Ok, I went off MTX for a while (without telling my doc, I know, bad girl). I've been on Humira for 6 weeks. I took the MTX again on Sunday for the first time in 6 weeks and I've felt like TOTAL crap for 2 days. I did my HUMIRA injection this morning and I feel great. Can it really work that fast (in like an hour)? Or is this in my head?
BTW, I hate MTX!
An hour is awful quick....but it does work quickly. I always took mine at night; a couple hours before bed and would just layed in bed watching TV until I went to sleep. By the next morning I certainly could tell the difference. Chances are your body is appreciating the MTX just as much as the Humira. I always miss the MTX far more than the Humira.
I'm not sure how long you've been on MTX; but it's very improtant and it's a very good mediction. Try not to skip doses....that's only going to make the side effects worse for you. Over time the crappy feeling will become less and less. I've been on it for years now. I take 25mg a week and the worst that happens now is I crave a nap mid afternoon on Sunday. I went through a long time where I had to totally cross Sunday off my calendar; but those days are behind me now.
What I committed to doing was take mine on Saturday night shortly before bed. Then on Sunday; it was dedicated to rest only. Often I'd get into the shower by 11:00 only to put on fresh pajammas and get back into bed. I would read, knit, nap....repeat. My family knew only to bother me to see if I needed anything. Eventually it became a "me" day and I actually looked forward to the forced rest which my body desperately needed. Don't give up.....MTX truely is worth the hassel if you can stomach it.
Hang in there.
I have been on Humira for a few months now, my first injection worked the next day but on the second day i had the worst flare ever.The second injection did nothing at all and i came down with a spate of UIT's so i came off of it.After a month I took it again and it worked almost instantly.There seems to be no rules with this med. I am due another injection next wednesday and I am feeling bad today but its rainy so that could be the reason.
Oh boy this is all so confusing
Thanks for your responses. The only other issue I have with MTX is the fact that I'm 32 and single and love going out. The no alcohol rule sucks.
What added benefits does the Humira bring? Does it reduce the pain andDon't feel guilty about the way you feel about your hair Theresa. That is so common....and I've heard of so many stopping MTX due to hair loss. You are not alone. I have been very, very fortunate not to have experienced that side effect.
I personally still drink some. My "Partying Days" are behind me now; but I still drink several glasses of wine a week. Many doctors warn against this; but my doctor isn't one of them. It certainly would be better for anyone not to drink at all.....but if given the choice to Take MTX & Drink in moderation or stop MTX all together so I could drink; I'd have to choose the first. It's a personal risk I take; not one I advise.....but one I mention to many when they say that's one reason they don't want to take MTX. If you are a heavy drinker.....I'm not sure I'd advise that risk.
Maybe you should discuss other options to MTX with your doctor.
I still have pain, I've gotten used to that. But the flu like feeling is what seems to be gone. I feel a lot more energetic today. My hands and wrists still hurt a lot. But my feet are a little better.I had to be taken off of Humira about 12 weeks ago now; and although I've managed fairly well with MTX alone the energy that Humira seemed to give me is what I think I miss the most. I seem to be fighting the fatiuge more than i was while on Humira.
Glad you are feeling better.
Thanks, Lovie. Luckily my hair was extremely thick to begin with. But I used to have to have it thinned out when I got a trim, and I don't anymore. As long as it doesn't get any worse, I think it's ok. And I guess the drinking in moderation is what I was doing for the 6 months I was on it before and my tests were all fine, so I'll stick with that. As soon as my new insurance kicks in, I'm gonna see my doc and discuss all this with him to see what we should do.
I still look to hopefully try Enbrel, though. A friend said that it was his life-saver. The Humira seems to work, but maybe down the road I should do it once a week to avoid that 3 or 4 day yuck.
That's exactly whst I had to do after about 6 months. I switched to weekly and it did make a huge difference. Why did you have to stop the Humira, Lovie, if you don't mind me asking?Hi, I'm new to the message board so I'm not sure of the proper navigations yet so please bear with me... I've been reading a lot of the posts just to learn a little more personal ways people deal with this horrid disease... my sister was diaganosed with RA in may of 2006 and has been on several of these meds mentioned, Humira, Methatrexate now Remicade , all along with massive amounts of prednisone,75mgs and has had no relief. So frustrating and painful for her and our family. She's in the hospital now with Pluerisy (sp) from "rheumatoid lung", can barely breathe and is most of the time in a wheel chair. The "attacks" are so frequent we fear for her life. The sudden onset from one year ago was so unbelieveable. She is 66 yrs old and was very active and health conscious. Now she is totally incapacitated, on tons of meds,has constant infections, and is on oxygen 24/7. Nothing seems to help. We are desperate for relief for her. Sorry so long a post but we are so afraid for her. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Hi Genesis, and welcome to the boards. What a great supportive sister you are to make the effort to find out more about this disease and it's ups and downs. Some people's families just have a hard time getting a handle on it all, (as we all do).