Hello all.........I'm having a little anxiety right now. I just got approved to get Humira for free through there assistance program which is such a blessing I can't even tell you. But while I'm super excited that I got approved I'm also scared out of my mind to start taking it. I've never been one to take medications, I don't even like taking tylenol unless I have to. I just don't like putting foreign substances into my body. I know supposedly the side affects such as getting MS or lymphoma are rare, but still it scares me very much. I just hear so many bad things. I feel like I can either take Humira and risk getting something that might be worse than what I have, or I can sit here and not take it knowing that my bodys going to continue to get worse. I feel like its a lose, lose situation. I hate this!! I'm only 26 years old, and I want to have a bright future ahead of me. I still want to be able to do all the things I enjoy. I'm a very active person. Sorry everybody, just needing to vent a little. Also, I have a question?? I'm a massage therapist and I know that when you take Humira or Enbrel that its more likely that you can get sick or contract something being that your immune system is comprimised. So my question is, what are your oponions on me still doing massage?? I'm exposed to ALOT of people, and I'm touching them constantly. Do any of you think that its not wise for me to continue, since it puts me in direct contact with people who could potentially spread there germs and whatever else to me?? Thanks everybody for listening to me ramble, any thoughts would be much appreciated. Shannon in Texas

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Shannon, I am happy for you to be accepted for the medical assistance. Now you need to calm down and trust your doctors to monitor you and your progress. You know your disease will escalate if not medicated and stress is one of the biggest triggers. Try to calm yourself. Don't let your fears run rampant. Get on the computer and research the drug, the disease, the doctors and get all the knowledge you can. The more you know about it, the less you will fear it. I see no reason you can't continue with your massage therapist job. Just use the hand sanitizer and don't touch your face while you are with a client. Wear a mask if you are still unsure. There are many ways you can keep yourself safe from catching anything. I worked in retail before I retired and was on Enbrel. I managed to keep well by using the sanitizer and cleaning all the phones and keyboards before using them. Then I got real tired of that and quit and was still healthy. So you see, we all freak out a little. I wish you all the luck and don't worry about rambling your fears to us, we know where you are coming from. God Bless> Janet in Ca

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Hi Shannon, You seem precisely in the same position as I was about two weeks ago. I did not want to take Enbrel and was in my rhuemy's office telling her that I did not want to take it. But, in my mind was the thought of what I would be like if I did not give it a try. I will ensure that my blood tests are up to speed and that I know all the counts on all that they test. The people on this list gave me the belief that this could work for me. On Friday I even administered the Enbrel myself, in my stomach, with no pain and no site reaction. Come to think of it, maybe I am so stupid that I don't feel pain or it might be the viking in me, or it might just not hurt. It is different for all of us. It is human nature to be merchants of doom, the bad stories always get reported more vigorously than the good ones. Although they do still happen, Brent I am still thinking of you, I'm sure that they are in a minority of cases. So am I glad I started to take Enbrel, I think the jury is still out on that one. But, for me, I belive that I need to give it a chance to work and hope for some relief. Keep the light shining, Ian.

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Hello Ian, yes...its sounds like we're in the same boat. All of my heart and soul doesn't want me to take the Humira but at the same time I know that I really have to. I know that by not giving it a try I will be doing my body more harm than good. I'm optimistic that I will be able to keep myself healthy despite the side affects and having a comprimised immune system. Cross you fingers and wish me luck....I might need it. I think I will be giving myself my first shot as well. I'm not a viking such as yourself but I'm hoping the pain won't be to bad. However, I'm not a huge fan of needles espically when I'm having to poke myself with them. This outta be quite the adventure for me. I will keep you all posted with my progress and how loud I screamed. Oh yes, and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your posts all the time. You have a great sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh. As they say, laughter is the best medicine so thank you so much for sharing your unique dose of medicine with us. Shannon

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Thanks for the encouragement Janet, I am fearful about starting on the Humira but as I've said in other postings I'm trying to remain calm and optimistic about the situation. I find many times that the power of are minds and the way we think about a situation plays a big role in how we actually feel. So my new motto is to stay positive and think good thoughts no matter what. Hopefully with being careful and using lots of sanatizer as you've suggested that I can keep myself healthy and remain working as a therapist for a while longer, or at least until I find another career that makes me happy. By the way, for everybody whos reading this, GO GET A MASSAGE. I can't even describe but they make you feel SO much better. As a therapist I sometimes neglect myself and don't get them as much as I should, but I actually had one the other day and boy did I feel better afterwards. My inflammation in my right hand even seemed to go down some. For those of you who don't know, when you get a massage it releases the toxins from you muscles and when you drink plenty of water it flushes those toxins out of your system. Its pretty neat and very benificial. So anyways thats my tip of the week. Thanks again Janet for your support and advice. Take care...

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I just read your message and wanted to let you know I started Humira two years ago this coming August. I have had no problems with infections. Actually, I haven't had as much as a cold since being on it. I use Airborne and Zicam if I feel the least little bit like I am coming down with something and by the next morning I am fine. I would just say that if you have a client who is obviously ill ask them to come back when they are healthy. I would also suggest getting a flu shot every year just to be careful. It is not a live vaccine so you can take it. I love Humira. I had the same fears as you but realized that spenidng my life in bed due to pain and exhaustion was not really living. After researching the drug and the likely hood of getting the "bad" side effects I made the choice to try it. I have improved 100%. I wish you good luck with it. The shots aren't bad just let the syringe sit out for 10-15 minutes or hold it in your hands for a few minutes to warm it up. It hurts but only for a couple seconds. Well worth the pay off for me and I hope for you!