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Humira--yes or no?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/11/2017 8:55 AM (GMT -5)
Long story short: after going on Methotrexate for several months, my dr wants to switch me to Humira(the methotrexate was pushing up my AST). I've now been off everything (methotrexate, Predisone) for several months. I feel about 85% of my former healthy self. I'm tempted NOT to go on Humira for a while, although I've been told relapses can be more severe than the original onset.
Obviously I'd rather not be on anything. Could I wait it out until, and if, my symptoms start increasing again? Thanks in advance.
Posted 7/14/2017 4:27 PM (GMT -5)
It takes awhile for the Humira to kick in. I wouldn't wait. You may feel o.k. now but RA doesn't go away. Humira worked like a miracle for me for several years. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right med for you so I say start the sooner the better.
Posted 7/14/2017 7:27 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks. It's very, very tempting to postpone the Humira. I feel really, really good, and have so for a few months.
Posted 7/14/2017 11:22 PM (GMT -5)
Swami, something you need to remember, you need a maintenance medication to help keep the RA from damaging the joints. While you may not be flaring at the moment & not feeling anything, the RA is doing its dirty work so to speak.
Posted 7/18/2017 2:42 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Swami like the others have said RA is a sneaky thing and will creep up on you my Dr said it is like a slow burning fire if you toss water on it regularly it stays down but stop & it will Flare up.
I did the Wrong thing and after having reactions to a lot of the drugs first tried I Refused any treatment for Years of Course the RA went Crazy
Most Doctors agree that Early Treatment is Best.
Having said that I did try Humira and had a Bad reaction to it That is Not saying You will
So my best advice would be hay give it a go But Get Blood tests Regularly And get the Results Checked, Also Report Any odd things ; Sore Throat , Flu , ect
unfortunately with RA there are Many Different Drugs which means some Will work for You & some Won't and it's a Game of Trial & Error
But Do Start Treatments Early
Posted 8/8/2017 8:33 PM (GMT -5)
I'm just going to parrot everyone else here. I was in a similar situation many years back and stopped even seeing my rheumy because she declared me in remission. When it came back it was a whole lot worse than it was before and she was mad at me too for not coming in for routine blood work at least to keep an eye on things.

I had a hard time even getting an appointment and had to go into the office finally in desperation. When I did she took pity on me (THANK GOD!) and saw me straight away. I was so bad I could hardly walk.

So, if it were me I'd at the very least keep up with your blood work. The Doctor will see if things are ramping up and can get you going on something.

RA is a sneaky bugger. It can put a real bite into you when you least expect it. Plus, if you have a severe flare it can cause joint damage that there is no coming back from. I had straight fingers once, then about three weeks later I didn't and they will never be the same. Not trying to be overly dramatic but I think most people underestimate it.

Take care and I hope that you keep feeling better. -Don
Posted 8/8/2017 8:42 PM (GMT -5)
I've been convinced to start the Humira. Had the first injection a week ago. Still feel great, but now I shouldn't have to worry about flareups. Thanks for the confirming advice!
Posted 8/8/2017 10:32 PM (GMT -5)
I hope that it takes you the rest of the way to 100% swami. It very well could smile
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