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Don't think Humira is working?? How Long + stressed to the max

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/18/2013 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
So been on humira for a while now (Finished loading doses and did 1 regular bi weekly dose. So about 6 weeks). I am also doing weekly Methotrexate. Have got my prednisone down to 15 mg but I am having blood and mucus and some fever 1 day now. Dropping 2.5 mg every 5 days. I refuse to stop the prednisone drop since I have been on pred most of the year and have never been able to totally get off of it.
My question is how long did it take Humira to work for you? I also am still waiting for my blood work to make sure my liver is handling all this. Not sure what is next. Will schedule a DR visit in the next couple of weeks.

Still I am over stressed and weak. The divorce is still proceeding while all this is going on and I am not sure how the stress is affecting my UC. Of course I should probably be taking better care of myself but a few beers here and there don't seem to have any effect good or bad and I sure need them some days. I am eating but my appetite is not very strong. I only eat a small amount. Cut out coffee last week but not seeing any improvement there.
Posted 11/18/2013 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
I'm probably going to get bashed for this but here goes -

Man, I think it's time to give up on mainstream medicine, unless you want to go the surgical route. I'm not saying that because I despise the current medical paradigm on treating chronic, degenerative illnesses, but because it has failed you to the point where they are treating one medicine induced problem with another medicine. It seems like total madness. What's the point of going on these high-risk, low efficacy medications if you aren't seeing the results?

Have you considered seeing an integrative practitioner? I believe they might be able to help you with both the mental and physical issues brought on by this disease.

Post Edited (StealthGuardian) : 11/18/2013 1:18:11 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/18/2013 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
My doc says 2 months on the Humira. But if you ask around, in some it takes much longer than that. You could go up to a shot a week and see if that helps. There are a couple people on here that do that and it has really helped them out a lot. Good luck and try to let go of some of that stress!!
Posted 11/18/2013 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Not quite ready for that Stealth. I am hoping something like Xeljanz might work for me since it is a totally different kind of Med(JAK inhibitor). All the other Biologics seem to be the same type TNF inhibitor so I don't see any of them working for me. I will seriously consider surgery within the next year. I need my life back especially now that I am going to be single
Posted 11/18/2013 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Will see what my DR says about upping the Humira. Really seeing no improvment combined with the Pred drop. I have to get off this Pred though.

Hard to let go of the stress. Wife is still in the house and we are such good friends after 24 yrs together. Hard to accept being alone again. There is no yelling or bitterness. Only sadness for us both. Then of course there is dealing with all the divorce paper work ect.

lemonhead said...
My doc says 2 months on the Humira. But if you ask around, in some it takes much longer than that. You could go up to a shot a week and see if that helps. There are a couple people on here that do that and it has really helped them out a lot. Good luck and try to let go of some of that stress!!

Posted 11/18/2013 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Well at least my blood work just came in and my liver is doing fine! SED rate high and all the other signs of inflammation though. Low protein and low Vitamin D
Posted 11/19/2013 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
I take it weekly. Took about 2-3 months to see a big difference. Still have a few blips here and there. Not perfect !!!!
Posted 11/19/2013 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. Just gotta be more patient I suppose

Faithmac said...
I take it weekly. Took about 2-3 months to see a big difference. Still have a few blips here and there. Not perfect !!!!

Posted 11/19/2013 3:28 AM (GMT 0)

scum1 said...
Not quite ready for that Stealth. I am hoping something like Xeljanz might work for me since it is a totally different kind of Med(JAK inhibitor). All the other Biologics seem to be the same type TNF inhibitor so I don't see any of them working for me. I will seriously consider surgery within the next year. I need my life back especially now that I am going to be single

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
Posted 11/19/2013 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on it about year and a half. Still have urgency from time to time. I still use a lot of the meds from before starting Humira . Just not as often. Hope it starts helping you !
Posted 11/19/2013 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Humira 10 months . Still get diarrhea at least twice a day.
I see my GI next month and will ask her "is this working"?. Or is this the best it will be? turn
Posted 11/19/2013 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on it for about 3 years now, & still have urgency in the AM's, blood, & fairly frequent loose stools. I mena, I can "live" ok- I work, do some family things, etc. My energy level isn't great though. My GI & I agree that the Humira is doing *something*, but it's nothing like remission. I haven't had to go on pred though in about 4 years, which is a HUGE positive! and my labs generally look pretty good. I bet the stress is seriously impacting your health, even if you're not feeling stressed out, you are!
Posted 11/19/2013 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Eva Lou. I was glad to here from you about the Humira. I can also function so we will take it and be thankful it is not worse.Joan
Posted 11/19/2013 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Eva Lou
I think I have the same problems as you do with Humira . It's working , but not enough to put me in remission. I now take it weekly. Wonder if they can double the dose. I feel better after the injection. Few days later back to the same crap. Going to GI next week. See what other options are available.
Posted 11/19/2013 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Eva Lou. I was glad to here from you about the Humira. I can also function so we will take it and be thankful it is not worse.Joan
Posted 11/19/2013 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
For those that are struggling.....IVIG saved me. Literally. Do a google, talk to your GI.
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