Treated with Humira

Just started Humira treatment two weeks ago and have received second injection. My doctor said that even though Humira is not yet indicated for psoriatic arthiritis, that it is a better choice than Enbrel

Has anyone else had Humira prescribed? Now the big question, because of a reaction to Methotrexate, I stopped the pills about six weeks ago and its impact has worn off. Now the psorisis has returned and is full blown. How soon should I expect the Humira to work. (It took abount a month for the Methotrexate to start to work.)

I'm 28 and was just diagnosed with psoriatic nails today.  For the last 3 months, I thought the discoloration and poor structure was a fungal or yeast infection.  I tried Tinactin, Lamisil, Penlac, Tea tree oil.. yet nothing happened!  As time went on, the nails became worse. Finally, a dermatologist correctly identified my symptoms. Now I have a prescription for some steroid cream that I'm supposed to rub over my affected nails & cuticles.  It is called Clobex.  I have no idea if it will work.

My concern is this: I've had slight pain in my wrists, hips and ankles for several years.  Its nothing serious; it doesn't even stop me from typing or exercising.  But it is pain nonetheless.  Is this the beginning of psoriatic (or rhuematoid) arthritis?  If so, I've caught it early..and I'm wondering what the treatments are.  It would be nice to know that I don't have to just "deal with it"-- or rather, it would be nice to know that it doesn't necissarily have to get worse!

Any suggestions of info from you wise sages on this forum?

This is my first time here and wanted to share my thoughts and questions and thought..

I am 39 years of age and have been diagnosed with PA since age 22.  Since then, I have been on many drugs to combat the pain and swelling to know avail.  Yes, been on Gold, MTX, most others.  I have also been to NIH in Bethesda and was on experimental drugs as well as a form of chemo.  You may ask why... Well let me tell you my condition:  I have the PA and OA in 98% of my body (Jaw, neck, spine, ankles, hips, knees, hands clavicle, shoulders rib cage etc).  I would say the only part of my body with no issue is my left elbow.

After leaving NIH I started with Enbrel and have been on it for approx. 7 years.  It worked wonders for the first year, then my insurance company cancelled support of the drug.  After a note to my congressman, I was allowed to continue - but it never was really the same, but did work some.  I hae a sensitive stomach and have some dug allerigies as well.  It is hell...

Anyway:  Now my doctor has perscribed Humira.  Seems like it is well accepted, but as you can assume or ascertain, I am a little concerned of the reactions.  What I would like to know is the good and bad:  What benefit will I be able to gain (and how long will it take), what side affects are experienced and how bad.  My gut tells me it is no worse than enbrel and seeing it is pure Human and not Hamster nor mouse additives, I think it would be more tolerable.

I need something as it is extremely difficult to walk, since it is in my rib cage area: diffifcult to breath sometimes (and breathing is good )

I am simply sick of the illness and not sure where to turn.  Knowing the ultimate faith I have and becomming more handicapped from the disease, I tought I would try this forum to get another perspective.

Thanks for allowing me to ask the question and vent a bit.

I have been on Humira now for 1.5 months.  I asked my doctor how long would it take to see any changes or know if it does not work.  Well after 2 days, it kicked in, I was able to move againg an do the normal day to day activities.

I continue to work and deal with each day as it comes, but Humira has seemed to do wonders.  Am I out of pain, no.  But I am considerably better and am thanksful for that.  I give my shot evey two weeks or twice a month - and I can feel when I need to do it again.  Humira is not a cure, but is helping me.

There has been no real side effects except for the injection day.  After about 4 hours of the injection, I get extremely tired and drained.  But for 1 day of that and 2 weeks of minimal pain, I can deal with it.  Other side effects are occasional headaches (minor though).

Just wanted to stop by to let you all know how the Humira was working for me.

After being on the Enbrel for 7 years, and then getting off of it - I can tell you, life is hell when you are not able to move or do the day to day things.  It is easy to slip into a self pitty state - but forums like these help some.  I can only hope that I can tolerate this drug for sometime as there is not much more at this time.

Thanks for allowing me to communicate with this - I only hope the best for anyone else suffering from the same or other inflictions.