August 17, 2012-
It’s been a while since I’ve updated “My Life on Biologics,” so I thought I would bring everyone up to speed. July 25, 2012 was my last Humira injection. I will not be taking it anymore because it was making me sick. I never mentioned anything about the IBS issues I was experiencing in previous posts because I wasn’t really sure if it was the Humira causing my tummy issues. At first I thought it was food poisoning, then I thought maybe it was something else I had eaten (I’ve always had a sensitive stomach). As the weeks went by and the Humira injections continued, it was very evident it was indeed the Humira making me sick. I went to my rheumatologist and told him I wanted to quit taking it and didn’t want to start taking another medication right away because my tummy needed time to heal. He said okay, but wrote me a prescription for Enbrel that’s all set and ready to go in my file, so if things go downhill quickly I can go in to their office and get an injection.
Here I am, 3 ½ weeks after my last Humira injection and I’m doing okay. Just okay. The one thing I really miss about Humira was the energy it gave me. The fatigue that goes along with having any autoimmune disease is incredibly draining. I was so exhausted a few days ago I stayed in my pjs all day. I haven’t felt that wiped out in a long time.
So far the spondylitis in my lower spine has remained at bay, but my neck is another thing. I still wake up some mornings unable to turn my head, but that’s really nothing new. I have to work through the pain and the kinks, but eventually it loosens up. My psoriatic arthritis is still the same; I’m still achy and flakey and there have been several days I’ve had specific joints be extremely sore.
My tummy isn’t 100% recovered, but it feels SO MUCH BETTER. The IBS issues the Humira was causing were unbearable. I’ll spare you all of the details, but I will tell you I looked like I was 4 or 5 months pregnant because of the bloating some days. It wasn’t fun.
At this point in time, it’s my plan to try to remain Enbrel free for as long as I can. I’m just taking it one day at a time.
I’ll keep you posted.
xoxo,
Megan
the RA Vegan says
Thank you so much, my friend, for sharing your journey with us. It impresses me and humbles me to read what you are going through.
Megan says
Thanks, Jen.
Hugs,
Megan
glutenfreehappytummy says
Thank you for sharing with us. I’m so glad your tummy troubles have improved. I’m sorry that Humira was not a good experience. Praying for continued healing.
Megan says
Thank you for your prayers…
xo
Megan
Christina says
Definitely keeping you in my prayers Megan for complete healing from the inside out. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I’m so often humbled when I read the stories of others who have experienced so much in their lives; it could have knocked them down for good, but here you are standing and pushing through and helping others with your honesty, bravery, and experience on this journey.
Megan says
Thank you, Christina!
xo
Megan
Laura says
My mother struggled in similar ways – I am glad you have found a supportive rheumatologist, and I wish you all the luck in the world in balancing the symptoms that occur without and because of medications. I know that One More Appointment can be unbearable, as can One More Suggestion, but she did find some relief from acupuncture, and found it didn’t come with secondary costs in terms of side effects. I wonder if that would help you?