Humira

After weeks of frustrating and conflicting information from insurance companies and pharmacies, my mail-order Humira finally arrived! I'm not great at explaining how Humira works just yet. There's some crazy awesome science behind it, but I'm still learning. I know its in a biological class of drugs that treat auto-immune diseases by suppressing the immune system. (Since my immune system is messed up and attacks my intestines, Humira undermines this wrongful occurrence ) Its a subcutaneous injection, meaning that the medicine is injected under the skin...with needles...GASP!

TATS VS SHOTS

My body is covered with plenty of permanent ink, which is supposed to mean I'm tough or something. So not the same experience! The sensation is completely different. Getting a tattoo feels more like scraping an open wound over and over again, whereas getting a shot is very pinpoint. Not to mention that terrible feeling as the medicine is being pushed in...YUCK! In my opinion, tattoos and injections are incomparable.

[SIDE NOTE] In case you're wondering about getting a tattoo while on Humira: I asked my GI about this and she recommended (not that she recommended tattoos, but said that if I'm going to do it regardless), do it when the medication is at its lowest dose in the body....like when its almost time for my next shot. Then post-pone the next dose a few extra days. For myself, I do my shots every 2 weeks. So on day 10 after my shot, I got the tattoo. I waited 5 more days after getting my tattoo to do the next injection. Reason being, that (obviously) while on Humira the immune system is down, and therefore the risk for infection is greater. Basically I wouldn't want to get a new open wound i.e. tattoo when my immune system is at its lowest to fight off potential infections. I experienced no problems with my tattoo healing and it healed up just as quick as my "pre-Humira" tats. 
  
MIND OVER MATTER

I am one of those pathetic people who practically cry every time they get a flu shot. Knowing I had to inject myself with shots, was quite intimidating. The brain is a powerful weapon. With fear stacked, it can destroy you, and with courage, it makes you strong. I know getting shots are not as big of a deal as I make it, but for people like me, its a good thing drug companies created Ativan! Also its a good thing I have a husband that loves me enough to pin me down and stab me in the legs/stomach with needles. 

The starter dose of Humira is 4 injections. Two weeks later, it decreases to 2 injections and then finally down to one injection every couple of weeks. I guess the starter dose is so high to help kick start the benefits of the medicine.

Me trying to be enthusiastic about the 4 injections

The design of Humira is nice because it is a tiny needle, which is never actually ever seen. The medicine and needle are completely enclosed inside the plastic casing mechanism. Its pretty easy to use. 1. Clean skin. 2. Push deployment button to release the needle into the skin. 3. Once the button is clicked, the medicine distributes quickly under the skin (and it burns) The burning sensation only lasts 15 seconds, but its not pleasant. I'm pretty much a wimp and cried. Ugh, did I mention I hate shots?

ADIOS, $1,000!

The second shot I did, I goofed up. I was nervous (because I HATE shots) and wasn't keeping enough pressure on my skin with the pen when I clicked the release button. I sat helplessly and watched the pen launch this insanely expensive med. OOPS. Nothing quite like watching a thousand bucks ooze over your leg!

COST
Humira is a highly expensive medication. I think its like $1,500 per injection (without insurance). Hey good news though!...Although my insurance covers a large portion, there's an additional free Humira co-pay card that everyone who takes this drug needs to have. My box of 2 pens costs me a total of $5. Yes, from $1,500 to only $5. I only found out about the co-pay program because I have a good friend who works at a clinic. Just Google "Humira protection plan" and give the pharmacy the co-pay card info.

SIDE EFFECTS

Short term side effects vary from person to person. There is always a chance of being allergic and going into anaphylactic shock. Thankfully this was not my experience. The only issue I had came several hours later. The injection sites became itchy and puffy. Ice packs on the skin took care of this problem. It occasionally swelled up for a couple days after the shot, then went away for good. Apparently this is a typical minor sensitivity and went away after a few days.

Temporary rash at injection site on belly

STAY AWAY, SICKO'S!
Do I really need to repeat that I now live with a compromised immune system? I literally inject immune suppressants into my body. I don't have the same fighting advantage against colds and viruses as other people. So friends and family, please don't be offended, but if you're sick, let's reschedule our face to face coffee date. =) Seriously, don't breathe on me!! 

LIVING WITH REGRET?

I avoided biological “adult drugs” for years and years and years, and even chose to have my colon removed so I wouldn't have to tango with them. Turns out, they're quite helpful! Do I regret my decision to have surgery, now that Humira seems like a good option? Answer- No. Why? Well #1 My colon was in SUCH bad shape, I have a hard time believing it may have been helpful. #2 At the time I made that decision, it made the most sense. #3 There was no way I could ever have anticipated this outcome... If Colitis wouldn't have crossed over and became Crohns, I WOULD be disease free and WOULD HAVE BEEN medicine free.  Unfortunately I am that rare case of odd outcomes. Fate had a different plan than I did. 

As Relient K says, "I'd rather forget and not slow down than gather regret for the things I can't change now."

http://youtu.be/OF_UMjB1SbY?t=7s

"Cause I could spend my life just trying to sift through

what I could've done better, but what good do 'what ifs' do?"

RUNNING FROM THE SCARY TRUTH

Often the thing we run from for so long is the one thing we need. Not to say that all my surgeries were a loss, but its funny how ironic things sometimes end up. It reminds me of how as a people, we often run from God. We indulge in our sins and hide from the One who can set us free to live in His forgiveness and peace. We are stubborn and are easily frightened by what we do not know. And in the end we look back and wonder why we let fear grip us for so long...

In conclusion, "H day" was stressful, but I think maybe also the beginning of relief. Not to jump the gun, but I feel it helping my symptoms. I have less crippling ulcer pain. YAY! For the first time in a very long time I'm like, “Oh, so THIS is what it feels like to not be in constant pain!” YEAH! I'll take it! Thanks, Lord!

Here's an update! -->2 Years On Humira