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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/3/2006 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to chatting, but here goes. I was diagnosed with RA one year ago, and was given Plaquenil and Methatrexate. Have been doing really good until a flare-up a couple of months ago. My doctor said I should be thinking of going with something like Enbrel & Methatrexate. I just wondered if anyone is taking Enbrel and how well it has worked. I have never taken many medications, but my doc said meds and I were going to be really close friends, so I guess it's inevitable. Also, does everyone with RA suffer from extreme fatigue. That is one of my main problems, just no energy to hardly get through the day at work.
Posted 7/3/2006 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Tiddly HI and welcome to HW,I have Ra and yes I know what you are going through been in a bad flare my self and it stinks I know that much.

Ok let me see if I can answer some of your questions for you.First off yes RA can make you tired infact since I have been in this flar it has knocked me down I'm in the bed a lot because of it.

When I was first diagnosed with RA I was put on Sulfazine I was taken two tablets three times daily and they were 500mg.I was put on Methotrexate and Remicade and it helped some what.I was on Remicade for about eight months and I built what they call anti-serum sickness so there for want let me have it again.

I was then put on Plaqunil and I was taken off of Methotrexate due to being put on 6mp.Methotrexate and 6mp does not mix.(I have crohns)

I was put on Humira and at the time I was in a wheel-chair and I give full credit to Himira for getting me out of that wheel-chair I'am still on it and Himira and Enbrel are in the same class together.

I'am now taking Humira and I'm still on Sulfaine and my Plaqunil was upped.I'm in a flare and I have been having sever fatigue my self and I have been in alot of pain but it's just something I have to live with.

If I was you I would give Enbrel a try you may find that it works for you.I wish you much luck and let us know how it goes.Just remember that you are not alone we are here for you.
Posted 7/4/2006 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
hi tiddly, i too have been diagnosed with RA and my family says tired is my middle name lately.... and power naps are my specialty.... i often spend my lunch on a power nap and then after work try to get one in i find 20 min. gets me a couple more hours of energy.... good luck with the meds, i take mtx and still some prednisone but am hopeing to get off that soon. take care ~* yalinda
Posted 7/4/2006 3:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Tiddly,  I've been taking Enbrel for 4+ months now.  I'll admit, it's not doing enough for my joints, but it really helps with energy.  And it kicked in after about the 2nd or 3rd injection (2-3 weeks).  That's why I'll probably add mtx in a couple of weeks (mtx increases the effectiveness of enbrel) instead of just ditching the enbrel.  The increase in energy has been amazing; I hope that does the trick for you too.

Elcamino

Posted 7/4/2006 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey tiddly.. what type of Arthritis do you have? I am on Enbrel also, have been on it for over a year now... We do have several members here that are on Enbrel and MTX... Craig is one of those members (sorry to call you out Craig) but he has RA and is doing FAB-U-LOUS on it... good luck to you and let us know how you are doing!
Posted 7/5/2006 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank all of you for talking with me. It really helps to talk with someone who understands. Hope you all had a good 4th,(relatively pain free is a good day) If Enbrel will give back my energy, I will probably take my doctor's advice and go with it when he thinks it's time. Bless you all.
Posted 7/5/2006 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
I am on MTX and Enbrel. It has been very good to me, the shots aren't so much fun, but I am able to stay pretty active since the drug combo kicked in over a year ago.
I do have days where I can feel the RA creeping in. Lately, stiff, sore hands and wrists, a little tired and lack of energy. But that didn't stop me from riding Durango to Ouray, then back the next day 2 weekends ago.

Over the past year, as I've gotten stronger, I've thought about stopping the drugs. Funny thing is though, that I can feel the RA waiting to jump on me, and I no longer think I can stay healthy without them.

I take both shots on Sunday nite, and usually don't plan on any training on Monday. But even if I go out for a short, easy ride, I generally feel fair, tired, but no so much that I can't ride a bit.

... Craig
Posted 7/8/2006 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tiddly,

Welcome to HW. I have RA and Fibro, I have been taking Plaqunel and methotrexate for about 6 mos just started Humira 2 wks ago. My rheumy preferred the Humira over the enbrel. I have only had one injection and could notice a difference in the swelling. actually looking forward to my injection on Monday!

I wish you well and hope we can chat sometime.

Take care of you,
Tee
Posted 7/8/2006 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I was on Enbrel and MTX for my RA and AS, but since my Crohn's diagnosis I was switched to Remicade and MTX. I was on Enbrel for 2 years, added the MTX about 6 months afterwards. Best thing that happened to me, was that combo of med's. If that's an option for you, you should go for it. The injections are easy and once you do the first one, it's a breeze after that. I always did mine right before I went to bed - that way I could sleep through the "tireds." I also inject my MTX before bedtime for the same reason.

Good luck.
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