Remicade and PA

[web63]

I am new here. I have been dx with Psoriatic Arthritis for almost 2 years. I am currently taking: Methotrexate (MTX) (Shots) Remicade (3 infusions so far) Azulphidine, Folic Acid, Prednisone. I also take Lipitor for high Coloesterol, and Cardizem for high blood pressure. All that and I am only 39 :-(
I have had P for over 20 years. Not bad, just on the elbows, knees and heels of my feet.
The MTX has completely cleared up the P. It is somewhat helping the PA, but Iam also on Remicade. The Remicade is only giving me about 2 to 3 weeks of tolerable days, then, like today, I am in pain once again. I am still 2.5 weeks away from my next infusion.
I got on the Enbrel list in the beginning of March. I recieved a letter from Enbrel stating I may could start on it by July. I just got off of the phone with them, and they now tell me it won't be until December or January :-(
I guess I am just venting a little here. I have no other choices. Next step from Remicade is Enbrel and well....
I am not sure how much longer I can stand the constant pain. The PA is in my Hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists.
Yes, pretty much every main joint. Maybe I am just looking for a little sympathy, or does any one have any other suggestions?
Thanks for listening to me.
Wishing pain free days for everyone!

[rosee_posey]

Hello Web63,

Here's some sympathy for ya -

((((HUGS))))

As one who has gone the gamut of P and PA treatments, along with Remicade, I really do feel your pain! Really!

You didn't tell us what your Remicade dosage was...are you on the dosage schedule for RA? If you are, then the first schedule of dosages are pretty "small" compared to those with Crohn's disease...they started me out at like 3mg/k, but we increased the dose up to 6mg/k...but the Crohn's guys START at 5mg/k and can go as high as 10mg/k for maintenance...so, while you are waiting for your Enbrel, ask your Rhuemy to see if you can't up your dose of Remicade - I found increasing my dosage (and staying on MTX) helped me out quite a bit.

Hang in there, keep the faith!
- rose

[web63]

Thanks....... I needed that :-)
I am not sure of the dosage.
I will have my 4th infusion before I see my Ruemy again. I will talk to him then.
Better yet, maybe I will call him today.
The pain is getting worse daily now.
Last night at Church, I had to take off my shoes, and just stretch out best I could.
I have a computer job, so that means sitting behind my desk for 8 hours a day.
I will tell you, as bad as I hurt, Tuesday Me, my wife and 11 year old son went to the lake, I have a new 18' ski boat. I skied for about 5 miles. I hurt, and am paying for it now, but it felt great to just go out and do it. I think it helped build my confidence up, that I am not totally gone :-)
Thanks again,
Scott in Atlanta, GA