back on Humira - strange response

After being off the Humira for a year because it stopped working, and trying several other drugs with either side effects or no relief, my rheumy decided to try the Humira again.    I took my 4th injection yesterday (I take it weekly).  I had just weaned off the prednisone again when I started the Humira but 3 days after the 1st shot I was so swollen and in so much pain I took 10 mg  of pred.  Determined not to stay on the pred I asked my rheumy if it was safe to take 10 mg for 3 days, then 5 mg for three days, etc. an she said yes.    I've been keeping notes on the pain and it's really strange.  On the 18th I took the second shot and then had two pretty good days but was miserable by Sat.. then I had three really good days, followed by a bad day.  Took shot yesterday and today I hurt from my neck down to my toes.  I am down to 3mg of pred and tomorrow will start 2mg for 3 days.  Have also had a bad headache for a day or two after the injections which I don't remember having before when I was on the Humira.  I just don't get it.  I'm hoping to be off the pred in another week and stick with the Humira injections till my next apt with the rheumy in two weeks but don't know what's going to happen.  The pred seems to be the only thing that relieves the swelling and pain so that I can function but I hate being on it.  Have been on it more than off since last November.   Just wish they could find a drug that works for me that I could stay on for awhile.   Already have tried Cimzia, Enbrel and Remicade (all with side effects or just didn't help). 

3 good days out of 6 months just isn't enough.  It hurts to move, can't sleep an am so tired.  They've just got to find a cure - too many suffering!!

Alicat

headache seems better this morning and my BP is good.  Still have pain in my neck so it's probably the arthritis is settling in there now too.

I haven't tried Simponi yet bit if I remember right my rheumy didn't think what would work well for me.   I'll ask her about it when I go in a few weeks.

Lowering prednisone to 2 mg for the next three days and then down to 1 mg for 3 days.   Hoping I can get off it again but if the pain and swelling get any worse I'll have to call the Dr. again.  So afraid of what all the prednisone might be doing to me too.

Got to hang in there and hope better days are on the way.

Alicat

 i also had Real Bad Headachs with Humira also Nose Bleeds and Yes Everything Hurt More i was only on Humira for aprox 4 months and like you kept a diary of the Achs & Pains,

Currently only on Metheltrexate and Good old Prednisone one thing tho i have gotten prednisone Down from 30-40 mg Daily to only 5-10mg daily and Yes i have got problems from the long term usage but at least i have Some Quality of Life unfortunatly we have a Trade off System we have to weigh up the benifits verses the adverse reactions and long term effects,

 i try not to think of Long term because who knows how much "Long " we have and id rather be able to hold my grand daughter and play with her now than be a basket case in bed.

 and if i trade off some time or damage well i'll take it.

so far the added effects of Long term steroids i have is - Cateracts Both eyes,Diabetes,Osteoperosis,Heart Problems.