Al - Wildcats and Enbrel

[Guest guest]

Yes, Al, who would think! Elaine in Alabama used to be our neighbor,

too. She was only about 10 minutes away from me. She hasn't been posting

lately, but I bet she's busy with her grandchildren.

The Wildcats. The Cubs. I grew up with two big losing teams as part of

my history. Even though my ex-husband and various members of my family

hold Northwestern degrees of various types, I never had a particular

affection for the Wilcats. I went to many games, but maybe it's just

football I don't like. It's just so brutal. I doesn't even seem

particularly athletic. Now I think I like it even less when I think of

all of the joints that get ruined in the game! I loved the Cubs though.

I used to go see them play - only an L ride away. Ron Santo, Ernie

Banks, . Lately, even though I played competitive sports

myself for many years, it's hard to be a fan of any organized sport with

all the bad behavior and greed that is now part of the game. Don't get

me started!

Were you ever given a TB test before you started Enbrel (etanercept)?

Although TB infection or reactivation is a rare occurrence in those

being treated with Enbrel and Remicade (infliximab), it has happened.

I'm glad they did a chest x-ray. When will you know the results? I think

you should see your rheumatologist ASAP so that she can look into this.

Hope you can feel better soon,

[ ] Re: Al - Blue Periods

> Hi ,

>

> Thanks for your kind words. Naperville isn't as close as Gurnee but

> who would think that 3 of us would be this close? So, is it safe to

> assume you're a big Wildcat's fan?

>

> I am fortunate that there are many people I can talk to and am very

> happy to have joined this group of wonderful folks, like yourself.

>

> I am only on Enbrel, but believe this will probably change soon in

> light of recent developments. I am using an Albuterol inhaler right

> now to help my breathing but this is only supposed to provide short-

> term relief until I talk to my Rheumy. The " problem " with me is that

> my liver is extremely sensitive to drugs with a high toxicity. I have

> been on Methotrexate, Arava, Celebrex, Vioxx, Prednisone, and

> Naproxyn. Either they bring me no relief or send my liver enzymes

> skyrocketing. I still take a dosepack of Predinsone when I have a

> flare.

>

> Again, thank you for writing back. I appreciate it.

>

> All my best,

>

> Al in IL