New to PA Group

[Guest guest]

Hello, My name is Ronnie and am new to this group. I'm a 46 year old

recording artist/ guitarist affected 2 years ago by PA in my hands. I was first

on Sulfsalazine. Then on MTX. My hands kept getting worse, losing joints, until

last November I was on state disability. At that point I tried Minocine. The

antibiotic made a big difference in pain and with additional cortisone

injections to the affected joints the progression of the disease seemed to slow

but not reverse. I was able to resume my day job in electronics but could not

play my instruments. I could play them but every time I do I either loose

another joint or my fingernails and my hands are frustratingly stiff and hurt

like hell even with viox. I have just been approved for Enbrel therapy. I

spoke to the Reps at my RD's office and they seemed very positive even though

there is little data on the digital form of PA. If someone would have told me 2

years ago that I would suffer and be crippled this much at this time I would not

have believed them. I am very hopeful for Enbrel. Any experience or advise,

especially from those with hand involvement, would be welcome. RGDS Ronnie E.