Hi Julie,

Yes I dithered! I agreed to go on a trial first of all because my rheumy consultant knew it would be a quick way of getting the humira.
I was very frightened about taking it but it wasn't as bad for me because, being on the trial, I was monitored every two weeks, blood tests, physical exam, DAS scores, the lot, so I knew anything untoward would be picked up quickly.
After the trial finished I had to have 10 weeks off it, and during that time all the pain, swelling, stiffness increased so I didn't need any persuading to go back on it!
I don't even think about it now, just do the injections and forget about it most of the time, the same as with mtx really. Incidentally, I read recently that mtx is more likely to cause infections to be hard to get rid on than the anti-tnfs!
Good luck with making the decision, you have to do what you think is right for you, no-one will force you to take it so don't worry, whatever you decide!

Love, Doreen xx

Hi Julie,
Yes know exactly how you feel, I went on Humira without a second thought, then tried enbrel, but a couple of days before I was due to have Rituximab I suddenly got cold feet, couldn't sleep and worried myself silly about it. I think it was because I read about a couple of bad reactions to it, that if I hadn't joined nras I wouldn't have known about, but when I rationalised it at least I knew that if I did have a reaction I knew what to do and who to call. However as others have said the benefits of no longer being confined to the house and being able to have a life are great.
When I was on Humira although it was only for 5 months I didn't get any infections at all. I was also worried as I'd had several stop start attempts at giving up smoking so going for a chest exray was also a worry.
As it was Humira just didn't do anything for me that's why it was stopped, but at least it gave me some hope that things would get better and lots of folk do really well on it.
I really hope it goes well for you and gives you some benefit.
Love
Sheila

Thank you for your responses. I think I will phone tomorrow. If I'm honest Sheila - that's another worry for me - that I haven't been able to give up smoking - I must make it a priority in the near future. I keep making the excuse that I have a lot of stressful things going on but know deep down I've got to do it for every aspect of my health.

I'm glad the first injection went ok Sue. Please let us know how you get on.

Julie xx

Hi Julie

I think we all know how you feel. It's natural to not want to take stuff which has some bad side effects BUT you have to consider your quality of life. I'm just about to do my Mtx injection and really have to psyke myself up first. Besides, without it, how will you manage to climb!?!?

Much love
Jeanxxxxx

Don't you dare chicken out! Will speak to you tomorrow!

Lyn x

Hi Julie

I understand your concerns but isn't it worth giving the humira a try? You have been waiting for this, it seems ages now, and clearly you need it otherwise it wouldn't have been recommended. I think maybe if you think about it as a long term thing that will possibly save your joints from further damage it has to be worth a shot. If it does it's job you will feel so much better and then you can think about the smoking thing. It would be difficult, I imagine, to stop smoking when you are feeling unwell to start with.

Please Julie try it. You will be monitored regularly and any problems will be picked up straight away. I haven't had Humira so I don't know what it's like but others seem to be doing really well on it. I have had two anti-tnfs and without them I possibly wouldn't even be alive, they are life changing drugs. But you have to try to find out! You do owe it to yourself to give it a whirl (I'm not even going to mention the two men in your life ... oops, darn I mentioned them!!)

Of course, as Amanda says it is your decision, well you know that, but where do you go from here without it? If you want to chat I'll find some way of getting my number to you (perhaps I won't post it !!). Here for you Julie,

Love Lyn x

P.S. We must meet up sometime, you're not that far away

I appreciate your support so much. You always seem to know the right things to say and I'm always really touched when I read your replies so thank you.

It's true about the smoking Barbara, Lyn and Melly - I have been finding it hard to feel positive about anything at the moment. I and am sure if I can statrt to feel better it will help my resolve with the smoking and help me to deal with the things that are causing me such a lot of stress at the moment. Besides - I need to be climbing fit as it's high time we had another adventure!

I did try to ring the nurse 3 times on Friday but she didn't answer. Will be ring on Tuesday for sur

Julie xxx

PS: Am really pleased everything is going well for you Nina.

Wow, Sue - that's great news. So pleased for you.

See you up the flag pole soon, Julie

Love Jeanxxxx