The First Humria Injection
24 Sep
David had his first Humira injection today! The morning started early with FedEx delivering a big box full of that precious Humira. David hadn’t even left for work yet, so he got to sign for it himself. We went to the rheumatologist’s office so the nurse could teach David how to inject himself.
David was really nervous on the way. He was pretty freaked out about having to inject himself. He said it’s just not natural for you to stab yourself. I was not very sympathetic. I was extremely happy he was going to start taking this medicine. I might have said some things like, “Suck it up,” or “Man up,” or “Oh, please. It’s not even going to hurt as much as my jaw does, let alone the arthritis pain.”
Humira has to be refrigerated, so I had packed a cooler with a dose of Humira. The nurse had a dose already, so we didn’t even use ours. Um, hello? We just saved $750! Woo hoo! She gave us lots of tips on how to make it as painless as possible. She also told me that if David was this nervous next time, I needed to not have the same look on my face as I did now and just be nice and give it to him.
David gave himself the injection, but he asked the nurse to keep her hand over his. It was a good thing she did. The needle itself didn’t hurt, but the medicine burned going in. You have to hold the pen for about 15 seconds before you take it out. David said he would have instinctively jerked away if the nurse hadn’t been holding his hand.
So, once again, I really, truly wish I had the arthritis instead of David. I am not squeamish about needles. I could handle giving myself shots. I mean, when David was freaking out gearing up in the doctor’s office, I really wanted to take my Epi Pen (I’m allergic to bees.), stick myself and say, “See? It’s no big deal?” But I didn’t.
Sigh. It would be easier if I had the arthritis. David could work. I could be a housewife, and it wouldn’t matter as much when I was bedridden. David could just carry me up and down the stairs when my back hurt.
I’m sure God knows what he’s doing. There’s a reason why David has arthritis instead of me. But, if God asked me, I’d take the arthritis.
We passed Dr. Fan on our way out. He and his staff had big smiles and words of congratulations on the Humira. They really are wonderful medical professionals.
I told Dr. Fan David had gotten the flu shot. (David must get a flu and pneumonia shot every year because he takes medication that suppresses his immune system.) I asked if he wanted David to get the Swine Flu vaccination when it becomes available. He said it’s up to David. David doesn’t have to have it. However, since we work with small children at our church, that does increase the risk. We’ll see what David decides to do.
Thanks again for all your prayers and encouragement!
Love,
A Young Wife
Thank you for sharing your heart. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Praise the Lord for all He has done for us! xoxoxo
I am so happy for y’all. And I understand David’s fear of needles – my husband is much the same.
I am so glad I found your blog – you are helping alot of people by what you are writing – I hope the Humira has David feeling great soon and you two can
have some fun instead of flares! God bless…
My husband is terribly afraid of needles too. What’s with men and their fear of needles?!
My sister is a nurse for an ENT and I asked her about the H1N1 vaccine. She said she and the doctor she works for are opting not to get the H1N1 since it’s so new.
Hey guys! YAY on the Humira! I hate needles too, but since I get them shoved in my arms at LEAST every 3 weeks, well, you DO just have to suck it up. It will get better, David!
I, too, take medication to suppress my immune system, however, when I had the flu shot last year, all h@ll broke loose. I had the worst year in about 8 years.
I would be VERY cautious about the H1N1 vaccine. I am NOT anti-vaccination at ALL…However, some neurologists are quite concerned about the possibilty of a repeat of the 1968 vaccination, because of which MANY people got Guillan Barre. This is a very frightening disease in which the person starts to experience paralysis from the feet upwards. If not recognized and treated (usually with IVIG) a person could easily die.
Also, as your doctor said, it is SO new…I’d take a pass.