Humira. . . will I have to live in a closet the rest of my life?
Thu, February 19, 2009 1:00 AM
Hi,
My doctor tells me I need Humira. I have read the prescribing info sheet which is about four feet long and 3 feet wide
. This makes me very emotionally unstable to think of all this stuff that can go wrong. I have never been immunized for anything. My doctor has told me what to be immunized for, but I would like to know what others have been vaccinated for before going on biologic therapy. Also when you go on biologic therapy are you always sick and do you have to go into isolation or something? What about college and the rest of life? I mean if you are going to catch everything that comes your way then what are you to do? It is really beyond me to understand how I am going to live without an immune system. The thought drives me insane
. Could anybody share smiliar experiences or give advice? Thanks.
Joined Feb 19, 2009
Wed, March 18, 2009 6:02 PM
Reply posted for Mountaineer.
I have recently started Humira, I was on Remicade before this. Both medicines have an effect on the immune system. I was also very scared about those effects but I got the flu shot and I take a vitamin C daily. I have not experienced any complications with my immune system. You shouldn't worry, I live and work in NYC, i take the subway everyday for work during rush hour when the trains are packed with people and Im fine. I know it is scary but just be sure to constantly wash your hands and keep them well moisturized so you don't leave your skin prone to any open wounds and/or infections. I hope this helps but I know how you feel.
Joined Mar 18, 2009
Sat, March 14, 2009 10:39 PM
Reply posted for Mountaineer.
I can understand your hesitancy, but Remicade and now Humira have been life savers (literally) for me. My biggest problem was a recurring sinus infection but was finally prescribed a nose spray and now I don't have them any more often than any other person. I was immunized for TB before the Remicade and then tested for Hepititis before I recently started the Humira. My doctor suggested Flu and Pneumonia shots. Just be more aware of germs and keep some hand sanitizer with you. Your life should change for the better. I'm curious to here how it goes if you decide to try it.
Joined Mar 14, 2009
Thu, February 26, 2009 12:30 AM
Reply posted for Mountaineer.
You definitely should get in the habit of frequent hand washing. This simple acivity will have the greatest impact on the transmission of germs.
Joined Jul 4, 2008
Fri, February 20, 2009 9:14 AM
Reply posted for woahitslibby.
woahitslibby,
Thanks for the reply. That is very interesting to know about prednisone. I was on Solumedrol (IV Prednisone for almost 2 weeks), and oral prednisone for almost 6 months. I was taking 60 milligrams for the first 3 months or so. I knew it affects the immune system but I did not know it was worse than Humira. Thanks for the info.
Speaking of steroids I now remember an e-mail I got from a leading researcher on IBD in Chicago. He told me that steroids are the most dangerous IBD treatment.
Joined Feb 19, 2009
Thu, February 19, 2009 1:00 AM
Reply posted for Mountaineer.
You will definitely not need to live in isolation. I'm in college and on humira and lead a perfectly normal social life. While I may catch a few more colds than my friends, I'm certainly not sick all the time or even most of the time. Have you ever been on prednisone? When I started the humira I asked my doctor how suppressed my immune system would be and she said that humira suppressed your immune system less than prednisone does. As for immunizations, I've gotten all the "normal" vaccinations that most people get and I usually get a flu shot in the winter just to be safe. If you're worried about catching lots of things it might make you feel better to get immunized against what you can - then you'll know there are at least a few diseases you won't get :)
Joined Jan 10, 2009
Alrightalright