lesomom
"Currently on weekly Humira 40mg, MTX 20mg, diclofenac daily for my PSA along with supplements. This is the first biologic and after 7 others I’m back to it. Not great but I’m able to manage the best I can. Now working very part time from home. Use rollator full time, drive with hand controls due to my PSA being mostly tendon related .. my feet/ankles/legs I suffer with the most. Always use heating blanket no matter what the weather for pain. Fair amount of anxiety/stress. Forever have faith and hope that I will feel better some day🙏🏻❤️"
Thank you so much for sharing the part of your experience with us. I like that have used so many aids to your advantage. I do hope that the new medication brings you some relief from the symptoms.
Warmly, Clair ( Team Member)
"Not great... have a lot of stress in my life and lately I have been in a lot of pain all over different areas .. I’m on Tremfya injections, weekly methotrexate and daily Zorvolex (diclofenac) not really touching it.. it’s depressing... trying to keep my head up as best I can "
Hi @lesomom, I can hear how difficult this has been for you. I am glad you reached out. You are welcome to do so at any time to share or just to vent. This must be so overwhelming and painful for you. I hope I can help. I am sending over an article with tips for stress: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living-with-psa/stress-management/. I am also sending over an article from one of our advocates that talks about her experience: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/the-emotional-impact-of-living-with-psoriatic-arthritis/. I know these are only small things, but I hope in some way they can help you. Please keep us posted on how you are feeling.
Jill, Team Member
"Currently on my 5th dose of Stelara(90mg) every 3 months, mtx 20mg weekly and 35mg Zorvolex (diclofenac) and can honestly say I feel no better no worse with the PsA on the other hand my stomach has been a mess and just started acidphex ... lots of life stress going on right now and just starting menopause. So far my 50s aren’t great!! Hoping for better days ahead!!"
Not a fun combination, @lesomom! Have you had any hot flashes yet? Some people respond to biologics quickly while others say it takes a few months. Have you talked with your doctor as to how long you should give it before you try something else? It seems lots of trial and error is the norm with PsA medications. Best wishes! – Lori, Psoriatic-Arthritis.com, Team Member
Oh yes.. hot flashes I wasn’t sure if they were from the meds or menopause at first. This is my 5th biologic I haven’t had much luck with the exception of remicade but had to stop because I developed drug induced lupus. I am due to speak to my Rheumatolgist in the next few months before my next Stelara shot and we will talk about switching then.
I hope you find something that is more effective soon, @lesomom. Unfortunately, there is so much trial and error involved in finding the right treatment. Thankfully, the hot flashes will end eventually, or at least I hope so. Still waiting here! Keep me posted. Thinking of you! – Lori, MultipleSclerosis.net, Team Member