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Just started Enbrel 2 weeks ago

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 11/11/2006 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Diagnosed with RA in May.  I have a negative Rheumatoid factor so it was hard to diagnose I guess.  Finally an MRI showed I have RA but very little joint damage.  Took Methotrexate for about six months.  I think it helped a little but not sure about that.  Also taking of Prednisone and Folic Acid. 

Yesterday I took my third injection of Enbrel.  It seems to make me really tired in the afternoons on the day I take it.  I guess that is normal.  It also makes me feel pretty nasty.  Not really sick to my stomach, just not good.  Is that normal?  I'm hoping this works.  I can put up with the nasty feeling and the tiredness if it works.  I'm 49 and want to be able to play with my grandchildren.  I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement...that it's worth it.

 

Posted 11/12/2006 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW,

I'am so sorry that you have to be here but glade that you found us and please know that you are welcome any time.If you don't mind me asking how often are you taking the Enbrel?what dosage of prednisone are you on?I have never taken Enbrel but I do take HUmira.

It is not uncomon to feel tired after taking some meds but if it is bothering you and it does not subside you may want to talk to your Doctor about it and see if there is any thing that can be done.I do know that if you are low on B-12 it can cause you to be tired all the time so if you have not been checked it may be in your best interest to have it looked into.Please do let me know what you find out.
Posted 11/12/2006 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. Welcome to Healingwell! I've taken enbrel now about 8 months. It works, although how soon it works depends on who you ask. For some, it can kick in within a month or so. With me, it took more like 6 months. But, this summer my rheumy added mtx to the enbrel and it took 100% of my pain and stiffness away. Enbrel and mtx are a lethal combination for many types of inflammatory arthritis. Clearly, it is the best combination for me; just have to be careful with the side effects. Since you're already taking mtx, and you just added the enbrel, if you're anything like me, you will feel the difference after about the 3rd injection. I hope it works for you.

Elcamino
Posted 11/13/2006 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Curley and Elcamino,

Thanks for the welcome! To answer some of your questions, I take 50mg of Enbrel once a week, 10mg of Prednisone, and 20mg of Proxicam. I was suuposed to be weaning myself off the Predinisone over a month ago by taking 1 one day, 1/2 the next, 1 the next and so on. Over this last week I finally got to that point so maybe the Enbrell is doing something. The goal is to get off the Prednisone and the Proxicam all together...which will be fine with me. My third injection was last Friday. I'm pretty sure I can tell something. I go back to my rheumy at the end of this month. Let's hope I can tell her I'm off the Prednisone and the Proxicam!!!

Thanks again for the advice and the time.
Posted 11/13/2006 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

 

I am happy to hear you are finding something that will help with your RA.  I have also tested negative two times and it has been a year now for me.  I finally talked my doctor into something else and have now started plaquenel. 

 

I hope the tiredness goes away soon and you feel good again :)

Posted 11/13/2006 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
I took plaquenel for almost a year. I stopped taking it two years ago. It worked really well for me. Back then, my rheumy did an mri that came back negative so she decided to take me off of any DMARDs until she could positively diagnose me. I was good with that. This past January my symptoms increased dramatically. She tried a number of different meds until she finally decided it had been a couple years since the last mri so it was time for another one (back in May). It showed positive for RA so she put me on mtx.

Have you had an mri? My hands are the most prominent pain point so she chose to mri only my hands.
Posted 11/14/2006 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi grandma,

 

No my rheumy has not suggested an MRI as of yet.  I first started having symptoms last Nov, and now 1 year later, have gotten somewhat worse.  I have been given Relafen, Mobic, Suldinac,Valtoren and now Plaquenel.  Last week I was given the prednisone pac (6day) and for one day I felt amazing!  I am so hopeful for this plaquenel, I just wish it did not take so long to begin working :)  I am beginning to feel desperate for something to work!

Posted 11/14/2006 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
I know that desparation feeling. Don't let it take you over. The Prednisone can be a mind saver. See if they can give you a lower dose to hold you over until the Plaquenel kicks in. Tell you rhuemy you want him to do an mri. It's an expensive test but at least it has the hope of getting a true diagnosis. The positive RA diagnosis can open up more avenues for you. I'll be hoping with you for relief. Keep me posted.
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