Hi Kris,
You say:
Dr. Beer recommended Humira for me because of my not so good supression with IVIG. Before my IVF cycle my NK cells were 17 and after two IVIG's during a slow stimulation IVF cycle they were still at 17.
I say:
It's true that they should be below 15. However, I think that it's good that the IVIg at least kept your NK's from flaring, which NK's like to do in reaction to stims...
You say:
I took the Humira about 4 days ago and feel the same as I always have. For some reason I thought I would feel different.
I say:
Here's an excerpt from an article called "Abbott's study shows Humira effective in patients who are unresponsive to RA therapy" from
Wednesday, May 12, 2004... "Some Humira patients responded to treatment as soon as two weeks after their initial dose..." Everything I've read says that it takes a couple of weeks for Humira to take effect... Don't worry if you don't feel anything after four days.
You say:
Have you taken Humira yet?
I say:
Not yet; I'm still officially in my "old" cycle. I'm waiting for AF. I have my TB test tomorrow morning.
You say:
I am suppose to take another dose two weeks from now and then get tested at one month for NK cells and cytokines.
I say:
That's the standard protocol.
You say:
Chris told me that I would probably flare because my cytokines are normal.
I say:
That's what they say happens... I'm in the same boat. Interestingly, the patients who flare tend to have a better outcome than those who don't.
You say:
Do you know how many doses Dr. Beer wants Humira patients to take or does it just depend on the specific situation?
I say:
It definitely depends. For example, for some reason he wants me to have 40mg every week, says Chris! I'm going to clarify this with him. I only weight 115. That seems like a LOT. As I understand it. typically he has patients do Humira for one month, then retest. If they've flared, they come off and possibly do an IVIg. If they have not flared, they stay on it and ttc that next cycle.
I hope that's helpful!!
Lauren
BORN 11/7/08
