I just joined here and I am also starting on Enbrel this upcoming week. My doctor has suggested it for the past year but I have been reluctant to start it as for the side effects that are possible . I read and the doctor tells me of good results for some who use it, I need to do anything I can to at least slow down my joint damage as it is progressing much more rapid in the past year or so ..I am taking Methotrexate now and was on Sulfizine but had to stop the latter as it was giving me a low grade fever and irritation most of the time.
I would like some of you that possibly take the drug to let me know what you think of it and how it has worked for you ?
I've been on enbrel for a year now and no concerns from me. I did have a sinus infection thsi spring - I'm hesitant to blame it on enbrel or RA, but who knows. It did take care of my remaining swelling that mtx wasn't seeming to hit. Last year I thought I would have to go to p/t work or quit, but still working f/t, tired some days, but still plugging away. I'm less than 2 yrs since diagnosis, so felt aggressive was best for me.
Good luck - hope you have great results.
Thanks maryrose ..I hope that I do indeed have good result from it. My pain thus far is not to intense most days but moderate some, I hope that it will also help with that issue as it has for you ...
Nice to hear you have had good results CathyMN ....I hope I get the same ..I was diagnoised about 8 years ago but began active treatment about 5 years ago . I am going to have to be extra careful as par for cuts and scatches however, I work as heavy duty truck mechanic and often times injure myself with minor stuff ...I have never worried so much before about infections as germs don't live well in my work enviroment of solvents and chemicals as it would in barns and other places, but with dampening my immune system it is something I am going to take heed in ..THANKS for your input ...I perhaps should have been more aggresive in my approach to it as you did..but I hope I can help the problem some in starting this ...
Welcome to the forum. I'm an old timer,
For me, enbrel and mtx has helped control the inflammation and pain. I haven't had any side effects (just some sinusitis) nor been sick much. But I do get a flu shot every year, and have a TB test annually.
Having RA for so long, and not having the benefit of drug options when I was first diagnosed that became available around 2000 or so, I have had joint damage and have had to have joint replacements.
You're a mechanic? Must be tough having RA and such a physical job. You might consider at some point seeing an occupational therapist, sometimes they can suggest ways of doing things to protect our joints.
Well, good luck to you this week w/your first enbrel shot. I hope you get good results w/it. Take care, and if you have any more questions, post again.
Hi Russell, I have been taking enbrel injections once a week since December. I was allergic to several drugs and a couple didn't help. I tried humira for 8 months without much results. Enbrel has really helped out with my morning stiffness, pain, and energy. I still have what I called "bad weather flares". Humidity and any type of precipatation makes me ache. I take benedryl on the day I take the shot because of a slight itchy rash but besides that (*knocking on wood*) no other side effects. The shot is a breeze. I give it to myself in the belly. Try letting it set out for about a half hour then hold it in your hand for a few minutes to get it up to body temp and that helps.
Good luck and keep us posted and let us know how you are doing.
take care
Thanks for the welcome Joie and the info regarding your experience with Enbrel, I too hope I have good luck with it ..
I don't think an occupational theropist can tell me any new ways that I have not thought of but thanks for mentioning that ...never even thought of it ...my doctor tells me I need another profession and I tend to agree,not sure what at this point that will be ..but it would better I think if I didn't have such a physical job at times...I get really still after each days work, my legs feel like that have run a marathon as I am on them all day for the most part...I am not sure if that is all RA or partly just age and concrete floors ....Been doing that type of work for nearly 30 years now ..hard to think of anything else I suppose ..but I know I will get to the point where I will have to pursue other avenues ...
Thanks for the reply
Best Wishes
Russ
Thanks for the info CinDee regarding how to take the shots....Letting it warm a bit? That is good advice ...THanks for the reply look forward to seeing your posts here..
Best Wishes
Russ
Hi Russ, no problem. Ask away. When are you taking the shot or have you already? Keep us posted. Mine is tomorrow and I look forward to it every week. I can't wait to feel good. It sometimes wears off a day or two before my next shot is due. How far south are in in AL? My big sister lives in Picayune MS, you could be neighbors LOL.
take care
I just started 2 weeks ago because I was terrified of the side effects. So far, I have had none. Be sure you get a teaching session from your Doctor or nurse. They answered all of my questions and showed me how to give myself the shots. I use a sureclick pen and it is easy. Also, sign up for Enliven services on the enbrel web site. They will give you medication info, a storage box for the needles, etc.
Good Luck
Hi Russell
Yeah, like MJ said, sign up for enliven services. They were helpful when I first started out. If you have a question, there are RNs available to speak with and they'll provide you with a sharps container, what you'll need to dispose the used syringes. I think each state has different rules about how/where to dispose of used syringes, I take my sharps container once filled to my pharmacy. Good luck on your shot day.
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