Now my legs are swelling up. Is this something that could be associated with PsA? Before I get back on the medical roller coaster to try and find out why this is happening to me. It has been very hot in Qld, Australia where I live and perhaps this doesn't help either. My hands fingers feet toes and ankles are all swollen as well so I think my legs are also caused by inflammation. I went on Embrel six weeks ago and all this started at the same time.
At the same time I had to stop Sulfasalazine because the combination with Embrel worked like a laxative on me. Sulfasalazine kept the swelling in my hands and feet under control. I am still on Mtx even though it doesn't seem to be doing anything. Embrel is helping my morning stiffness and I am in less pain but I still can't do much without increasing my pain. I can't take my Tramadol very often as it fogs my brain and makes me so nauseas, I have to rely on Paracetamol. I have choosen not to go for stronger and save it for the days when I am actually dying and when I will need something that will still work.
It just seems so hard to strike the right balance. Any thoughts or suggestions anyone.
bella, I have PsA and lot's of swelling in my legs and feet. This is a fairly complicated disease. It will take some time to figure out. I have started Infiliximab ( Remacaid) Although things are not perfect they are getting better. Two infusions at 300mgs and last one of 500mgs has really made a huge improvement. Next one in Feb. you will have to find the right amount that helps you. It could take months, so be prepared with lots of support both emotional and financial. Give medicine a bit more time, should know in two months if it is working. If it is not helping enough change medicine.
It certainly could be related. When I am having swelling in my feet and ankles, it eventually creeps into the lower part of my legs.
Some thoughts for you…be careful with the paracetamol while on MTX; they can both be hard on your liver. I have found NSAIDs to be more helpful with longer and better pain control. Also, steroids are great if you can tolerate them. I can’t stay on them very long or I have a nasty reaction, but that is unusual. For me they help especially well with the swelling in my hands and feet, and can provide some more immediate relief while you are waiting to find a good balance on the new drug combo. If it were me, I would see my doc. If its PsA, then you might find some better relief; if it’s something else, then you want to know that too.
Swelling my dr says is normal in the area that is effected by the PsA, though, they also feel I have some vascular stuff going on associated with SLE type stuff. I hope you are feeling better!!!!! It stinks
I have some on again, off again swelling of my legs and feet as well. We haven't quite figured out the cause but there have been times lately that it has been just terrible. I am on a fairly high dose of steroid (along with MTX) and my primary care doctor believes the steroids could be contributing to the swelling.