Update on my Rheumy consultant appointment and Etanercept
valde
Posts: 271 ✭
I had my appointment in Thursday. He advised me to go on Etanercept injection one a week together with methotrexate and one hydroxy a day. He increased my folic acid to one a day But not in mtx day. He hopes this will help with the night nausea I still get. I have also agreed to take part in a research programme for 24 weeks. I had all X-rays and tb bloods 3 weeks ago and all good. So I start this on Tuesday when I will have ultrasound on joints and a biopsy on a joint. Two of these biopsy so will be taken in the 24 weeks. I will also get more regular blood tests and appointments in this time. Not looking forward to biopsy but he assured me it is a very small piece they take but I have never had one before. He has also referred me to a hand therapist about my bent painful finger. Has anyone else been on this biologic or taken part in any research programmes. Hope you are all ok and getting through this hot weather.
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Barbara
Well done for agreeing to help with their research. I've done lots of research projects over the years as I see it as a way of putting back some of what we gain from our free NHS. Not all were arthritis connected but I've just been able to help a researcher endorsed by AC http://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=46751 I recall one piece of research, about 45 years ago, which involved me attending the nuclear medicine dept repeatedly :? . That was to do with arthritis but I can't remember what.
Please let's know how you get on both with the meds and the research project.
Update re research for biological. Had more bloods taken today and all joints checked. Blood pressure, more hand scans
and also a biopsy in the right hand first finger knuckle. Will get the results in a week or so and then decision made re going on biological. It's a long programme 24 weeks in total but worth trying as it not only could help me but research helps others.. The biopsy was the first I have ever had so was apprehensive but I can honestly say it was not too bad. I was given local anaesthetic and a top up during when it got sore as I was told to say. Left me with a sore hand but sure paracetamol will help that. Bit awkward as I have to do everything with left hand as cannot get biopsy area wet for 2 days. Baby wipes will come to the rescue. Will keep you updated.
Take care
Toni xxx
Toni xxx
Just to let you know I am going for injection training on Monday because the needle is different to the one I use for mtx it is preloaded not one of the small syringes but as I have to be trained it must be different.
Delivery of injections is Friday and they have to be kept in fridge but taken out before use so at room temp.
Is anyone else on here on mtx and this new med. If so how do you deal with this this and what days do you take it. Both on same day or different days.
Also when do you take out fridge to use. I usually inject in morning after shower.
Sorry for all these Questions but any advice would be grateful for because if someone on 2 injections a week would know the system.
Thank you so much for listening as you may gather I am a bit nervous about starting this but am stil taking part in the research. X
I just use tablet meth and hydroxy so can't be of much help though I do know one person who takes methotrexate and humira, both by injection, on days next to each other.
I think she takes it out of the fridge ½ hour before use but I can't be sure.
As this thread has a different header, you might get more replies if you start a new one entitled something like 'How to inject two meds per week?'
I do hope all goes well.