Introcduction

[Guest guest]

Hi All!

I just found you all thought I'd just jump right in. I'm a 30 year old mom

of four children of whom are ages 6 and under. I've had psoriasis since I

was about 13 and I started having joint pain when I was 23. I went to the

doctor and since I tested negative for RA the dr. pretty much told me to go

home and get over it. I had my first son a year later and after he was born

I woke up one morning and felt like I was hit by a semi. Luckily I have

gone into remission during my pregnancies but after the baby is born it

comes back was a vengeance. Needless to say, I have the four children I

always wanted and I'm done. My Rhuematologist has me on 7.5 mg of MTX. He

says that it's such a low dose that it's okay to have an occassional drink.

I also inject Enbrel twice a week and have just weaned off of prednisone

(Thank the Lord!). I have had luck with Enbrel in the past. My body seems

to react well to it and as of right now I have no pain, just a little

stiffness in the mornings. My psoriasis hasn't completely cleared but I'll

take what I can get.

It's so nice to find a support group. Most people have no idea what it's

like to have chronic pain. Especially when you look young and healthy on

the outside.

Hugs,

Aprle

[Guest guest]

Welcome and glad you are here! You should be worn out just from having 4

children! I know I would be! ;-) Hope the Enbrel does continue to help.

Guess

at this point staying PG all the time isn't an option, huh? ;-) I too had a

good PG until the last 2 months when PA really kicked in....it was rough as I

am sure you know from what you write. Hopefully, you can get some help with

the combo of RX's. Take Care! (Va.)

[Guest guest]

Aprle,

Welcome! You are so lucky that you went into remission with your pregnancies.

I am currently 38 weeks pregnant and my P and PA got worse as each week passed,

not better. Though it took me reaching my end as far as my pain tolerance for

my rheumy to finally go ahead and start me on Enbrel, I just completed my first

month on the meds and so far it seems to be helping. My pain has improved in

most of my joints, so far no help with my back but I am hoping once this baby is

born (I'm being induced next Wednesday) my back will feel better. My P has

dramatically improved with some spots nearly almost gone. I am surprised that

it has worked as well as it has since I am not combining it with any other

treatment. How much prednisone were you on and how long did it take you to wean

off? I am on 10mg and once the baby is born I want to wean off as soon as I can

since I have been on it for 3 years now.

Axelrod

[Guest guest]

Welcome ot the group Aprle, glad you found us, but

sorry that you have to be here This group has been

an excellent source of support and information, hope

we can help you in your journey.

Jane

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I know you will be happy when your baby

is in your arms and you can get some pain relief. I didn't go into

remission until the middle of the second trimester so I know what it is like

to be off of your meds. Not fun! I was on Enbrel for a couple years by

itself without any other meds. I was even able to go down to one injection

week. It's a miracle drug for me.

I was on 5-10mg of prednisone during my pregnancies. My dr. weaned me off

of it a mg a week as long as I was doing okay each week without it. I have

been on and off of prednisone for 6 years now, it's caused osteopenia so I " m

HAPPY to finally be free of it!

Hugs,

Aprle