I've lived with mild psoriasis for close to 25 years and mild/moderate PsA for 12. I'm active and otherwise healthy with no real quality of life issues as of yet that can't be addressed with popping a few Advil/Areva.
I've controlled my psoriasis with a topical steriod cream. For PsA, NSAIDs as needed, intermittent MTX and a few cortisone injections in a few PIP/DIPs, however, I have certainly seen a progression of the disease over the years. So, at the end of the day, and with some of the recent soft tissue and joint afflictions as of late that are nagging at me, the time has finally come to make a decision. I'm not one for taking drugs, but I've accepted the fact that I will probably need to go on a biologic to control existing and hopefully future affliction. My Rheumy is recommending that I go on a biologic as he says I'm a perfect candidate (especially considering MTX 20mg/wk orally, is not doing anything to address my current problems - both achilles and one heel just starting).
I'm tending towards Humira.
My main concerns are (for any biologic):
1) Real side effects and degree thereof (not the generic stuff you read on the manufacturers and other medical websites), how you physically feel the day/s after the dose and susceptiblity to colds, flus, infections, etc.
2) Triggering of other (autoimmune) diseases - that's scares me to death
3) Flaring if I decide to go off meds. My plan is that if I see good results (ie. resolution of several my existing problem areas), I want to wean myself off the drug or at the very least, reduce frequency.
I'd appreciate any and all comments.
Thanks,