So I took my first Enbrel injection last night. It wasnt so bad. I took an allergy pill and a very low dose of phenergan and then gave myself the shot in my arm. It burned for a minute but it wasnt too bad. I have very sensitive skin and all kinds of problems with rashes, contact dermatitis and hives, and eczema...but I didnt have any irritation what so ever with this.
Today I dont feel any better, but I dont feel any worse. So far so good. I just hope this stuff works.
Keeping my fingers crossed for youWhat do you do to these poor cats? Hilarious!
So proud of you Cruncy. Sometimes being too knowledgeable is its own curse. But you are past the first hurdle. I can't feel any difference after the shot, one way or another. I was surprised to hear others were so tired.
Remicade on the other hand was like dose of new life. I loved it.
Honestly, I don't Enbrel really work for me.
Crunchy, glad your first injection went well :) I've had 3 injections so far and still waiting to feel better. I don't say that to bring you down, but to tell you to have patience. It can take some time to have a positive result. I'm still trying to remain confident it will work. Fingers crossed for us!Crunchy etal...
Give the Enbrel plenty of time to work. It took about 2-3 months for me to get any relief. I think I respond slowly to all meds, so I'm not typical. Just fyi.
MikeM
Man, I wish it could all be faster. I hope you feel better soon. Everything takes forever to work. This is a very hard battle. I just hope I win soon. The pain is defiantley bringing me down.Crunchy, Why the arm? I think that would be hard, the stomach is so easy. You might consider it. I hope you feel the Enbrel high soon. RoxCrunchy...good luck. I felt better on Enbril within 2 days and it is still working great on month 5. I too have sensitive skin but I always shoot it in my thighs. I hope it works for you!
Thanks for all of the support guys. I know some people get relief right away, but the drug co. says up to 3 months for full effect.
Roxy, I injected it in my arm b/c I have been using my belly for the MTX injections for the past 4 months and I dont want to cross my sites.
Crunchy I have had 3 shots so far. One in each arma nd one in the stomach. Shots int he arms burned like fire but no other reactions. Stomach shot didn't burn but did bruise. After first two shots I slept for a day anda half but actually had a little relief after second shot. After third shot..nothing-no changes.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you and everyone else on Enbrel
Enbrel takes awhile to consistently make you feel better. I am way better since I have been on Enbrel but all the pain is not gone and I still have fatigue. I have been on it consistently for about 4 months now. I am still hoping for better results but I can't take mtx so that makes me at a disadvantage. Be patient and good luck.For me Enbrel took two weeks to start working. It was a miracle drug for two years. I was even able to mountain bike again. Then it was more on and off relief but, still pretty good.
Good luck. You get used to the shots - you will bruise yourself a few times but the bruises fade and it is well worth it.