Hey Gang...
Just wanted to let you know I did my first shot today. It was really easy and not painful but I got a bit adrenalin nervous pushing the plunger down and pumping that stuff into my body.... oh well... 8 hours later and I haven't had any dramatic reactions so fingers crossed. (no dramatic improvments either) I'll keep you posted. Oh yeah after what our (Australian)medicare system pays for I was left $5.30 out of pocket for one month of pre filled 50's. I don't know what goes on between Pharma, Govt's and taxpayers exactly, but seems crazy/fishy to me.
Hope you're all well as can be.
Rob

How bizarre Rob, why would the PBS be stingy about a lousy 5 bucks!
Good luck with it and please post about your experience.
Cheers
Felicity (in Melbourne)

Congrats Rob!!! I hope it works for you. I think Enbrel (from my experience) is kind of slow acting for both relief and bad reactions. I started feeling real relief after 8 days and the allergic reaction started at 14 days. I really really really, (did I mention really?) hope this works for you!!

Take Care,
D-

... Thanks guys.......
I started feeling very different within 24 hours... I'm spinning out a bit a lot cause I don't really recognise this body i'm in!! All the 'ambient' pain is pretty much gone SI's,hips, chest, shoulders knees etc!.... However, and what I was worried about, is where the most damage/fusing/pain is in my lower back... No effect.... having bad week with that with spasms and mega pain... and it's still there in living colour. Anyways learning fast about counting chickens before they hatch with AS.... I guess a question i would have for experienced TNFers would be does it or can it pick up on the damage related pain? Excited and deflated and a whole lot of other things...
cheers Rob...

I'm sorry you have fusing. I don't have that yet, but I am dang near "crippled" from the pain I do have everywhere but my back. As of this week, my hands are almost non-functioning. Hee hee, my husband "must" be a gentleman now, because I cannot open my own car door!! Ha ha.

By the way, I take "cyclobenzaprine" 10 mg. for my spasms at night while sleeping, and then I only get daytime spasms if I exercise too hard. the "cyclo" is a muscle relaxer, and a pretty cheap generic, I can't live without it. I'm really glad you are enjoying your new body. I've heard others say the same thing about the tnf, their body can actually build a muscle again. How exciting.

Take Care,
D-

Hi Rob,... Wonderful to read that Enbrel has started relieving so much of the pain for you already! That's just great!

I haven't been on Enbrel but have been on Remicade for four and a half years now. I had the same luck as you in the beginning and started feeling a huge improvement on just my fourth day. Even after the initial miracle, I was amazed to noticed that over the next 6 months things kept slowly getting even better... so to answer your question, yes, it's not at all unrealistic to expect to see even better results in the coming weeks and months but I wouldn't expect it to take away 'all' of your pain either. The best news is that you are a responder!

As for the fused and worst bits, I do still experience some degree of pain in my cervical spine and that deep ache in my SI joints will appear whenever I overdo things... but it's not even close to how awful it used to be and my recovery time is way quicker!

It's pretty exciting eh. I am so happy for you!
mig

My Rheumy just switched me from Remicaide to Enbrel after four+ months of no improvement on Rem. Really, really hoping this one works. I don't know how many more false hopes I can handle. I should be getting my first Enbrel shot within a week. *Fingers crossed!*

Hi... Sore throat.... i never get sore throats.. taking vit c. Pain and spasms still bad in damaged spots. The rest is ok/improved but still lurking there. Silver bullet tarnishing rapidly. Sorry for lack of enthusiasm.. just really really deflated about this. : / Rob

Hi Rob
You have to be patient It can take up to three months for the drugs to work. Im just coming up to 3months on Humira and can notice some improvment It dosent get rid of all my pain but has given me a bit more movment. Unfortunatly the damaged parts will always be damaged there is no cure. Please be patient Im sure you will see some inprovement.
Kevin

Hey thanks Kevin.... I'm on a rollercoaster at the moment... I guess i'm desperate for some consistency so i can have a life.. and I want to ride motorbikes again!!! Is that you in the picture?! Oh wait... that looks like a rocker from quadrophenia.?. cheers Rob