It seems like my PsA is under pretty good control. There were times in the beginning of treatment that I felt so sick but I stuck things out. My rheumatologist told me I would have to be in treatment for the rest of my life but he said there are many other medications to use. If necessary he will change my treatment plan. He is a brilliant physician. I can see how sometimes he could talk in terms that are over someone's head. He uses medical terms frequently. Luckily, I have a background as a medical assistant. I also research about my illness. I have learned that I have to weed out some of the information out there. Having somewhat of a medical background, albeit small background, helps me to be able to understand the terms he uses. My short term memory is not good anymore. My understanding of what I read or hear is no longer good after the ruptured aneurysm. My long term memory is still solid. I do feel like I am in good hands with my rheumy. I need to order the book that grumpycat mentioned. After reading what lamb and grumpycat, etc, have posted I will never quit my treatment. I don't want my joints destroyed or be in even more pain than I already was. I have been without the diclofenac for three days now and I can feel it. There is heat coming off some of my joints along with a stiff back in the mornings. I am still in much better shape than before I began treatment though. Finally, I feel like I can start using the treadmill or recumbent bike. For years when the PsA was not diagnosed, life was miserable. I was very inactive. Too much pain to even think about walking or doing any type of exercise. Now I am able to do things that I could not do for years. It is overwhelming to me because there is so much I need to do. I just try to do as much as I can on the days that I feel well. There are still days that I am not well.
Hope,
I know how you feel, it took a long time before i found anything that remotely worked for me. I was in constant pain every day. I couldn't open a door, tie my shoes was pretty much impossible. I couldn't brush my teeth without being in pain and these tasks took me forever to complete. Washing my hair, omg....that was really bad. After speaking with my doc and making him understand just how badly I was doing...we made a change and finally found a medication that helps me. It's not perfect but compared to before when I was at rock bottom...I'm up with the sun now lol
I think you should talk to your doc, something needs to change. Make it clear to him that you need a change. I personally can't take mtx, I had about 12 different side effects and could not function. As far as I'm concerned i was a zombie on mtx. Mtx isn't right for everyone. I know it's frustrating dealing with trying new meds and side effects. I really don't think quitting them all together is going to help you. You will likely end up taking 5 steps back and later have to start all over again. In the meantime the PsA will have spread.