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starting Enbrel....what do I need to know?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 11/6/2013 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Well, it looks like my suspicions have been confirmed. The MRI showed severe inflammation of my right wrist, which has been giving me a lot of trouble. The hand surgeon I saw who ordered the MRI referred me back to my rheumy, who called me today to discuss starting enbrel.

I have to go get a TB test done, which I'm scheduling, and the paperwork has been started for the enbrel. My rheumy is going to send me information about the drug.

But, I know that nothing can replace the value of personal experience with these medications. So I was wondering what others have experienced.

Right now, I'm rather frightened, mostly of all the unknowns....but I'm bound and determined to fight this disease with every weapon possible.
Posted 11/6/2013 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Enbrel for 12 years and it worked great for me until it stopped working and I developed Pustular Psoriasis from it. Apparently a rare side effect but it happened. I had chronic sinus infections most of the time I was on it as well. Also in the last year of use I developed side effects and allergies to other drugs that I had not previously seen before. My warning bells were going off big time.

My Doctor then moved me to Humira which is another biologic meant to treat specifically pustular psoriasis as well as RA and I get the same results with it. Bad sinus pain all of the time, psoriasis gets worse not better followed by alot of fatigue. After going online and reading about the side effects others are having with biologics I feel pretty fortunate. I made the decision to stop using it and take a more traditional approach to treatment as well as look at naturopathic alternatives. For me the stress of being on a drug that can kill you with a list of side effects longer than my arm just does not warrant using it. I'd rather live with some pain and try to find an alternative.

I hope that it works for you and that you don't have any issues with side effects, it helped me alot for a long time and I was able to live RA pain free on it which I am grateful for. -Don
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