Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Dennis, Enbrel is working very well for me. You give yourself injections twice a week, but pretty soon they are coming out with a weekly dose that is premixed. It didn't take very long at all for it to start working for me. I think that the three medications probably run about the same in terms of cost. Medicare is doing an experimental thing whereby they will cover Enbrel or Humira for a limited number of people. They already cover Remicade, because that is done by infusion in a medical facility. My rheumy said that Remicade works best when used in conjunction with methotrexate, so if you have to get off of mtx, then it would be better to choose Enbrel or Humira. I posted the Medicare URL a few days ago. I believe you can download an application form. I hope that whatever you choose will help you as much as Enbrel is helping me. Sue On Monday, November 1, 2004, at 11:00 PM, Dennis W wrote: > > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my > kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last > checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon > may it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently > taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks > that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Dennis, Enbrel is working very well for me. You give yourself injections twice a week, but pretty soon they are coming out with a weekly dose that is premixed. It didn't take very long at all for it to start working for me. I think that the three medications probably run about the same in terms of cost. Medicare is doing an experimental thing whereby they will cover Enbrel or Humira for a limited number of people. They already cover Remicade, because that is done by infusion in a medical facility. My rheumy said that Remicade works best when used in conjunction with methotrexate, so if you have to get off of mtx, then it would be better to choose Enbrel or Humira. I posted the Medicare URL a few days ago. I believe you can download an application form. I hope that whatever you choose will help you as much as Enbrel is helping me. Sue On Monday, November 1, 2004, at 11:00 PM, Dennis W wrote: > > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my > kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last > checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon > may it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently > taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks > that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Dennis, Good luck on the rheumy visit! Meds work so different, you just have to talk with your doc, and find out what might be best for you. I take the Humira, which I believe if I could take the MTX with it, I might get more from it. These meds work so differently on all of us, just got to take the chance. If it will help to get moving, it's so worth it. I am new to Medicare also, so I don't know too much about it, but Sue can direct you the right way. Just know there are patient assistance programs with Humira, and I've heard Enbrel. Let us know how the visit goes, will keep you in my prayers, T > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. > > Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Dennis, Good luck on the rheumy visit! Meds work so different, you just have to talk with your doc, and find out what might be best for you. I take the Humira, which I believe if I could take the MTX with it, I might get more from it. These meds work so differently on all of us, just got to take the chance. If it will help to get moving, it's so worth it. I am new to Medicare also, so I don't know too much about it, but Sue can direct you the right way. Just know there are patient assistance programs with Humira, and I've heard Enbrel. Let us know how the visit goes, will keep you in my prayers, T > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. > > Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 $1,500 sounds like Enbrel or Humira. The prices vary, when I had my previous insurance my Humira was $1,300 per month, but was covered by insurance. Both Enbrel and Humira have patient assistance programs if you can't afford the drugs, and your doctor should be able to help you if you qualify. My mom is about to go on Medicare, and just learned they cover 80% of the Remicade treatment, which I think is in the ballpark of $3,000 (you take it more often at first, but eventually it's only every 8 weeks, and it's more expensive because there is a fee for the nurse, facility, etc). I take Humira. I had improvement immediately, but sometimes it can take a couple months. It's premixed and you inject it once every other week. As far as which one is best, your rheumy probably has a preference. My rheumy recommended either Remicade or Humira for me, and I chose Humira because I work full time and don't have time to be going to a clinic for the infusion (if I have extra vacation time, I save it for when my daughter is sick and I have to miss work). Jennie > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. > > Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 $1,500 sounds like Enbrel or Humira. The prices vary, when I had my previous insurance my Humira was $1,300 per month, but was covered by insurance. Both Enbrel and Humira have patient assistance programs if you can't afford the drugs, and your doctor should be able to help you if you qualify. My mom is about to go on Medicare, and just learned they cover 80% of the Remicade treatment, which I think is in the ballpark of $3,000 (you take it more often at first, but eventually it's only every 8 weeks, and it's more expensive because there is a fee for the nurse, facility, etc). I take Humira. I had improvement immediately, but sometimes it can take a couple months. It's premixed and you inject it once every other week. As far as which one is best, your rheumy probably has a preference. My rheumy recommended either Remicade or Humira for me, and I chose Humira because I work full time and don't have time to be going to a clinic for the infusion (if I have extra vacation time, I save it for when my daughter is sick and I have to miss work). Jennie > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. > > Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2004 Report Share Posted November 5, 2004 Hi Dennis I am a little late in responding, but I wanted to tell you I just had my 2nd dose of Remicade on Monday and I found relief from it almost immediately. I had my first dose on the 18th of October and had I not had that I would have never been able to carve pumpkins with my kids this year. I have also noticed a huge difference in my fatigue. I was terrified to start this medication, and that is when I came to this group. Finding others that have the same problems and fears and have been there is so helpful. I would say it is definitely worth it to me to take the Remicade, I feel like I am getting my life back!! I still can't open water bottles, which is my goal for treatment (you have to set one when you go in), but my pain level went from a 7 to a 4 almost immediately. Yesterday I had almost no pain... I don't know when the last time was I could say that! Semalee [ ] Educate me, please Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last checkup, he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may it start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently taking 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2004 Report Share Posted November 5, 2004 Hi Dennis I am a little late in responding, but I wanted to tell you I just had my 2nd dose of Remicade on Monday and I found relief from it almost immediately. I had my first dose on the 18th of October and had I not had that I would have never been able to carve pumpkins with my kids this year. I have also noticed a huge difference in my fatigue. I was terrified to start this medication, and that is when I came to this group. Finding others that have the same problems and fears and have been there is so helpful. I would say it is definitely worth it to me to take the Remicade, I feel like I am getting my life back!! I still can't open water bottles, which is my goal for treatment (you have to set one when you go in), but my pain level went from a 7 to a 4 almost immediately. Yesterday I had almost no pain... I don't know when the last time was I could say that! Semalee [ ] Educate me, please Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last checkup, he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may it start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently taking 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2004 Report Share Posted November 5, 2004 I'm very happy for you Semalee. I'll be hoping you get that water bottle opened after your next infusion. a > > Hi Dennis > I am a little late in responding, but I wanted to tell you I just had my 2nd > dose of Remicade on Monday and I found relief from it almost immediately. I > had my first dose on the 18th of October and had I not had that I would have > never been able to carve pumpkins with my kids this year. I have also noticed > a huge difference in my fatigue. I was terrified to start this medication, > and that is when I came to this group. Finding others that have the same > problems and fears and have been there is so helpful. I would say it is > definitely worth it to me to take the Remicade, I feel like I am getting my > life back!! I still can't open water bottles, which is my goal for treatment > (you have to set one when you go in), but my pain level went from a 7 to a 4 > almost immediately. Yesterday I had almost no pain... I don't know when the > last time was I could say that! > Semalee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2004 Report Share Posted November 5, 2004 I'm very happy for you Semalee. I'll be hoping you get that water bottle opened after your next infusion. a > > Hi Dennis > I am a little late in responding, but I wanted to tell you I just had my 2nd > dose of Remicade on Monday and I found relief from it almost immediately. I > had my first dose on the 18th of October and had I not had that I would have > never been able to carve pumpkins with my kids this year. I have also noticed > a huge difference in my fatigue. I was terrified to start this medication, > and that is when I came to this group. Finding others that have the same > problems and fears and have been there is so helpful. I would say it is > definitely worth it to me to take the Remicade, I feel like I am getting my > life back!! I still can't open water bottles, which is my goal for treatment > (you have to set one when you go in), but my pain level went from a 7 to a 4 > almost immediately. Yesterday I had almost no pain... I don't know when the > last time was I could say that! > Semalee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2004 Report Share Posted November 6, 2004 Sorry for the late update, folks, but I didn't make it to the rheumy. I couldn't take the scooter with me and couldn't walk far enough, so I rescheduled for Tuesday. I also have to have the red spot on my belly checked out. It's been there for a few months and has only itched and turned red around it a couple of times. Kinda wondered if it wasn't part of the shingles my wife has, like maybe I gave them to her...? I've been having a very painful time for the last few weeks. I'm going to 'encourage' the rheumy to do something and not wait. I don't think I want to feel this way the rest of my life. We'll see soon, my wife and her van will be available this time. Dennis [ ] Educate me, please > > > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last > checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may > it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently > taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. > > Dennis > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2004 Report Share Posted November 6, 2004 Sorry for the late update, folks, but I didn't make it to the rheumy. I couldn't take the scooter with me and couldn't walk far enough, so I rescheduled for Tuesday. I also have to have the red spot on my belly checked out. It's been there for a few months and has only itched and turned red around it a couple of times. Kinda wondered if it wasn't part of the shingles my wife has, like maybe I gave them to her...? I've been having a very painful time for the last few weeks. I'm going to 'encourage' the rheumy to do something and not wait. I don't think I want to feel this way the rest of my life. We'll see soon, my wife and her van will be available this time. Dennis [ ] Educate me, please > > > Wednesday, I'm going to see the rheumy for the next checkup for my kidney > problems vs. anti-inflammatories during the last year. At the last > checkup, > he mentioned the 'next step', costing $1500 per month. I assume it is > Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel. Which one should I consider and how soon may > it > start working? Just ballpark history will help a lot. I'm presently > taking > 1.2 cc MTX, and 10 mg prednesone per day. I did learn from you folks that > Medicare will cover some of these meds, so maybe I can get on the list. > > Dennis > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2004 Report Share Posted November 7, 2004 Dennis, I'm sorry you didn't get to go to the doctor. Shingles aren't contageous, but they can cause chicken pox in someone that hasn't had them. http://www.aftershingles.com/shingles.html I hope your Rheumy can find treatment to give you some relief. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2004 Report Share Posted November 7, 2004 Dennis, I'm sorry you didn't get to go to the doctor. Shingles aren't contageous, but they can cause chicken pox in someone that hasn't had them. http://www.aftershingles.com/shingles.html I hope your Rheumy can find treatment to give you some relief. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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