Anti TNF 1st Appointment

ritwren

Hi everyone, I passed my 2 assessments for biological treatment a while ago and was put on the waiting list. I have an appointment at the hospital tomorrow and hope to start then. Most likely Humara as I'm on Methotrexate injections and have PA.
I'm not quite sure what they do at this appointment, when I asked the nurse at my last appointment, she said they'll just make sure I'm healthy enough to have the drug. It's a different hospital you see.
Does anyone else want to share their experience of their 1st appointment for the biological/anti TNF treatment.

dreamdaisy

Hello ritwren, I've been sitting here thinking about what happened on my first appointment for an anti TNF and I am ashamed to say I can't remember. :oops: It was in 2005 (I think), I've had three altogether and to be honest I didn't pay much attention at the second two. :oops: I do remember being sent for tests and Xrays and I suspect this will be what will happen for you tomorrow but as your hospital isn't mine I don't know as they all vary so much. If it is Humira then they will do lung function tests (well, they did with me) and tell you about the home-delivery system. You should have your first injection done either by a nurse at the hospital or a trained nurse from Healthcare at Home (the suppliers) will come out to you and show you what to do. Good luck and I hope tomorrow goes well. DD

stickywicket

I can't help at all but I do hope it all goes well.

barbara12

Hello ritwren
Sorry I cant help, but I do want to add my support and wish you well with the treatment, please let us know how you get on ((((())) xx

Milly8

I have been on humira 14 weeks now .i did not have an appointment as such just my das assessments and on the first they did the usual checks bloods and X-rays ( to check my lungs) To see if I was fit enough for the anti tnf after my second assessment I was told I had passed and doctor would put in for funding and i should know within three weeks .when all that went through a nurse from health care at home phoned to make appointment to visit me and show me how to inject.I am in Wales so not sure as all hospitals are different.good luck with which ever injections you decide.
Bye for now
Milly

ritwren

Thanks everyone who replied. It's interesting to hear how others have gotten on.
At my last appointment when I passed the 2nd of the DAS assessments, the nurse took my bloods to check for TB etc and checked that I'd had a chest x ray this year which I had. I'm hoping they don't have to go through all this again today.
Fingers crossed it all goes well, I'll keep you posted.

ritwren

Just a little update r.e. how things went yesterday.
The nurses were lovely, very friendly and yet professional at the same time.
I arrived for my 13.30 appointment and was given a recliner chair to sit on and after about half an hour offered tea / coffee from the lady with the trolley.
I had to go for a chest x ray, had my obs done and weight done and had yet more bloods done.
I saw 2 Dr's one of whom was my consultant and signed my consent form. While waiting for the Humira pens to come from pharmacy I was shown a dvd of how to administer the injection.
It arrived after about an hour and I gave myself my 1st shot of Humira. It stung a bit much like the Methotrexate.
The whole thing took nearly 5 hours.
I was so glad I had my Daughter and friend with me to chat to. I'd advise anyone who is going to bring a book or something to pass the time with.
I've got my 2nd pen injection home with me in the fridge and will be contacted by the healthcare at home nurses before I give it. If I have'nt I'm to ring the day ward on 28th Dec. as they're closed 27th when the next injection is due.

stickywicket

Thanks for the update, ritwren. I'm glad it all went well even if there was a lot of sitting around. Yes, I imagine taking one's wn distractions is a good policy