Biologics - Fill Me In!

I’m now on my 5th biologic. I started with Humera, then went to Simponi, Remicade, Stelara, and now am on Cosentyx. They all seemed to work for awhile and then I started having flare ups, some quite severe. So far the Cosentyx is working well on the joint, tendon, ligament issues, not so well on the skin issues, but I’ll take it!

Glinda, I’m surprised you weren’t given Enbrel…is there a reason for that, may I ask?

I had teeth problems before - like a general ache. I remember reading somewhere (may have been here) that it’s a tendon issue. But my jaw has been creaking and groaning all last weekend. Not that painful, but I almost felt claustrophobic through the constriction of the movement. It seems to have gone today. Touch wood!

I have absolutely no idea. The rheumatologist started me on Humira and then went from there. I see her later in October and will ask.

It Can be due to PsA, or it can be due to TMJ dysfunction (TMJ being the name of the joint). In me it’s likely a mix of the two. TMJ can be greatly alleviated by Physio, and if severe, a mouthguard worn at night.

If it lasts for any time, it is worth a visit to a Physio/ PT who specialists in TMJ dysfunction.

If you have sleep apnea (even mild), and /or grind your teeth at night, it is almost certainly connected.

Dentist said I was grinding my teeth, I said no I’m not, he said yes you are & so it went on for some time. He ground me down, no pun intended, and I didn’t like the look of the mouth guard so I tried consciously relaxing my jaw before nodding off & the pain went. Not saying it’s always that simple but worth a try just in case.