hold it in my hand to warm some then I inject. It's been a long road and I hope you guys get the relief I had. Forgot to mention how much my energy level has went up.
take care! After a few months on Humira, I experienced an accelerated heart rate and some arrythmia off and on for a while. The doctor's gave me a bunch of tests but didn't find anything wrong. Eventually it stopped on it's own and I've been doing very well ever since. Hopefully you're body will adapt like mine did and you will find relief from the RA symptoms. It can be scary but sometimes you just have to persist...keeping your doctor informed, of course. Wishing you well, Alan Thank you so much for your concern. Yes, for me the MTX is the culprit for the high liver enzymes. GP got a copy of the liver tests too, so he will review it on Monday or Tuesday. I am interested to see what he says too. GP will not touch the Arthritis meds, but he wants to be informed. I had a great day yesterday, and walked around and looked at cars and test drove them. It was a great day, without stress and just fun to drive new cars. Today I am more sore, but I am ok with that since I did walk a lot yesterday. I am hoping this is the trick and really want to wean off of the pred(I started on Thursday), but will probably wait for a few more days to see what happens. The Embrel shot did not sting nearly as much as Humira. I give myself my shots, because I also have to give allergy shots each week. Yes, leave it out for about thirty minutes. I ice the sight, and let the alcohol dry. If you have a brave person that will give it to you...then use them. I would love to try it in the buttocks, because there is soooo much more sub-q there. I do seem better focused with the Embrel, and can find words faster again, so this might be better yet. We shall see what happens when I wean the pred. I am hoping that it is the Embrel that is helping me feel better rather than the pred. Thanks again for the wonderful questions and encouragement. Onward we go...I am hoping to have found a combo! The feet are still a problem...even with exercise...I really wish they had assigned a pod. but will talk with him about that when i go back for BP. Alan...I am hoping it is just a short side effect of the Embrel. It did go away within three hours of the shot and has not returned. We shall see this next Friday. Thanks!
The enbrel injection does hurt. I ice the area for about 20 minutes before I get it. I take the enbrel out of the fridge for 25 minutes. I make sure the alcohol is dry before I inject. I tried on my thighs first, but that hurt the worst. The back of the arms were a better spot, but the belly hurt least of all. My husband gives it to me and it is so worth it. I started feeling better in about 2 weeks and MUCH better in 2 months.
I have had some skin reactions to enbrel, but some hydrocortisone cream helped. I had to go off enbrel for 3 weeks so I could have some minor surgery and I couldn't hardly wait to go back on. It gave me my life back.
Good luck!
Wow Mary I am so glad to hear it worked for you. Guess a little pain is worth it then.
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