Etanercept

valde

After just getting over a really bad flare and advice and support from you all thought I would update you. Had my rheum consultant appointment this afternoon. He was very thorough and said my ra is very active. He suggests I go on etanercept. Had to have chest feet hands X-rays. I also have to go for a T spot blood test ! Going on Thursday. He has reduced mtx from 20 to 15 and reintroduced hydroxy but 1 a day not 2. I am to see him in 5 weeks when he will see if my ra is very active and then decide on etanercept. Any advice would really help put me at ease. Thanks.

dreamdaisy

Etanercept (aka Enbrel) is one of the anti-TNF meds, so it sounds as though he is upping the strength of your treatment as your RA is not well-controlled by the meth and hydroxy combo, hence the further tests (they are needed to establish whether you are a good candidate for it). It's another immuno-suppressant so keep up with the good hand hygiene, anti-bac wipes, hand gel etc. I took it for a while, it didn't do anything for me but others on here have found it very helpful indeed in terms of reducing disease activity and pain levels. I hope you join their group and not mine. Good luck, please let us know how you get on. DD

valde

Thank you DD and Sharon for your advice. I am nervous about another drug but I will have to try and be guided by consultant and assurance from this forum. i will let you know what happens when I see consultant on 25 August and all tests are done. X-rays all complete and t spot blood test tomorrow. As I am going to visit family abroad soon I did not want to start any new drugs before I go, hence 25 August appointment. Thanks again for your support and your time.