This may be helpful-
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/outlook.aspx
Many thanks Stoney, I knew that I had seen something like this somewhere and was struggling to find it....even if not great reading!
Keep in mind Ian, one important fact. Yes DMARDs lower your immune activity. The question is WHY would anyone want to do that? All the "alternative/complimentary" advocates prove consistently that they are idiots because of that one fact. The problem with P and PsA is that it is the result of an overactive immune system. It is producing an over abundance of cytokines. Thes stimulate T-cell and B cell production, Now these little buggers don't know they aren't needed so they go to work anyway. As they work they continue to produce inflammation slowly but surely causing 1 in 10 to be totally disabled in 10 years, and 5 in 10 unable to work full time in that same period (if left untreated)
So the fact that the problem is caused by an over active immune system in the first place, why would one fear lowering that immune system to near normal levels MORE than the 50 - 50 chance you will be severely disabled in some measure? One thing that the folks here have been nicely trying to say (I'm much more blunt) is that you have far more to fear from the disease than you do the meds.
Reading the warning labels without medical guidance is not something I would recommend for most. Docs go to prison if they make money (kickbacks) from prescribing meds (trust me SSZ is so cheap and generic its not even on the Radar) Many US facilities don't even allow the Drug Reps through the door anymore. I used to produce those numbers. Risk doesn't transfer to occurrence. Reality is after 15 years of study of the two major biologics the occurrence of infection is actually LESS. Most likely this is a result of folks being healthier over all.
All of that aside if I pay $200.00 to spend 15 minute with a guy who has 20 years of education to deal with "arthritis" I tend to put a wee bit more credence in what he says than all the shotgun anecdotal info produced by strangers on the internet. Take the information you gather here and the web, make a list, ask your questions, discuss with your docs ALL your questions and concerns, and get answers If he is unwilling find one who will. BUT make book on this one from the several thousand members here that you need to "FEAR THE DISEASE NOT THE MEDS" The day you were diagnosed, your life became 4 years shorter. You at least owe it to yourself to make the years you do have as productive and "normal" as possib'e.
Tlamb, 1 in 10 and 5 in 10? Those are inspiring numbers! Would you please share your sources so that I maybe comfortable quoting them please? It is nice to see you back on site again!
Hello, this mainly in response to Sybil's last post on this thread asking for a post Rheumy update.
It was a good meeting, he took the time to run through the lengthy list of questions that I had taken in advance and was marginally reassuring about the meds. The good news is that in view of the low level of symptoms, he raised no objections to my desire to keep off the meds and monitor it. No talk about the dangers and effects etc. So I am on a promise to go back in in six months, or earlier if it gets worse. And his door is well and truly open
Although I know it is not the orthodoxy on here, that is great news for me as I have the space to come to terms with it if I need to (and to enjoy summer). Its my decision and I am responsible for it.
I am also on a mission of much less booze (since 4 weeks ago)/more exercise/less stress. Of course it won't cure it but I'd be very surprised if it does not help, especially as this all started with a high uric acid reading. I started a mindfulness based stress reduction course last night.
A couple of points of interest were that he estimated the rate of people who have work disruption from MTX at about 10%, and he thought it was ok to have MTX breaks so as to be able to enjoy the drink on hols and at Xmas, although not too often.
So a really big thank you to everybody for the help and information that you have provided - and for putting up with my emotions - and here is hoping that this will be my last post about my PsA for six months.
Ian
Blimey Ian, that sounds like a very positive appointment in so many ways. Primarily that what was agreed works for you. The fact that your rheumy's door is open must be extremely reassuring too. You sound very chipper!
I think your new regime sounds like an excellent idea. Having always thought of exercise as 'a good thing', and enjoyed it, I've come to see it as particularly beneficial for my PsA, essential even. I am pretty sure it is one of the main reasons why I'm usually so well.
Good luck with everything & enjoy your summer.
Ian, I'm sorry to be joining this discussion so late, but I've had a rough few months, so I haven't been doing much of anything. I had a huge, long novel written and posted here, but realized that you have found your niche and don't need me to give you the "buck up" speech. I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad you have questions. Just remember that we are here to provide what answers we can (tntlamb is the best!), and to provide support and shoulders to lean on for really terrible days. Check in once in awhile and let us know how you're doing!
Ian, any updates?
I reluctantly just started as Iām starting to fear minor symptoms getting worse.