Some advice please

By CommunityMemberc5bb0a

1 min read

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (pso) this year, after many painful years of misdiagnosis. My rheumatologist is changing me to the biologic treatment after the other medications didn't work out for me.

Is anyone on this site on it? If so, can you please share some advice as it sounds like this treatment is more intense than the others.

I've just completed the required testing for this treatment and am awaiting approval from my medical insurance now.

Do you have a story about living with psoriatic arthritis to share too?

Submit my personal story

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

ClairG Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="CommunityMemberc5bb0a" user-id="8587573"/> Thank you so much for sharing with us. Do you know what biologic treatment you will be starting? I am linking you to an article that shares some information about the various biologics, this may resonate with you. <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/choosing-biologic-fit-lifestyle' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/choosing-biologic-fit-lifestyle</a> , I am excited for you to try something new and hopeful that you will see some relief from symptoms. Many members make use of biological treatments. Do you know when you start? -Clair <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com' target='_blank'>Psoriatic-Arthritis.com</a> team member
CommunityMemberc5bb0a Member
 We are waiting for approval from medical insurance now. The rheumatologist said he thinks all be in place beginning November. Depending on the outcome on the tests, I suppose they will choose the treatment . For now, all I know it's biologic, and it might be different doses depending on the tests. I'm a little nervous as I understand most of it is still in trail stages. 
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberc5bb0a" user-id="8587573"/> when you say your nervous because most of it is still in trial stages do you mean biologics are in trial stages? If you don't mind could you clarify it please. Vickie W., Team Member
2. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberc5bb0a" user-id="8587573"/> , I understand what you mean about side effects. I have been on biologics for over 20 years. Some people have had great results and some have not. We are all different, but my biggest thing is that it stops working after a few years, but this is just me. I have a very severe case of psoriatic disease, Biologics have been my saving grace. I have been dealing with this disease for 60 years. Talk to your doctor about your fears and ask him if you start having any side effects can you stop taking them? Let us know how things go and remember that you are not alone. Diane (Team Member)
CommunityMemberc5bb0a Member
My apologies, what I mean this will be for me a new thing and I have read of so many side affects and risks of infection etc. On the tablets I could stop immediately but on this I'm not sure how long it take to work out your system again. Thank you for sharing the link. I see there is many options and sounds like it's a better option to consider. 
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberc5bb0a" user-id="8587573"/> please keep in mind also that what works for one doesn't work for another. Same is true as far as side affects go. Some may have a reaction to the medication while others will not. For example, for me, I had a reaction to methotrexate but so many others have not. What I say is you have to try it for yourself to see how it will affect you. Vickie W. Team Member
CommunityMemberc5bb0a Member
Thank you for the advice Vickie. Most definitely going to try as I think we all just want to find something that can give us an more productive and normal lifestyle. Will keep you posted on the progress ✨️ 
1. ClairG Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberc5bb0a" user-id="8587573"/>, yes 100%, Keep us posted on your progress, We are here for you, every step of the way. Also, if you would like you can pop over to the following link, to personalize your user name and add a profile picture <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/profile/edit' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/profile/edit</a> -Clair <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com' target='_blank'>Psoriatic-Arthritis.com</a> team member