HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Humira Update-Looking for Suggestions

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/2/2008 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Just completed my second dose today (2 weeks since the initial injection). I am lucky that I don't feel any pain related to the injection. The first time, I seemed a bit better the next several days but then back to the 10-20/day routine.

Saw my doc yesterday, and he discontinued the Imuran and Allopurinol AND all enemas and suppositories. I am now on Colazly and 40mg prednisone. Reading between the lines I think the Humira will be my final hope otherwise I will be facing surgery. One month will be on the 15th.

I have been in a bad flare since Thanksgiving and pretty much limited to the house. The prednisone has taken a toll on my clear thinking and ability to work-even via phone from home. I am really depressed.

My family is urging me to try anything including going to a spa for two weeks, lying on a beach, working with alternative treatments such as Chinese methods, mind body etc. It is hard to imagine how lying on the beach )near the bathroom would be an improvement). I am willing to try anything at this time. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted 5/2/2008 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry you are not feeling well.

Don't give up hope yet -- it took me 4 weeks to see results from Humira, and while I then saw improvement (from 20 stools daily down to 8), I just had my dose increased to weekly to see if I can get off prednisone and into remission (now down to 4 stools daily).

For what it is worth, I have a good friend who has UC (currently in remission) who has had good results with Chinese medicine -- diet and specially blended teas.
Posted 5/2/2008 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
I also am on Humira. I have had some improvement, but still have flaring issues. I am trying to keep the faith. I keep telling myself that the Humira is going to fix everything but it just needs time... I am going to start yoga again and I might try accupuncture. Try to stay positive. I know exactly how you feel. If this doesn't work, well, the thought is just terrifying to me.
Posted 5/2/2008 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Mikeg999 - I have been on Humira for a year and I have to say that I also saw improvement right away but had hoped for more and then about 4-6 months after my initial dose saw even greater improvement so please stick with it. I also noticed that reducing my sugar intake really helped. I am not fanatical about it but I do try to eat an apple now instead of a cookie and no more pudding snack cups or hoho's. I still eat white bread and pasta and I know that carbs turn into sugar but just reducing the intake helped. And I never considered myself a junk food junkie but I like sweets. So if you drink soda you may want to change to lemon water or have a pear rather than a piece of cake. Oh and I also think a vacation at the beach helps me but maybe it is because we never see the sun in New York and that alone can be depressing.
Posted 5/6/2008 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
I am especially interested in hearing any thoughts on Humira. I am on Remicade now and it's not working....Dr. increased my dosage on the Remicade however, it's still not helping. Dr. is suggesting that I try Humira and I am interested but scared that it will be the same situation as I am facing right now.

I am close to the point of surgery and actually getting emotionally prepared for this too. It's so hard...I have had this for so long and I'm just over it. Most of us can relate to this of course.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply