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Started Humira today

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/31/2011 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I got the pens. I was too afraid to do it myself so I had my mother doing it for me.

It burned so much. Now I'm afraid to do it again in 2 weeks from now. It even left a little swelling on the skin.

I just hope it helps now.

I got diagnosed with UC in 2002 and was on Remicade not too long ago. Switched to Humira and started today.

Thanks for reading.

Post Edited (Andrina) : 12/30/2011 8:22:22 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/31/2011 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
Part of me wants to tell you the injections will get better. The other part of me reminds me that there are some good injections and some really bad injections. Fortunately for me, the pain/stinging only lasts a minute or so.

I have been on it for more than a year and it is working well. My only problem with it is that I get pretty bad colds on a regular basis.

I think I will start doing my shots in the stomach again. Those seem to be a little less painful.
Posted 12/31/2011 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
The little swelling is normal. It goes away in about a day or two. As for the burn while injecting, how long are you letting it sit out? It tells you about a half hour, try it at 45 minutes. The longer you keep it out of the refrig the better the sting. I asked my doc if it was ok to leave it out for the 45 minutes and he said that is not a problem. Give it a try, but of course ask your doctor.
Posted 12/31/2011 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
     I have lousy veins and at my last Remicade infusion the nurse had to stick me seven times and then my vein collapsed rolleyes .  So, when I went on Humira, it felt like heaven..lol.  Both failed sad and I had surgery June 2010.  Hoping Humira works for you!!!
Posted 12/31/2011 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
I hope Humira works for you too. I am such a wimp about shots, I would definitely be scared of getting those shots, I've heard a lot of mixed reviews. It seems like some people feel that they aren't a big deal and others say it's so terrible they have to scream into a pillow. I hope it gets easier for you. It seems like it's much more convenient than Remicade provided you can get over giving yourself a shot. I am not sure how I would do with that but I would definitely try my hardest because it could be the magic treatment for you. I've heard some people say the thigh is better than the stomach.
Posted 12/31/2011 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Well, yeah the shots sting & hurt a bit. But if the med works, isn't it wortt it? You only hold it there for like 10 seconds. I always use my abdomen, the thigh REALLY hurts! And keeps hurting. The abdomen only hurts while your doing the actual injection. I also let my pens sit out for about half-hour before using them, that makes a big difference too. Good luck!
Posted 12/31/2011 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
The shots do burn but I reminded myself it was over fast! I did mine in my thighs. I tried stomach once but I thought it hurt more.

Good luck!
Posted 12/31/2011 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
I just always do it quick so my mind doesn't get to over thinking about it. For me sometimes it hurts like crazy and others barely at all. I don't know why. 2 shots ago in my right thigh, barely hurt it was no big deal. The shot I did this week in my left thigh was one of the worst ever! It hurt so bad I swear I couldn't breath and it was the first time I actually worried I would pull away, I had the urge to just yank the pen away from my leg! I also prefer my thighs, I always think it is worse in my tummy.
Posted 12/31/2011 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
Letting them warm to room temperature helps, but I agree they are still hit or miss. Some weeks are painless and some are awful.

I guess im just comparing them to my experienceonbthe Enbrel pen I used to take for RA. Those were a piece of cake compared to Humira.
Posted 1/1/2012 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I notice a difference.

The first morning after the injection the pain was gone.

Today the stool is almost normal again.

I'm so happy wink

Thank you very much for your support. It's appreciated a lot.
Posted 1/1/2012 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, what a wonderful result. I guess the pain was worth the results. :)

Good luck with Humira. I have heard people say over and over again that making sure the shots are room temp helps a lot.
Posted 1/1/2012 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Forgot that part! Yes set them out 30 minutes or so before you inject.
Posted 1/2/2012 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your wonderful advise. I had no idea I had to wait at least 30 minutes. I will definitely do that next time.

I have to add something though. Since yesterday or so I'm extremly irritable and I also tend to cry a lot more. When somebody says something "wrong" I burst out in tears. Even at work I have to pull myself together. Could that be a side effect? If so, does it go away? Did or does anyone here have it too? cry

Post Edited (Andrina) : 1/2/2012 1:15:49 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/14/2012 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
I just took my second injection.

I listened to you and waited 45 minutes to let the pen warm up. This time it didn't hurt so much and the swelling wasn't as bad neither.

Thank you so much for your help.
Posted 1/30/2012 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
It is getting worse.

I'm losing soo much blood. I don't want to see it anymore.

Does it take longer until it takes effect? Or is it just not working?

What would I do next? I'm scared of my future because I'm losing so much blood. And I don't want to go to hospital.

I'm afraid to die.
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