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Getting on Humira

I have been on Methotrexate for 12 weeks with little improvement. My Rheumatologist is trying to get me started on Humira but I keep having indeterminate TB test results. My lungs are clear on X-ray. I worked in Operating Rooms for over 30 years up to 2016. Anyone else run into similar road blocks

  1. Hi . Sorry you are having these issues with the TB test. I can't personally speak to this issue, but I did find this article about how false positive TB tests are a big problem with health care workers: https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/31360-false-positives-plague-tb-screening-of-health-care-workers. Most revert to a negative test, but that takes time. Previous vaccination with the BCG version of the vaccine can also lead to false-positives. Considering your actual physical exam, is there a reason the doctors are not exercising medical judgement in ruling the issue a false-positive? Hoping you get this resolved soon and can begin treatment. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

    1. I didn't work in a hospital but I remember having to get the TB test several times before it came back good even though my xrays pretty much clearly showed I didn't have it. Maybe you can talk to your rheumatologist about what the plan is if things keep coming back indeterminant. In the meantime let us know if there's anything we can do! Keep on keepin' on, DPM

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