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Sam1234 
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Joined: 22 October 2009
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Posts: 129
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 Posted: 26 October 2009 at 7:09pm |
LinB,
In all respect, why would you continue to use Pred if, as it appears, the flare lasted four years? It sounds to me as though the Pred wasn't working.
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Clint
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Joined: 11 October 2009
Location: Florida
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Posts: 8
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Posted: 27 October 2009 at 2:16am |
I had my appointment with the Rheumatologist yesterday morning. After a good long discussion (with questions generated from suggestions here on this forum) I left with the following:
1. one "in-house" injection of 50mg Enbrel with another I'm to administer on Thursday & two additional weeks dosage (until my supply is rec'd at home).
2. a follow-up appointment in six weeks to see how the Enbrel is working
3. if the Enbrel does not perform as the Doctor expects he'll consider a MTX & folic acid prescription.
Thanks again for your help and suggestions.
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Sam1234
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Joined: 22 October 2009
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Posted: 27 October 2009 at 12:53pm |
Hey, Clint,
Sounds great. As I mentioned before, if I could go on Enbrel, I would. Sounds like your doctor is on the right path.....see what the Enbrell does and then have other drugs in the arsenal.
Good luck!
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Clint
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Joined: 11 October 2009
Location: Florida
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Posted: 08 November 2009 at 3:47pm |
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I'm giving myself my 5th injection of Enbrel in the morning. Most of the symptoms of the PsA have become tolerable, plaque psoriasis is beginning to clear. Both legs from the hips down were fully involved with plaques, they're beginning to clear up, lower back and chest is no where near as inflamed as they were three weeks ago........the real discomfort will come later this week when I get my credit card bill from the pharmacy-------I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
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Sam1234
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Joined: 22 October 2009
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Posted: 08 November 2009 at 6:22pm |
So glad to hear it's working, Clint. That's great news. I'm glad you stuck with it.
Something that everyone should know: While I don't know the specifics, some of the pharmaceuticals have special discounts for the very expensive medications if cost is a problem. It's worth checking into.
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LinB
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Joined: 18 April 2007
Location: U.S & Mexico
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Posted: 14 November 2009 at 8:37pm |
Clint, that's great news.
Sam, Pred. used in a flare is to allevite some of the symptoms of a flare. It doesn't stop a flare, only allows one to function on a little higher level. I was on Pred. for 4 years because AP therapy, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and assorted dmards weren't working. Pred. allowed me to function but didn't stop the flare. A combo of Humira, an increase in MXT and adding Sulfasalazine brought about a dramatic change and I was able to wean off Pred. With RA/PsA it can be a long journey to find the right combination of meds. Lindy
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We are all affecting the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of mind matter, because we are so deeply interconnected with one another. Ram Dass
RA,Psa,OA
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carolibby
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Joined: 15 November 2009
Location: Canada
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Posted: 15 November 2009 at 11:44am |
I was diagnosed over 9 years ago, and while in pain of vaying degrees, am able to carry on with my life quite well. It started with swollen feet/ankles and hand pain, then progressed to swelling in hands and knees and then pain in shoulders and legs. As soon as the rhuematologist diagnosed me (after seeing three docs) he gave me a cortisone shot in each shoulder. I had almost immediate relief of about 40% all over. I was also put on meds - methotrexate, plaquinel and an NSAID. They took a few months to start to reduce the symptons further and I still take them after 9 years. I've had periods of time where I've really felt pretty good - good energy, little pain. Other times, not so good, but they pass. I'm not a fan of cortisone (or any med), but those two doses sure helped me, as have the other meds. Most important of all the advice you'll receive is to keep moving. Walk, swim, do pool exercises, even bike. Try to do as much as you did before as possible, even pushing yourself a bit, if neccessary. Sure, rest is very important, but once you stop moving you just get stiffer and stiffer.
Have patience with the meds and don't despair.
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carolibby
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Joined: 15 November 2009
Location: Canada
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Posted: 15 November 2009 at 11:47am |
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above was posted on wrong board
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