hello all

my name is sharon and i live in Swansea South Wales, i am an old member but have not posted for a long time as i was unable to use my computer. i have just got a lap top which is so much easier to use.

i am on humira i have been taking it for around 18 months, but i have had so many infections and have just come out of hospital after a bad infection.


I just wanted to know if anyone else has had this problem and if so what has been the outcome, I am waiting to see my consultant to discuss the way forward any info you could give me about your own experiences would be helpful.

many thanks Sharon

Sorry tohear you are having so many infections. I have been on Humira for about a year and haven't had anymore than usual. As Kathleen suggests - may be time for a change? I hope you manage to get to discuss this with your rheummy.

Julie x

Hello all

thankyou so much for your replies it helps when you are trying to decide if the drug you are taking is really worth it. I have other health issues which has made it difficult to get a treatment that i can tollerate.

I am asthmatic and i can not take anti- inflamatories or metheotrxate i did try something called Arava( not Sure of the spelling) but it affected my liver enzymes which are very high .


I have had 7 infections in just over a year and was in hospital last week with a viral infection which affected my heart, thankfully no damage done to the heart but the infection sent it haywire and i was given loads of anti-biotics through a drip.

I am due to have an appointment by the end of next week but no letter came today so i checked with the hosp and because of the strikes nxt week appointments are now two weeks behind so i think i will phone his secretary on monday to see if they can ensure that i am seen within the nxt two weeks.


I am unsure about whether or not to continue on ,at the moment i am not taking it until i can see consultant , but the way i feel at the moment i would say no to taking it again.

once again thankyou for your info, this is such a difficult condition to live with people who dont have RA have no idea what its like


love to all Sharon

Hello and Welcome from me.

I can't add any more than the others but wanted to say hello and sorry to hear that you
have had 7 infections during the past year - I feel for you.

Keep posting

Rose

Hi Sharon

It's tough having to cope with both the RA and the infections brought about by the immuno-suppressant drugs. I had frequent problems whilst on Enbrel and Methotrexate but at least the RA was reasonably controlled. After a particularly bad period of recurring infections I was taken off methotrexate and as time passed the RA became uncontrolled and for the past 15 months or so it hasn't been good. I already have a fair bit of joint damage due to long standing disease but I have found often you have to be prepared for a certain amount of 'trade-off'. Very difficult when the problems affect major organs too so I hope your consultant will be able to suggest a suitable way forward for you before the RA becomes uncontrolled.

I have just started Rituximab, and as Jenni says there are alternative options available. Good luck with your appointment, hope it comes through soon.

Lyn x