Posted , 7 users are following.
After trying a plethora of drugs with no success the Rheumatologist changed his diagnosis from RA to PA and started me on cosentyx. I'm into my third week on the new drug and it seems to be working - ever so slightly.
So, it appears I have PA rather than RA, luckily I don't have psoriasis I suppose. Anyone else have this form?
0 likes, 6 replies
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lyn1951 tony35673
Posted
Yes, I have psorasis arthiritis, have had psorasis my entire life.
Also dad had psorasis, just found out he spent some time in hospital during WW2 because his psorasis was so bad in Palestine today known as Israel, we got his Army file, very interesting reading.
I have a lessor form of psorasis along my hair lines, expecially around my face, which is a nightmare to keep myself looking normal, still have red scars on my face from an early treatment back in the early 70's, nothing I can do about them, except cover up with concealer.
At about 50 my right knuckle got very sore and swollen, still my bell weather of a flare, local Dr said post viral, months went past slowly getting worse until I collapsed and couldn't get up off floor, couldn't push through my hands and wrists and shoulders to get up off floor.
That resulted in me visitng Emergency, and from there finally diagnosed with psorasis arthiritis.
Been playing musical drugs ever since.
Presently seem to be achy but not too bad, fish oil seems to help me with achy joints.
Have had major problems with anything sulfur based, side effects not to be borne, incl Arava and leflunomide, apparently both sulflur based, GRRRR not happy with Rheumo as she knows I have problems with Sulflur.
Leogirl13USA tony35673
Posted
Since all of us are searching for answers and some of us are not diagnosed or 100% sure if we are diagnosed properly, it would be good if you could describe your symptoms. Identification is the name of the game here!
tony35673 Leogirl13USA
Posted
Symptoms for PA are for all intents the same as RA, except for maybe sausage fingers. Diagnosing RA, PA or one of the other forms is a guessing game played by Rheumatologists and thet may change their diagnosis at any time based on your reaction to meds, previous illnesses, medical history, bloods, symptoms and so on. Basically it means your Rheumatologist hasn't got a clue until such time as they find a medication that you respond to.
martin31040 tony35673
Posted
carol303055 martin31040
Posted
Hi Martin,
?I started on Benepali (Etanercept) about 6 months ago. It was keeping my PA symptoms reasonably well controlled along with 15mgs Methotrexate. Unfortunately, I've had to stop both due to lung fibrosis from the Methotrexate and underlying chest infection hopefully responding now to 3rd course of antibiotics. PA as expected flared horribly and is being 'managed' at the moment with steroids. I will be assessed to restart Benepali when chest infection has been confirmed gone. No more methotrexate. Hopefully, the fibrosis will resolve . I was warned of the potential complications, as I suspect we all are, but I must say I was shocked at the speed / progression of the lung disease?. I've always also been able to shake off infections easily with no antibiotics so 3 lots of Abx has come as a big surpise too. Something to be mindful of, perhaps. Good luck. Carol
tony35673
Posted
Nope, haven't tried benepali. I think the thing to remember with all forms of RA is what works for one may not necessarily work for another, so in effect we are wasting our time asking if a particular medication worked - it doesn't matter. What does matter is whether it will work for you. Sharing with others, not just medications but all forms of treatments is the way to go. Unfortunately, a lot of that has to be done via PMs as this forum doesn't seem keen on postings that name programs and treatments.