Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Getting Enbrel..woohoo!

I saw my rheumy yesterday, got my kit and orders for a chest x-ray and TB test. When she gets the results back, I can take my prescription to the pharmacy. She also gave me a script for MTX.. to be taken in conjuction with the Enbrel..

I am so excited! I hope and pray that I will get the good results as some of you are getting. Any words of advice?

Denise

Denise,

what great news!

You know why they co prescribe MTX?

But between the pair of them you should do much better!

But the combined list of side effects, oh my!!!!

How long to do the tests? Please tell my how they test for TB. Thers'a reason for that. I had an impromptu extra BCG vaccination in the Army, sort of mistake (growl)

David

IBD=It's Been Dreadful

David,

I don't know why she insisted on the 25 mg MTX. I asked her about stopping some of my other drugs. She told me to start decreasing the Sulfasalazine (I'm taking 4 tablets twice a day) and that I could stop the Skelaxin (muscle relaxer) any time.. I would have to taper off the Neurontin. I don't want to stop the Skelaxin and Neurontin until I start seeing some results.

I am planning to get the chest xray and TB test tomorrow. The PPD TB test is a skin test. I have had those before and they were always negative. So I don't think I'll have any problem. I expect to get started with the Enbrel no later than next week.

She also told me to be sure to get a flu shot. The U.S. has a shortage of vaccines right now. So I have a lot of things to take care of..

The side effects of the MTX and Enbrel are a little scary.. but I am at the point where I am willing to take the chance. Since coming off the Vioxx, I have been in a constant flare. The increased inflammation is beginning to cause my blood sugars to rise. I have a lot of faith and I can't live my life in fear of what might never happen... I just want to reclaim my life. Quality of life is important to me. This disease has really put the brakes on things I used to do. I want to be able to play in the floor with my grandchilden and get up afterwards. (I have a new grandson who was just born last week). I want to be able to go shopping in the mall without having to stop and sit down every 15 minutes. I want to be able to work in my flower beds and yard. So many things I have been missing. I know I am rambling, but I believe Enbrel has the potential to turn my life around for the good. Bring it on!.

Love, Peace and Joy
Denise

Denise,

As long as you can tolerate the MTX it;s a good thing they get better results on that mix long term. Stops you making anti-bodies to the Enbrel, and it might do other helpful things as well.

I know what you mean about missng things. My children just had a school break and I did n;t spend much time with them. I 've been feeling so horrible even though they've got the pain down

Congratulations on the grand child you must be so happy and hopefully you will over helping mum do everything real soon.

I had a flu shot in 2001 and since then never had a cold or anything.....before I was always running a chill/temperture horrible chest. So that did some good. Mum has to have them every she;s diabetic her getting a cold is bad enough.....and her her sugar levels are bad everyone runs away even the dogs, nasty bear she is!

Have agreat day!

Bet you'll be talking over dinner tonight!

David




IBD=It's Been Dreadful

Best wishes! Oh, how I feel the very things you feel. The things that I want to do with my family and then the things that I miss doing that I love so much.

I am having so much trouble right now that I am thinking that he may talk to me about Enbrel tomorrow. However the PA said something about not taking the Enbrel with the ongoing Iritis I am having. Have you heard anything about that?

I am so weak and in so much pain and my iritis is so bad and having a Blepharospasm flare at the same time. The Botox injections make my eye so dry as a side effect and that can't be good treating the Iritis at the same time.

Last night I fainted and then later getting into the shower my right leg buckled on me. Also during this time I was dizzy and having palpitations. Makes me wonder if I was having some TIA's. Started to go to the ER but I told hubby that our small town drs woulnd't know what to do with me anyway. We have rheumie appts in the city tomorrow so I just went to bed praying.

Well, I got off on me when I wanted to send you good wishes.

Hope you have a glorious day and can soon do the things you want to do.

Soft hugs from Oklahoma.
Possi

Congratulations Denise on getting Enbrel!!!!!!,

I have been on it for two weeks now. I am managing to actually start catching up on cleaning my house, going for walks with my husband, taking pleasurable car rides. I still get tired very easy and am in pain but so much less than the last few months I am thankful. Basicaly I have been in a nasty flare since last August. This June it got so bad that even after cutting my hours at work I couldn't stay out of bed for 6hrs at a time to work, much less actually get out of bed in the first place. Right now I am taking back my life and seeing how much more Enbrel helps.

By the way the same day you get to fill your perscription go ahead and register with Enliven services.

:)
Cynthia

Denise -

I'm glad to see she agreed to start moving forward. I am on the MTX but only at 16 mg. I haven't had any of the side effects of Enbrel or MTX, but I have to be very careful with my immune system. Especially with little kids around.

Hope it starts working for you soon! Then we could go shopping!!!!

Take care,



Allison

Denise, I hope the enbrel works out for you as it has for so many others here.

Hugs,

Kat



"A life lived in fear is a life half lived." - Strictly Ballroom

way to go...rock lobster, yeah, love shack
aB

Glitter on the highway.....

Bring yore jukebox money....


Love Shack......