Hello, I am hoping this forum is really as informative and supportive as it appears to be, I have enjoyed reading as a guest!
I have Psoriatic Arthritis and as my youngest daughter used to say "fiber-algae". I see a ton of the meds I have been on mentioned through out the forum.
I started with methotextrate in pill form then went to injections. I think I was at the strongest amount I could be and it wasn't really helping, so they removed the folic acid - then really yuk! My next drug was Cyclosporin, until one day I couldn't fully feel my legs. My dermatologist also made me think with his statement... "what do they have you on for your arthritis?", I noticed the funny look on his face after I told him and asked why - he's response was "psoriasis isn't a deadly disease so why make it one".
So then it was either gold injections, bee stings or growth hormones but a blessed event happened and along came Enbrel, it was great - helped tons especially with Viox - It killed me when they took Viox off the market because I think it was one of the drugs that you didn't know you were taking until you stopped - I often wondered if people went into a depression after this - I don't think Celebrex worked the same.
I decided to try Humria because it was only one shot every two weeks, but my first injection I did like I did my Enbrel which was in my stomach. I think the Humria shots hurt so bad I had to start lamaze breathing. Needless to say I went back to the Enbrel in a pretty short time.
I don't know if anyone else experienced this, but our prescription drug provider started coinsurance vs. co-pay, so for a three month supply of Enbrel my cost was 2700.00, which was way too much especially when it was something around 120.00.
A lady at the benefits area of my husbands company came up with the greatest idea for me this year, and that was Remicade, since it's an infusion it's considered a medical procedure administered in a doctors office, thus the usual 45.00 co-pay.
I've had 4 infusions and I think it helps a lot. I also noticed people here mentioning they can tell a week before their next infusion in the beginning and two weeks out when they get to the normal 8 week rotation, and all of us in the infusion room totally agree!
I did experience one day of dizziness 4 to 5 days after two of the infusions but we weren't sure if it was the medicine so the amount was reduced.
I sorry about the litany of medication... I wasn't sure what I should write about myself, but today I am having one of the worst flares ever, is this common? I don't remember it ever being this bad...
Personally, I have three beautiful daughters, one 22 and the other two in college, I'm in the middle of a divorce and I am a portrait/fine artist. Perhaps a bit of stress is doing me in!
I appreciate everyone's input here. Thanks.
Hi, nice to meet you. Try going to the rheumatoid arthritis site. That's where the majority of us hang out and chat. I love your signature about the cow bell. That's a joke between my daughter (20) and myself after seeing Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live. We constantly say "we need more cow bell!" LOL