I am still in the process of being diagnosed with RA or PA. My blood work is neg, I have scalp sores occasionally, hands and feet are slightly puffy and red. I also have vertical ridges on my finger nails and toe nails could this be a symptom of psoriatic arthritis?
BMadron
The nail ridges are generally caused by the psoriatic process in the nail bed.As you know, there are many types and symptoms of psoriasis.
Has anybody had any help using Embrel or Humira for psoriasis or pa
I had great help with enbrel it has cleared up most of the psoriasis, but the nials have not cleared up and I don' think they will.
rhonda357 and others
I was just diagnosed with PA yesterday. I also have RA,OA and Meniere's Disease and Kidney stones. I feel like I am falling apart.So far my PA shows itself with terrible nails, all discolored (black, green, yellow, and brown). I have various fungus growing under them (nails were biopsied) One is all white. My toenails look different yet-yellow and looks like a washboard. Others are white.I do not have psoriasis at this point but I have very dry and peeling skin. My eyes are also itchy.
I would love to hear from anyone who has PA . I would love to know anything that you would like to tell me.
Thanks so much
Barb
Hello everyone!Hi,
First of all Welcome to the Board. I'm so sorry to hear your have so much pain and discomfort. I have just been diagnosed with RA, your symptoms sound sadly familiar. You have come to a wonderful place to make friends, get adivice and let your feelings flow. I have taken your post and copied and pasted it to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Forum. You will find it under the heading "Good Morning Lovie" That is because my friend Lovie happened to be logged on when I read your post. By time I had posted to her to find you here she had logged off. There are so many wonderful people here, I can't tell you how much it has helped me to find this message board. So go to the RA forum, it is the busiest one here and you will be seen and taken good care of there.
I'm glad you found us, Can't wait for you to meet everyone!
Hello,
I have psoriatic arthritis and I'd like to talk to you....
Hi, Nadine,
Looks like a lot of people from the Psoriatic Arthritis group shuffled over to the Rheumatoid Arthritis group [in case you wondered where everyone went].
I've has PsA for over ten years - I've learned a lot during this time and am happy to share what I know or my own experiences.
Hi, I'm glad someone reply to me. I have PA over 2 months. As you understand it's difficult to accept this. It's nice to feel that your are not the only one...I hope you have a good rheumatologist managing your PsA. It took me a few years to find a good one myself.
Yes, it is hard to accept this. But after 10+ years of this, I've come to realize that the key is to get the best medical treatment you can; get the inflammation controlled. If you can do that, you've got most of the problem solved. I've also learned that drugs that work today can stop working - the body builds up a tolerance to them. So it's kind of a "tag" game.
The GOOD news is that there's a lot going on in the medical research community right now. In fact, if my hunch is right, DMARDS [MTX] and the new biologics [Remicade, Enbrel....] may be a thing of the past in another couple years. I predict this because I recently heard about a new drug that's close to finishing clinical trials; excellent results. It may revolutionize treatment for the arthritis part of our disease. It's called "AT-001." I'm trying to get more info.
So I think there's reason to be optimistic. Do you have any particular questions about your disease? I'm certainly not an expert, but I have learned a bit about the disease over the years. So feel free to ask.
Lee
Nadine,
Your English is excellent! No apologies needed.
Nadine, you are one of the lucky ones. I would LOVE to be able to take Enbrel. [I can't because I was exposed to TB as a child and it's still latent in my body. Enbrel and Remicade are known to activate the latent TB. And for those of you wondering why I don't take the INH treatment for TB and then start Enbreal, it's because INH is not recommended for people over age 35 unless you actually get the active form of TB.]
Enbrel is a marvelous drug. A godsend. My brother has taken it for years with excellent results and I envy him. He hated the needle, too, in the beginning, but then once he saw how he improved with the drug he was glad to deal with the needle.
Yes, it does bring down the "human shield." That is, it will affect your immune system to some extent. You'll be more susceptible to germs. All the more important to get annual flu shots and to stay away from sick people. The drug that I take also compromises your immune system but I still travel all the time and work with people. I do draw the line at attending meetings in a room where I know someone is sick and spreading germs. And I also wash my hands a lot to get rid of germs. Just be aware of germs and stay away from them and you should be fine.
I think a few months from now you're going to wonder why you were ever worried about the needle. Good luck!
Hi Nadine,
Your case sounds so very similar to mine. I have suffered on and off for many years with Psoriasis and in the last year strange things started happening to several joints in my body, like my fingers and toes, wrists, etc. Horrible swelling and some disfiguring was beginning. The doctor I was seeing finally threw up his hands and said I don't know what is wrong with you but I would like you to see a rheumatologist. He gave me a name and off I went. As soon as I told her I had psoriasis, which she said was quite angry at the moment, she said she was 99% positive I had psoriatic arthritis. After blood work, etc. she went with some non-aggressive meds like 800mg of Ibuprofen 4 times a day. That did little help. After several months my body really started getting bad. The pain was horrible. Getting out of bed was a chore. In addition, when I couldn't put my seat belt on one day or open the office door where I work it hit me that this wasn't going to get better. The doctor decided to put me on Enbrel. My first injection by the doctor was on September 1st of this year. This is not an exaggeration but in 24 hours I was feeling the effects. I'm one of the lucky ones that received instant results. I am like a new woman today. Every Thursday evening I give myself an injection. At first the thought of it was horrifying but I must be truthful that today I actually look forward to injection night being that it allows me to have such good days now. I still have some stiffness, but nothing like before. My Psoriasis is much better, not gone but tolerable. (Ask your Dermatologist to get you started on Elidel. It does wonders). I hope you have great results from the Enbel. I feel like it gave me a second chance on life.
I can't wait to read your next post after you start your treatments with Enbrel.
Good Luck,
RozBuds
[QUOTE=nadine]Hi Lee,
I hope my rheumatologist is a good one !! She told me to start Enbrel, cause it’s a waste of time trying other meds. Actually, next week I'll have my first shot and tell you the truth I'm a nervous about the needle. I don’t know if I can do this, but I guess I have no choice. I have psoriasis over 10 years (I’m 29) and I was doing ok because the only problem was at my scalp, but the last 2 months I have arthritis too.
It’s very encouraging to hear that new medical treatment will relief the pain. I worry about Enbrel, as they told me that brings down the human shields. I don’t have any particular question right now, I just want to get over it (I mean the shot). Sorry if my English are not very good, as this is not my main language.
Thank you!!
[/QUOTE]
RozBuds,
I'm sure Nadine would like to know whether you've caught more colds or other infections since on Enbrel. Do you take any precautions?
Lee
Hi Lee,
So far, so good. No colds, flu or other infections. The doctor did say winter would be the true test. I have been warned how this drug affects the immune system. I do my very best to stay away from children and adults with colds or say they don't feel good. Lots and Lots of hand washing. I have cut way back on my hugging, which makes me sad. But staying healthy is key. I live alone with my cats and dogs so my house is fairly safe of germs. Just me. I am divorced and my son is grown and no grand children.
When giving the injections I do get a little rash and itch, which is normal and clears up in a day or two. The rash is only in the area of the injection site. In fact last Thursday I did quite well. No rash or itch. And minimal pain. It's getting easier.
Thank you for asking
RozBuds [QUOTE=Lee1234] RozBuds, I'm sure Nadine would like to know whether you've caught more colds or other infections since on Enbrel. Do you take any precautions? Lee RozBuds and Nadine, All in all it sounds like you both are doing well. That's wonderful! It's very important to stay away from, as RozBuds pointed out, people with colds, flus, anyone or thing contagious. And this doesn't just mean not shaking hands or hugging or kissing, it means washing your hands a lot to make sure you haven't picked up germs on doorknobs, from the cashier at the food store, etc. What I've done is buy several containers of antibacterial cloths [hand wipes]. Real cheap. I keep one in my car so whenever I'm done shopping, before I even put my seat belt on, I wipe my hands. I travel a lot on business and take a container with me, too. I've canceled plans if someone has the sniffles. I know it sounds extreme, but last year I caught a bad respiratory infection going around. This triggered a tremendous flare up for me, which I have been fighting. Now, 13 months later, does it appear I've got it under control. Lucky I have good insurance; the out-of-pocket costs for co-pays really added up. I was doing so well before then for several years. So now I have a war on germs.
I'm divorced so I don't have to worry about being presentable on days when I feel lousy and stay indoors. But I am thankful I have no children at home. I cannot imagine how hard it would be trying to care for a child and myself. In fact, just today on the RA board I read of a young mother with kids and an insenstive husband. Makes me want to get out the water pistol and let him have it!
I travel a lot on business and am very fortunate that my clients will pay for business class. Riding in airplanes with kids that might be germy is something you want to avoid. So by going business class [and going at off-hours] I usually avoid any direct kiddie contact. I just arrived yesterday at one client's location. I just found out that half the people near this office are out sick with a bacterial respiratory infection. Luckily my doctor gives me a broad spectrum anti-bacterial [macrolide] antibiotic that I keep with me when I travel. At the first sign of symptoms, I'll pop one of those pills. I figure one or two won't hurt and will keep infection at bay until I can get home. And definitely you want to get the flu shot and a pneumonia shot. I'd like to suggest to Nadine that she learn all she can about her disease so that you know what questions to ask your doctor. Some doctors don't volunteer a lot of information so it becomes your responsibility to find out what you can. And don't EVER apologize for asking. The only dumb question is the unasked one. I do hope that we are soon reading more about AT-001, in clinical trials now. If I am to believe what I've read about it, it will revolutionize drugs for immune arthritis. A little surprised I haven't found more about it.The physician that developed it and is heading up the clinical trials has labs in La Jolla CA and in Italy. Since it's easier to get drugs on the market in Italy, I would think we'd be hearing something from that end. Wanted to say it's great that now you're set up for treatment, Nadine. I think the worst part of the disease is the anxiety of not knowing all about it and knowing if you're taking the right treatment. That's why these boards are so great - members like RozBuds speak from experience. Please stay in touch, ladies! Nadine, I"ve read a lot of messages today, so forgive me if I'm telling you something you already know. It was brought to my attention that there is an excellent RA website which has a huge following and is constantly active. Check the summary of topics on this site and you'll see mention of it. This is not to discourage you from this board - it's just another connection that might give you more feedback. I want to mention one thing that's really helped to keep me sane with this disease: Proactive, participative treatment. That is, learn all you can about RA and remember your doctor works for YOU, not the other way around. YOU are the one in control. I think if you take this approach it goes a long way towards the treatment outcome. Lee Give it a try. Lots of humor over there. True RA and PsA are not identical, but we share the same problems, the same meds, the same pains..........so why not? Lee sounds exactly what I have- by the way did you lose your thyroid? I had to take the radioactive Iodine to kill it and then everything started. My problems are all on my right side, knee, hand, foot and so on- just like yours. I was on Embril and it worked great but my copay was so high I just switched to Humira and only on my 3rd shot but so far it's not as good as Embril- what works for one person doesn't necessailry work for another. wilky
Yesterday I went to the hospital to make my first shot and to learn how to do it by myself. I must say it wasn't that bad, the nurse told me to do it at my belly, but she made the injection to my arm. Today I feel better, the pain of my knees almost left. I’d like to ask you, when you say germs, what do you mean exactly? I ‘ll have to be careful generally of everything, or specially for colds? My doctor didn’t explain what I should be careful of. Sorry for asking but I think you know better than me. Thanks!
Nadine
I'm doing well, my knee is better, tomorrow I'll have my second shot and I'm nervous because I'll do it by myself. You are right, learning about arthritis will make me handle the disease better. All the doctors I've visited, didn't explain many things about Enbrel, or what I should be careful of. My anxiety for now is the side effect of this medicine, at my body.
Thank you for your advices, they will help me a lot.I hope you are doing well with your treatment.You look to handle this very dynamic and that gives me courage, because I'm new to this disease. Thanks again.!
Nadine
Hopefully you guys can help me out.. I have been Dx'd with Psoriasis for about 8 years now.. Within the last year I have been having problems with my joints and excessive swelling in my knees, feet, my pinky finger is severly bent and most recently in the last month my wrist has been severly swollen and my whole hand hurts.. I can't lift and turn anything, I have to type with my Left hand because my Right hand is severly swollen and in horrific pain... The last few days the pain has gone to my shoulders and my hips... I feel weak at times like I can't get up and do anything because my body hurts so bad... for my psoriasis I am currently using Topical Treatment.. I decided to go online and research my symptoms and came up with PA or RA.. i am about to go to the emergency room because I am popping 2 Ibuprofens every 4-6 hours for the pain and that is not helping at all... Is it pointless to waste my copay at the ER or should I just wait to see my regular doctor on Tuesday? any help will be appreciated thanx![/QUOTE]
Karen
Hang in there, the sun will shine tomorrow!
i have had worse problems regarding pa but every little bit of knowledge is a bonus.
cheers for now David.
Hi
I have had pa for 12 years now and am now on embrel which is marvelous even though there are many side effects. It did not help my psorisis but a drug called methotrexate has been added in tablet form to aid the psorisis. I used methotrexate in injection form for my arthritis and it helped for a while but not nearly as well as embrel and when I came off methotrexate the psorisis became worse, which is why a little has been added. My nail problems cleared up a lot with this drug