Wednesday, June 6, 2012-
I had an appointment with my rheumatologist today. The Tramadol I’ve been taking for pain relief has been causing me to sweat – so much that I’ve been going through multiple shirts throughout the day, and often wake up with damp pjs due to night sweats. My doctor and I both agreed it’s time to quit taking it.
Sunday, June 10, 2012-
I continue to be incredibly impressed by the amount of energy I’ve had since starting Humira. Today AJ and I cleaned out two rooms in the house (that were incredibly cluttered), cleaned out our storage space, got into the crawl space, gathered items for a future garage sale, etc. Things I never had the motivation or energy to do before starting Humira, let alone accomplish all in one day. I can’t remember having this much energy in years, which makes me a little sad. When your health gradually continues to decline over the course of several years, you forget what it’s like to BE WELL. I never ever wanted to take Humira (or any of the biologic drugs for that matter), but I’m so glad I did. Instead of being the “Bionic Woman,” I’m now the “Biologic Woman.”
Now where’s my cape?!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012- (Humira injection day)
I woke up this morning with tons of spine pain and then I remembered it was injection day (no wonder I’m not feeling well – I’m due for another dose of medicine). I got the girls taken care of with breakfast and then I got everything ready to give myself the injection (this was the first time injecting by myself at home). I injected myself (in the thigh), only to experience a slight prick and feel liquid drip down my thigh onto the floor. Apparently I didn’t push against my skin hard enough. Augh. I called the Humira help line and they are sending me two Humira pens for free as a replacement. I felt like such a goob. Thankfully I had one more injection pen in the refrigerator, so I waited until my husband came home from work (I needed moral support) and tried again. It was a success. Phew!
After 3 doses of Humira, my spine pain continues to feel significantly better (with the exception of this morning). My energy has also significant improved, but I am still waiting for a change in psoriasis and arthritis pain. My doctor is confident the Humira will help with both over time.
Linda Stoddard says
Megan–Just a thought: You’ve no doubt already tried nsaids (that is, if your body can handle anti-inflammatory pain relief options)–or for severe pain–can you consider something like oxycodone? (It doesn’t have any other pain reliever mixed in with it like oxycontin, etc.). I never thought I’d consider the big-time pain relievers, but sometimes you get to the point where the effects of pain is worse than the relief from opoids. I wanted to try tramadol but after a number of them (gabapentin, celebrex) that were pure failures, I ended up with Vicoprofen for a while, then my cardiologist was concerned about possible leg swelling from the ibuprofen, so on to oxycodone in small doses.
Wow! That’s more than you needed to hear 🙂 Hope you’re doing ok..xoxLinda
MAID in Alaska says
Hi Linda,
Thank goodness your DR was able to find something that worked for you!
I have a love/hate relationship with my rheumatologist. On one hand, he has years of experience, but on the other hand, it’s his way or the highway. He is unwilling to give me anything else for pain, so I just deal. Thankfully though, Humira has taken care of a good chunk of my pain (the spine pain from the spondylitis topped any pain I’ve ever experienced from the PsA). Had the Humira not started to work with the spondylitis so immediately, I would have been a lot more insistent on him prescribing another pain med. I have an appointment set up with another DR the second week of July. He is an MD (I’ll still need to keep my Rhu around for now), but he is also trained and practices holistic medicine. I’m hoping he will find me another specialist out of state to start seeing (who is also trained both ways), but we’ll just have to wait and see. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for now.
Lots of hugs to you,
Megan
amber says
Good morning Megan,
Your first entry made me smile!! How wonderful to get those tasks completed. Your positive spirit despite these obstacles is inspiring (and yes, you DO need a cape). It’s amazing what a difference just 3 days can make. I’m so glad this intervention is working for you. I was doing some research on the Humira, and it’s also used for Crohn’s Disease?! Are you experiencing any difficult day to day side effects from it? Sounds like that Tramadol was awful.
Thinking about you, and hope your days are filled with more good energy.
Hugs,
–Amber
MAID in Alaska says
Sweet Amber!!
I always love getting comments from you. Your words brighten up my day – every time!
Yes, Humira is used to treat Crohn’s, and so is Embrel, which would have been the next biologic drug I would have been prescribed had the Humira not worked. Do you mind me asking… are you on any meds for your Crohn’s? Or are you managing it solely via diet/holistic medicine? How are you feeling?
Sending you lots of love!
Megan
MAID in Alaska says
Amber, I forgot to answer your question (sorry). No, I’ve not noticed any side effects from it as of yet. The only thing I’ve noticed is the burning sensation upon injecting the medicine, other than that, everything has been great!
glutenfreehappytummy says
your courage is so inspiring. I’m glad your spine is feeling better and your energy is up! yay! hang in there…sending hugs and prayers your way!