Started Humira today

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I posted.  So here's what's going on.

I had to go off of Remicade due to extreme difficulty in finding a suitable vein.  Tried 6MP, but had very bad reaction (extreme D and vomiting).  Have been on entocort for many months but don't think it's doing the job.

Today I had my first 4 shots of Humira.  Was going to try Cimzia but insurance required a large copay.  After reading the posts on the Humira injections, I was a little anxious.  However,the nurse explained everything and I gave myself two of the shots, one in the thigh, and one in the stomach.

For those of you experiencing problems/pain with the shots, this is what I learned:  warm the pens by holding them in your hands for about 10 minutes.  Apply just enough force to keep it in place.  After the shot, do not apply any pressure to the area.  I did have some pain but not as bad as I expected.  I never imagined that I would be able to give myself a shot in the stomach, but it was fine.

Hoping the Humira does the trick.  I'm soooooo tired of this DD.  Any improvement would be terrific.

Sending out hugs to all.

Potty

Yes, I am anxious to hear how you are doing as well.  I was diagnosed with Crohn's yesterday, and I am horrified from all the side effects I am reading about the medications.  Good luck, I hope all goes well!

Pink66

Here's another guy hoping for rapid relief for you. This disease just sucks so bad.

I didn't get much relief from Humira, but there are those that have seen a tremendous improvement from it. Some people get relief in as little as a couple days after their loading injections, others have reported it taking up to two months for any improvement.

My two cents on relatively pain-free Humira shots: I used the auto injector pens, in the *upper* thigh, and iced down the injection site to the point of numbness (just don't give yourself frost bite!!) prior to the shot. Pinching the injection site *hard* and holding the pinch during the entire injection also helps. Don't let go of the pinch until after you have withdrawn the needle. I tried many techniques over the nine months I was on Humira, and that was the least painful method.

Let us know how it goes!

Thanks everyone for your encouragement and good wishes. I really appreciate the support. Will keep you posted.
Potty