Hello all,
Thank you for all of your kinds words and prayers in the past few weeks! It really means a lot to me. I wanted to give you a quick update and another prayer request.
I was able to do my first injection of Humira last Tuesday evening, and unfortunately, I had a bit of a reaction to the medication. About a minute after injecting, my blood pressure suddenly dropped and I felt very dizzy, light-headed, and nauseous. Fortunately, I did have a nurse there with me, and I had set up the appointment for when Mike was home (and we had sent the kids upstairs, thank goodness). So, I had help and someone monitoring me. It was a bit scary for a few minutes, as this was not an expected reaction, and it came on very fast. However, I only felt really bad for about 15 minutes and I was able to start moving around after about an hour. After an evening resting, I felt ok when I went to bed and back to normal the next morning. I've had no problems since then, except for a pretty constant mild headache, which is a common side effect, and certainly manageable.
Unfortunately, since my initial reaction was not in the range of normal side effects (even the rare ones), I may not be able to take Humira again. (I've spent more time than I would like on the phone to the drug company, nurse line, and my doctor, since my reaction had to be officially reported, but I'm starting to get used to the time suck this whole thing is.) My doctor still needs to talk more to the drug company, but his initial reaction is that this sounds more like an allergic reaction and that I should not take Humira again.
The whole thing is a bit frustrating, because I've spent months getting this set up, and I've gotten my hopes up that this medication might help me feel better. Personally, I'm hoping they say I can try another shot next week, maybe with a nurse there again to monitor me if necessary. But obviously, they want to be careful, so I'm not sure if that will happen.
Anyway, this is a kind-of a bummer for me, but I'm trying to just be patient and peaceful about the whole thing. If you've been praying for me, please just pray that everyone - Mike and I, my doctor, and the medical folks at the drug company - will have the wisdom to make the right decision about trying again, whichever way that leads us. And that if I do have another injection, that I'll have no reaction and will be able to proceed with the medication. And if you want to dream big, that I'll start feeling amazing soon. :)
On the upside, we had a great family vacation last week, to Sikeston, Missouri for the 4th of July with my extended family and then a two day side trip to Memphis, which was also great fun. Mike and I are definitely learning better how to take care of my health while traveling, which is really good. Sometimes my limitations are a bit frustrating to me, but we had such a great time, and I am so grateful for all the fun we had as a family. And now that we're back in Milwaukee, summer days at home with my kids just make my heart happy. I am a lucky girl!
Anyway, that's the latest. Love to you all!
