New to group but have had this condition a while!

January 8, 2009

I am a 50's woman (near Houston, TX) dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis

(newly diagnosed but suspect I've had it more than 20 years!) and

would love to interact and learn with others about how best to handle it.

Primarily affects my fingers, wrists, middle back, shoulders and jaw

areas. I'm terrible about getting exercise and equally lazy about

diet. I know this must change and need support to do it...

I would appreciate feedback on different treatments with their pros

and cons from your personal experiences. (Not a selling pitch from

the Pharma companies!)

Thanks!!

January 9, 2009

Hi, Phyllis. Sounds like you've had this disease long enough and suffered

enough damage from it that your doctor may want to put you on one of the

biologics right away. Mine did (Enbrel) and I cannot say enough good things

about it. Not a promo from a pharmaceutical company!!!!! I was a little

afraid of side effects at first but felt so awful, I was almost ready to try

anything. It also helped that I talked to my internist and my ortho and they

both confirmed my rheumys opinion that - of the 3 basic options: prednisone

(which is only a short term treatment if you're in extreme pain), MTX or a

biologic, the biologic was the best option and that the risks were minimal. I

have not had so much as a cold since going on it so it has not - at least so far

- done anything that has seriously compromised my immune system.

Joanna Hoelscher

January 9, 2009

Welcome, Phyllis. I saw your post on the Psorchat group and am glad

that you posted here as well. Although I follow both groups, I find

this one much more informative and helpful. You must realize that

psoriatic arthritis is a more serious disease than plain psoriasis.

Therefore, the importance of getting treatment to prevent the

potentially crippling damage is magnified. Many people here have had

to endure joint replacement surgeries or have had spontaneous fusing of

spine or wrists, etc. because of it taking so long to get a proper

diagnosis and proper treatment. Thankfully this can be avoided if you

get the proper medications before the damage is done. What are you

currently taking or doing for your PA? best regards, sherry z

> I am a 50's woman (near Houston, TX) dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis

Recommended Posts