Back from the Rheumatologist. After seeing a quack Rheumatologist who insisted Tai Chi was the answer or the second Rheumatologist who gave me muscle relaxants and told me to go away, I finally found a good Rheumatologist in April. She suspected then I had Psa but wanted me to see a dermatologist. I did see him in May. He did a biopsy and concluded I have Psa but wanted the Rheumatologist to prescribe medication. So, I waited in the gap without medication and in terrible flare ups. Today I finally saw the Rheumatologist she is putting me on Otezla but warned me it may be the first try as Otezla may or may not work and since I have othe Rheumatological issues ( Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis), my pain level may not see vast improvement. What can I expect from here on in?
I can only speak to waht you may encounter with Otezla. You can expect some tummy troubles as you adjust to Otezla. I used Zantac and always took my meds with food through the loading dose and the first couple of months. Nothing terrible except for a rather, shall we say, windy bottom. [*toot toot!] Otezla was added to my drug repertoire as another drug was failing to be effective. It really did help control pain and stiffness.
Glad you found a rheumy who was prepared to listen and take you seriously. Tai Chi might be a GREAT thing to help keep you moving but it is not curative!
Thank you @janeatiu! My Rheumatologist gave me a choice but i am simultaneously dealing with Graves Disease ( another autoimmune disorder) as well as dry eye disease, Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis (from an accident in 1994). I understand Otezla may not be the right drug for my Psa but I’ve got to begin somewhere.
you have a lot on your plate, don’t you? I think Otezla is a good starting point. People most often jump ship because of the tummy troubles which is why I wanted to forewarn you. There’s lots you can do to lessen the side effects of the medicine so talk (a lot) to your doctor and to the nurses available over the phone courtesy of the drug manufacturer. And the drug does have a prescription assistance program if your private insurance qualifies you for it (mine did no questions asked).
Good luck!
I started Otezal in November 2016. Stomach issues were bad in the beginning. Felt like I had food poisoning for about 2 months. I lost 25 pounds the first 3 months, but I don’t miss it. Stomach is better now but sometimes I have severe bloating.
When I started Otezla I was having trouble walking because my hips were so stiff. I have bi-lateral PsA, so it hits both sides at the same time. It took about 3 months to see some relief with the Otezla, but it peaked about 7 months into it. Doc is suggesting Humira or Enbrel, but I had prostate cancer 2 years ago and I am not happy about this option.