Thanks to Humira®

05/09/08: Anne Scadeng

Anne Scadeng, an NRAS Network & Telephone Support Volunteer, tells us about her experience of using the anti-TNF drug Humira to control her Rheumatoid Arthritis……

I am an NRAS Member in the North East attached to the Freeman Hospital group. I was diagnosed in November 2003 and was prescribed methotrexate. Whilst I progressed well on methotrexate and later hydrochloroquine sulphate in addition, some inflammation in most of my joints continued albeit slowly. My consultant recommended me to take part in a Humira (adalimumab) investigation. We are lucky in this region as there is a strong research department at work based at the Newcastle NHS Hospital Trust. The investigation in which I was involved was looking at the effect of Humira in the relief of fatigue.

I have to report, anecdotally, that any fatigue I had has been relieved and that my mobility is well within my normal range. Before RA I liked to go walking in Northumberland and Cumbria, sadly curtailed by the onset of the disease. I had also been keen hobbyist potter. Throwing clay on the wheel requires good shoulder, arm and hand strength. When I was initially diagnosed, my nightmare was that I would never be able to throw pots again. Methotrexate enabled me eventually to throw about 3lb lumps of clay. This was satisfactory but severely limited my development in ceramics.

In October 2007 I began self injecting Humira and almost immediately I could feel a change in energy level and in bodily comfort and strength. I have now been taking the drug for 8 months and feel as if the disease is in remission. I can now walk 5 miles on the flat and am planning to go further. In the light of my increasing strength, I started a part time Foundation Arts Degree in Ceramics at Newcastle College in December, rather late but managed to catch up. I can now centre 8lbs of clay on the wheel and am hoping to increase that to 10lbs. The course has enabled me to develop my skills substantially and I did well in the formative assessment at the end of the first year. The photograph shows me with my favourite pieces made for assessment.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank my medical team in the Musculoskeletal Department at the Freeman Hospital for giving me my life back.