Diagnosed with PA and starting Enbrel | Arthritis Information

I have just been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I have had a huge flare up of my psoriasis and my left side, especially my foot is inflamed and affected by the arthritis. I was given a cortisone shot,am on Celebrex twice a day, and am starting Enbrel next week.

Any advice would be appreciated.

John

John, welcome. I have both psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis. My arthritis is worse than the psoriasis. You have got to be in for the long haul. I was on Humira for about two months and it did not work, and I have been on MTX for about four months before there was some relief. I have recently moved on to Remicade(infusion), and I think this is going to work, but I think we have to tailor the dose.

Be patient, and most of us meet on the RA board there are more of us there and there is a lot of info. and the diseases are cousins. Take care and glad (sort of) you are here.

Shelly,

Thanks for the welcome and information.

I'm just a little concerned after reading about all the possible side effects.

I guess I will find out once I begin treatment.

John

The only side effect I have had is immune system weakening...but all of the drug cause that.

Enbrel has saved my life....sad to say.

acer15239399.7053935185

Unfortunately side effect will always happen. You just got to be real careful, the first time I was on enbrel and mtx I got cut by a piece of metal didn't think anything of it till several days later I had almost a complete circle of red around my leg, blood poisoning. I was off my feet for over 4 weeks and was on very strong antibiotics too. I had to start all over on the mtx and enbrel because I couldn't take them till I was better. So you learn to watch wht you are doing and make sure not to get bruised or cut. Once you find the right combo for you it make such a difference. meme

Ps WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!!

Hello,

I tried Enbrel and Humira for PsA - both unsuccessfully. The big issue was that the injections resulted in toxic headaches. I stuck with Enbrel despite those for a few weeks, but had to give up.

As with any injection/biologic, get yourself informed! After all, you are introducing a drug into your body that "does not" belong there. You gotta weigh the pros and cons carefully...