Hello everyone,
My name is Stacy and I am 34 years old. I was diagnosed with PsA when I was 17. It has been a long road, as you all know. 12 years of Methotrexate, tons of steroids, 3 knee surgeries, Lots of motrin (until I developed an allergy to NSAIDS 2 years ago- NOT FAIR!!!!) And I have been on Remicade for the last 7 years. I am currently having a horrible flare. I feel I have not appreciated how much the remicade has helped me in the last 7 years and now I am sitting here, miserable and scared because tomorrow I see my rheumy again to discuss new meds. My main concern is calming down my knee so that I do not have to worry about a replacement at this time. In the last 3 years I have also developed some very odd reactions to medications. Besides the NSAIDS allergy ( which came out of nowhere) I also started developing Serotonin Syndrome when I am given ANY med that produces Serotonin. That has been very scary and has put me in the ER 3 x with convulsions, heart palpitations, sweats, vomiting etc. There are so many meds that have been crossed off my list, I worry about starting a new biologic.
I have a fantastic husband who has to put up with way too much. We have been married for almost 15 years and last year we were blessed to adopt a baby girl. She is amazing! I have always wanted to be a mom, but I always felt I couldn't handle it. My joints held up really well her first year, but now I'm a mess and it's hard to chase her and carry her some days .THis breaks my heart. I just want to be a good Mom and not make her feel that she has to take care of me ( when she is older, of course)
I am very happy to have found a place to vent and to have found a place where people will understand me and support me, and hopefully do so without judgment. I also look forward to helping anyone if I can.
Thanks for listening.
Be well!