Rhumitoid Arthritis sufferer

Hi zanzoey and welcome to HW and the RA forum

I havent taken Cimizia myself, so I have no info to give you.

Hopefully someone who has taken it come along and answers for you.

Just wanted to welcome you

Jo

Welcome zanzoey. I have not tried that medication either, though I am on Plaquenil.

This site is a wonderful haven for us that don't have a good support system (and really, if you haven't experienced something, you can never fully understand what the other person is going though) - here there are many who not only understand, but have gone through the same thing.

Take care and keep us posted on the cizma.

**

I have just had a very bad setback - not sure if it is normal or not but the Dr. wanted me to go to ER - I DON"T THINK SO - fever comes and goes, flush face, every joint feels like it is on fire and a headache like I have never had. I have a doctors appt on Monday for my Cimzia shots and I don't know if he will give them or not. Dr. also said no Methotrexate shot tonight. Does anyone have intestinal problems with the plaquinil or do I just have a touchey gut ??? Miserable for about 3 hours after meds. It is wonderful to find you all on this site. a godsend to talk to others. Thank you

It took a while for my stomach to adjust and every time I have a lag in taking the meds, i hve to readjust all over again

Sorry- no experience but sending well wishes your way....hope you feel better soon

I've been on Cimzia for over a year now...I have no bad side effects. However, I'm not sure you'll be able to start the medication as your fever is quite high. They don't want you to have any trace of an infection. I hope you are feeling a bit better...

Thank you all.  I am finally starting to get back to normal or as normal as we ever are.  Back on Methotexate shots, plquilnil and start the cimzia shots again in 2 weeks.  :-(    I will let you all know how it works and if it helps. 

My name is Carrie, I'm 55 years old, and I was diagnosed with RA 8 years ago.  I've been on Enbril, Remicaide, Humira, and was doing great on Humira.  Last November, my rheumy decided, out of the blue and with no explanation, to switch me to Cimzia, two shots at four-week intervals.  I do great for two weeks and then feeling punky the third week, and can hardly move the fourth week.  I've called a pharmacist who told me Cimzia is FDA approved for one shot every two weeks or two shots every two weeks.  My rheumy won't change it, so I'm seeing a new one in two weeks.  It's a shame that we're at their mercy but they write the presciptions.   Currently taking Cimzia, 5 mg prednisone, folic acid, Vitamin D.  He also took me off of Mobic -- and I really miss it   but am taking two Arthritis Tylenol.  Not as good as Mobic.

Thanks for reading.  Had to vent.  HATE my rheumy, but in El Paso, Texas, we only have four!

Hi zanzoey! So sorry to hear you've been so poorly. How scarey for you! I've not tried Cimzia but are on mtx injections and pred. I'm currently taking morphine for pain as flare so bad. Can I ask how you've found mtx shots. I was on the pills for 7months no effect. Been on 15mg shots for 5wks things worse If anything. Saw Rheumy today who is increasing to 17.5mg for 1month then to 20mg to see how I go. He said today He thinks it's time for Biologics. Unfortunately I had a severe brain disease in 2007 which very nearly took my life. I'm in remission now but He has to check the Biologics won't cause it to flare up again. I saw you wrote earlier that it's hard for people to understand and it's almost as If people don't believe how bad it is. I totally understand that. I've been feeling it alot lately. It took me breaking down in tears for my Mum to look up recently and me to say I couldn't mind my niece and nephew for my sis to look up but as the others say, this is a fabulous site. Good luck with the Cimzia hun! And keep us posted XXX

I don't know anything about Cimzia but wish you all the best with it!

My word Carrie, I am so sorry you are having such problems with your dr. They are suppose to be there to help you, yours doesn't sound like that is his priority. It is unfortunate that you only have 4 to choose from but i think I would seriously consider going to one of the others. You deserve better treatment than that. I have just started back up on my cimzia shots and would be lost without the support of my dr. I wish you well and will be anxious to hear from you.

Hi Jade, did you get an answer to your questions? Methatrexate can help but can be difficult at the same time. You need to have your liver checked regularly (via blood test every month or every other month), drink lots of water, and take extra folic acid supplements. For some, the meds work wonders. For others, not so well. I had pluerisy (sp?) like symptoms while on it, my lungs were super-sensitive to everything, espeically smoke.

Good luck.