The Mtrx was really bad for me because I had a history of stomach bleeding…so that was not an option…
I think I am so spooked over Biologics because of my infection that put me in hospital that time for 6 days and I wasn’t even on any suspect drugs…
It was scary not knowing what happened and the fact they weren’t having success getting the infection ( of a salivary gland no less) under control…I mean…who gets such an infection and how?
Now I’m afraid it would happen because of ENBREL …and the weak immune system…
Question: Do you take supplements to boost your immune system while you are on these drugs?
Thanks for taking the time to answer…people here have been really nice…
Hum…I ended up getting SCIATICA In both legs about ten years ago…that was a big mystery to the doctors but one great Neurosurgeon in Fla. where I was visiting diagnosed it as Stenosis and I had a LUMBAR LAMINECTOMY. Surgery done…what a miracle…I was immediately better…very lucky, I guess. All the pieces fell into place…I honestly didn’t think I was going to be walking…but this fixed me…
Right after that, my hands began going crazy…I wonder if there is a connection…as if one led to the other…
I have FIBROMYALGIA , so that complicates everything. Fortunately, mine comes and goes…not like some people who are in agony all the time.
I get Acupuncture twice a week…I’m headed there now…
I have to think its helped keep things stable over the years…
I’d probably be much worse without it…luckily there is a clinic where you pay according to sliding scale ( I pay. $20) so its affordable…I wish more people could afford to do it but insurance doesn’t cover it and these clinics are hard to find.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply…the support here is really appreciated…now I definitely don’t feel so alone.
Liz
Give yourself the shot. It's not certain it will weaken your immune system at all. Think of it this way, if your immune system is all caught up in attacking your own body, it can't really concentrate on doing it's real job. The Enbrel calms it down and lets it do it's job. Yes, it takes out one layer of of defense, one layer out of many, but overall the net effect is pretty much a wash.
On the other hand, permanent joint damage totally sucks. Operations to replace ruined joints introduce more chance of infection than Enbrel ever will. Be afraid of the disease, not of the Enbrel.
Take the shot.
--Andrew
If you want to call me, send me a private message and I'll give you my phone number.