http://www.healthtalk.com/rheumatoidarthritis/
Look specifically for the interview with a RD doctor, "Treating RA: What You Need to Know." He answers a lot of questions you've seen a lot on this forum, specifically about why aggressive treatment is important and why MTX is such a mainstay. It's long, but interesting.
He mentioned getting a flu shot, pneumonia shot, and tetanus booster before starting Enbrel. I had a TB test and a Valley fever test. Did anybody else have these?
My doctor asked me about the Flu shot, which I get every year at work for free, and the TB skin test which I am required by my job to get every year anyways. The Tetanus booster wasnt mentioned, but mine is up to date (nursing school) and the Pnuemonia vacc. wasnt mentioned and I have never had. I dont know if it is a live vacc. or not, so I dont know if you can get it once you are on the Enbrel. The Flu shot is not a live vacc. so that one should be okay.I liked that link! Lots of info. Thanks Deanna! Great info. Thank you!My Dr. also recommended the Tetanus, Pnuemonia (I get it every couple of years) and Flu shots before I stared Remicade. I also worked in health care so I was good to go.
Thanks for the interesting link.
Thanks Deanna! What a wonderful resource!!