Hi folks:
I was wondering how those of you who are on Stelara are liking it. I am hoping to start it soon. I'm hoping I won't have trouble getting insurance to cover it since it is now approved for treating PsA. Until then I am patched up with steroid injections and prednisone. Can't tell that the MTX has ever done much for me. Maybe I can get off of it.
I have been out for over 1.5 years. For me it’s slower for arthritis. I didn’t see any meaningful results for about a year. I noticed some improvement in my SI area from the last shot. After the loading dose, the shot is every three months. It’s a great drug; just give it at least 6 months to work. I wouldn’t discontinue the MTX if it’s helping.
Oh, dear....a YEAR? Say it ain't so ! I don't have much skin involvement, only some inverse and nail dystrophy. The thoughts of waiting a year for the arthritis to feel better is too overwhelming to contemplate, as I feel at my absolute wit's end.
As far as the MTX, I wouldn't know if it was helping unless I stopped it. Ever since I began taking it, my symptoms have progressed. I don't know if they progressed slower with the MTX or if it simply isn't effective for me. I would much rather be able to have some wine if it isn't working !
My phenotype is the symmetric/axial/spondy sort of manifestation. My right knee has already "melted" and I am concerned about my feet and ankles. Perhaps if Stelara does nothing more than slow the progression, it would be a worthy endeavor, but what I also need is pain relief. I continue to work part time and exercise every other day and try to stay positive.
HLA B27 negative? That would explain TNFi resistance. There is a theory out that says TNFi inhibitors don't work well with HLA B27. I'm not sure how true it is, maybe ask tnt about it.
Back to Stelara. I didn't think it was going work for me. But my dermatologist told me stick with it and it did indeed work. I failed both Humira and Enbrel (flared and did nothing), but Stelara worked. For the most part Stelara gave me my life back. Also, I am just one case. Someone else has just started and already seen results.
One last thing, have you tried sulfasalazine? Worked a little bit for my back, but I failed due to side effects.
I have been having good results with Stelara. Able to walk without a cane, lots of energy. Until this week......I am having a wicked flare- spine, knees, hips, hands, feet, elbows and jaw. No energy. Yuck. But it is the first flare I have had since starting it in May. And I have had flares on every bio. I am curios to see if with time I have fewer on Stelara.
Hi Mataribot, I am HLA-B27 neg. Unfortunately I am allergic to sulfa drugs.
Michael, so sorry you are flaring, and I hope you feel better soon <3
it sounds like you both like Stelara, though. I will give it a try !
mimiB said:
Hi Mataribot, I am HLA-B27 neg. Unfortunately I am allergic to sulfa drugs.
Michael, so sorry you are flaring, and I hope you feel better soon <3
it sounds like you both like Stelara, though. I will give it a try !
Hi mimiB,
I've been on Stelara for about two months now, I think. I've had both the starter dose and the first "regular" dose. I began noticing an improvement in some of my joints after taking the second dose. My knees, in particular. I'm taking Stelara along with MTX because most of the research I did seemed to link the two with greater symptom relief. However, I think I'm going to stop the MTX because I don't like the side effects:( I haven't noticed any negative side effects from the Stelara.
Everything I've heard confirms the fact that biologics take time to work -- weeks for sure, but usually months. I do believe that the Stelara started helping me within six weeks or so. I hope your experience is even better:)
Thanks for sharing your experience, Niel !
my daughter uses it and cleared up almost 95% .. Says it is her savior..... now my son is trying it..
I am 2 weeks out from my third Stelara dose. I saw some improvement after the second shot but they only lasted 3 weeks. Doc said after the third dose I should see more improvement. I am hoping so. Horrible fatigue and knee pain right now. Good luck!
Thanks ! I just got approval and I will be starting it soon ! I am so happy to be trying something that might work and seems to be helping some of you. Let's all hope for the best !
Is it still working for you?