The road to Embrel perhaps | Arthritis Information

I've been literally scared to take Enbrel. I had an appointment with a nurse educator in my rheumy's office and she was very helpful.

I've have a crooked little finger which I have just been thinking was always there, now I'm not sure.

I wonder if I've been fooling myself.

I supposedly have swelling in my hands and toes and I say things like maybe my toes are just pudgy.

To be honest I don't even think they are swollen. The doctor thinks I'm in denial about having RA. I do think I have it but I think it's mild and that's why I don't want to take Enbrel.

But I really think I'm going to. I'm beginning to think I need it.

When I was reluctant about the Enbrel she prescribed sulfasalazine. T he educator said methotrexate and this drug together can be as effective as Enbrel. But she personally would take enbrel. Can anyone give me some input on this.

I s a crooked finger a sign of damage? Can the damage be stopped?

I know these are stupid questions fot a person who has had ra for 2 years but I would appreciate thoughts!

And also for people who have so much more than a crooked finger.

When I have severe inflammation my fingers curl. Is that what you mean by your crooked finger? My fingers will also veer off to the side if the inflammation stays chronic. I'm not there with you and can't see it, but if you have curling and swelling of the fingers that is an indication that the synovial fluid in your finger joints is inflamed which will lead to joint damage.

Maybe you just need to get to the point where the pain is so bad you'll decide you would rather give yourself injections than endure the pain. BUT that delay could cause joint damage. Have you gotten a second opinion?

The injections are not so bad if you ice the area first. I had seven or more years of inflammation free relief on Enbrel. If it would work for me again I'd go back on it right now.

By the way I recently learned of www.buzzy4shots.com. It's invented for kids but us big kids can use it before injecting, too. Good luck!
When I started Enbrel, I was in so much pain. I had tried the sulfasalazine and the methotrexate and neither worked. I couldn't stand the pain any longer, I had to do something. After starting it, I was so glad I did. It has worked better than any medication so far.

Have you had any x-rays or mri images done to verify it's RA damage? What about blood tests?

Dotty a lot of the meds we take are scary and I can really sympathise with you as I was the same with Humira. It helps to have a good medical team to put your mind at ease.

I hope what ever you decide its the right thing for you..

take care xx