Newbie

[Estela]

Hi everyone! I've had psoriasis since I was 5 yrs old and was just recently diagnosed with psoratic arthritis and lupus at the age of 21. I am now 25 yrs old and currently on 6 pills once a week of methotrexate, folic acid, and 1 mg of prednisone a day. However I have constant finger, wrist, feet, knee swelling and plenty of psorias lessions. I just found out that I am not a canidate for enbrel because I have lupus and it might reactive it's dormiate stage. Is anybody else in the same cituation? What else can I take? I try really hard to have a postive attitude, but it is so depressing.

[PJ66]

Hello and welcome. I'm really not sure what to tell you on that. I just wanted to say hi. Someone else should come along with some advice.
Polly

[bozzly]

Hi Estela, I cant really help you with that one, but rest assured you will get a reply. There are a lot of wonderful people on the board!

[patti2957]

I'm so sorry to hear what you're suffering, at age 25 you shouldn't have a care in the world - when it comes to pain and sickness anyway. Though unfortunately, people seem to suffer at every age.
What have you been on besides mtx? I know that there are several alternative d-mards besides enbrel. Do you have trouble with fatigue? Prednisone, in that low a dose, isn't beneficial (in my experience:) and a maintenance dose is usually at least 5 mg. You might want to inquire about that, not the prednisone is a long-term solution.
Anyway, I don't have much experience, only diagnosed a year ago and have been on 12.5 mg of mtx, folic acid and prednisone; only recently started Humira, with no benefit yet.
Hang in there and know that you can come here to vent, learn, share and get support. I hope your support network is good and that they understand what you're going through. If not, I can suggest some links that you can read and print to share.
Take good care,
Patti

p.s. I'm sure others will come along with a whole lot more info!

[RichJ]

hi Estela,
sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.

have a good day all

richard

[zdoob]

I just found out that I am not a canidate for enbrel because I have lupus and it might reactive it's dormiate stage. Is anybody else in the same cituation? What else can I take? I try really hard to have a postive attitude, but it is so depressing.

are you also not a candidate for humira?

welcome to the boards, and sorry to hear that you have this disease.

[Geffy]

Welcome to the boards! I am new also and I wish I could say something better that would help.

However, Welcome ... Welcome .... Welcome

[smsspeech]

Hi All,
I have been a thread jumper for a while now. It seems that there are always 2-3 threads I can relate to. Tonight, it's this one!:) I also have red cheeks,flushing, usually at night, when I am stressed (I have 4 teenagers 12-17)...so EVERY NIGHT! I have P,Pa, Sjogrens and fibro. My biggest challenge is the eyes. I have "active to smoldering" uveitis, most of the time. Can't tolerate methotrexate, remicade worked then failed, tried humeria (YUCK!!!) Anyway, when the flushing started ,for no apparent reason and pretty regularly, we(my DH and I) thought, "uh-oh, the big L". And, my ANA levels were 1:640, for 2 consecutive labs.(12 weeks). Anyway, I am happy to report that it was from the Humeria (the elevated ANA) and not true Lupus. I sought a 2nd opinion at a University hospital,and the Rheumy who saw me said that typically with the malar(sp?) rash, you have a "crease" from your nares(nostril) to you upper lip(both sides)...Meaning, no rash there. I do. Soooooooo, probably rocasea(sp?) Also, kidneys are affected, Mine were ok. The only weird thing was an elevated WBC. This has occured twice over the last 3 months on a CBC draw. I've had the flu vaccine and didn't feel overtly sick(I guess all relative with us, huh?)Can anyone out there relate to this? I'm back to remicade and backing down to pred,.5/daily, with a little skin breakthrough on my fingers, ouch! and the normal hands, knees, feet pain. No sausage stuff though!!Yeah! I want to talk to my rheumy about sulfa salazine? Thoughts?
I appreciate all and any input. What a blessing to have you guys who understand!! Also, Patti, 2/9/57, what sites were you refering to.? The Spoon Theory? I have a BUNCH of people who don't get -it.
Blessings!
Susan

[tmartha]

Welcome, Estela. I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis - and it is depressing and scary to have your life change so drastically due to pain and illness. I'm glad you've found this place - not only are people understanding and supportive (HUGE HUGE HELP), but getting more information about the disease(s) and treatment is a formidable tool to add to your toolbox. It helps you to ask better questions of your doc and be a strong advocate for yourself. Good for you!

Do you see a rheumatologist? Although your situation is more complicated with lupus thrown in the mix, it's not unheard of, and just because one doc might not think there are many options for medications/treatment doesn't mean there aren't any. These boards are full of stories of docs who don't know enough about the disease(s) and don't seem to care - and many people suffer for years before even getting a diagnosis.

I agree with Patti - the pred. dose seems unhelpful, I'd inquire about it too. Please hang in there - it takes a bit of trial and error, but with persistence you and your docs can figure out the treatment that is just right for you to help you get relief.

Please keep us posted -
Tani