hi Donna,

no i haven't had this symptom .. but don't rule it out.

i have found on the Forum that we can get all get different symptoms,

i would definately give your Rheumy Nurse a call if you are worried as it seems co-incidental that is has happened each time,

Suzanne x

Hello to eveybody

I hope you are all well, or as well as can be expected.....

Just a quick update on the Humira situation, I had my 6th Injection of the stuff a week last Tuesday and I have to say I have had very little benefit from it what so ever. I was due to see my consultant for my 12 week check up from starting the drug o the 31st July, however I phoned my Rheumy nurse on Friday to tell her I was still in extreme pain and she informed me that my appointment had been changed to the 14th of August!!!!

I am absolutely mortified and to think had I not rung the nurse I would never of known as I have not received any communication from them what so ever.... I am supposed to be starting back at work on the 16th of August or I have been informed that they will be going for dismissal under the capabillity rule as Ive now been off for nearly 12 months. I explained this to the Rheumy nurse to which she responsed well I will have a word with one of the consultants and see if we can get your appointment re-instated for Tuesday. I know all this stress is doing me no good but I'm at a total loss as to what to do next. I'm not sleeping or eating and am hurting all over.

As anybody else failed on Humira and if so what were you given after? If i don't get myself sorted and back to work soon I really don't know what im going to do! I could really do with some advice before I see the consultant.

Thanks in advance

Donna x

Hi Donna

In view of the date of your original appointment I'm guessing you are on fortnightly Humira injections. Twelve weeks is generally regarded as the minimum time for an anti-tnf drug to be effective and some literature suggests that anything up to 5 months or so is acceptable. We all respond differently to these drugs so difficult to know whether or not this is going to be the drug for you. Are you taking Methotrexate as well?

Unfortunately finding the right drug can be extremely difficult due to the nature of the disease. Some will respond to disease modifying drugs others need a biologic therapy to bring the disease under control. There are lots of new drugs now available but of course they all take time to implement. What you will be considered for next will depend on your disease activity and personal circumstances. It could be another anti-tnf such as Infliximab or Enbrel, or something like the Biologic infusion Rituximab. In the meantime you could ask for a depo-medrone steroid injection, as Jackie suggests, this will help reduce inflammation but it could delay the switch between drug therapies. Additionally your GP maay be able to offer alternative pain relief.

Good luck with it, hope you start to feel better soon.

Lyn x