Well folks, did my 9th injection yesterday and, OK I know its too early to tell but at the mo, but Enbrel’s not working:disappointed: In fact I think my PsA has got worse. I’m prepared to be patient as long as I can take something for the pain in the meantime. Rheumy gave me Celecoxib for 10 days but told me not to take anymore because my liver blood test is high (ALT). This helped a little but now what do I do?. Next apt. with Rheumy is not for three weeks. Feeling awful and aleve, paracetamol, nurofen etc just don’t do the trick.
I don’t have the answer you want… but I just wanted to send you a big virtual hug!!
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That also helps!!!
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More hugs from me too. Any chance you can bring the appointment forward?
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Thanks…no it’s holiday time here in Israel and Rheumy is away! Are NSAIDS the only solution for pain?
Well there’s also Tramadol too. And all the other stuff of heat and cold and epsom salts baths and to keep moving with things like swimming of the very gentle variety, being kind to yourself and making sure you’re pacing yourself. Or good old steroids which can help in the short term for acute issues. More hugs Yael.
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Swimming is good. Sometimes I wish I was a fish:wink:not much pain when I’m in the water!
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Thanks Woodworm (oh, you guys do have funny names!). Good advice. I hadn’t thought of a pain clinic. I will ask the Rheumy. I thought that just taking the Enbrel would relieve the pain.
Yeah, it’s like magic for me too. Do you suppose fish get PsA?
Despite it all, Chag Sameach, Yael
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I hope you have better luck on Enbrel then I did. It did nothing for me. I loved Humara until my body decided to become immune to it. I am now trying methatrexate for the first time with consyntex. Still have a lot of pain. I cannot take any codeine type drugs so I am now taking prescription strength Alieve. And am still experiencing pain. I also have elevated ALT which I am learning could be part of the disease itself. I would try emailing your doctor - mine responds pretty quickly. Good luck.
Interesting - we’re in the same boat but then again everyone different. I am so disappointed with the Enbrel. I feel worse than I did before. I thought Aleve didn’t help but took one today and it did seem to lower the pain level slightly. Oh, also interesting that the elevated ALT could be due to PsA. I have faith in my Rheumy but she doesn’t have an email!!! My next appointment is on the 16th of Oct. so not too long before I see her.
Hi Yael,
Sorry Enbrel didn’t leap into action for you. The MTX/biologic combo is worth considering (if you tolerate MTX). And perhaps a short course of low dose prednisone?
I agree with Janeatiu that Methotrexate along with a biologic is what most of us find ourselves as the treatment approach that works. Please keep in mind that each person’s version of the disease and their own body’s interaction with any medication and any biologic is unique to that person. Humira helped me some but not all that much. I have been on Enbrel for a few years now and it continues to help. Also keep in mind that the disease is progressive and you have to consider that fact when evaluating any change in a medication/biologic. My own health issues are a bit more complicated: allergic to all over the counter analgesics and can only use Tylenol or take Tramadol as needed. I I retired for various reasons (now age 72) 9 months ago - including to be able to eat better and do more physical therapy and exercise for overall health and for Diabetes II. Further complicating things is that I have 3 different kinds of Arthritis - PsA is just one of them. Your doctor has to try and find a reasonable balance between treatments that might help vs. how each treatment option impacts you in a bad way - which is why labs are done on a regular basis. Plus, the older we get the more careful the calculations need to be. If you are now or have been a mother than you are prone to try and do too much and that is not good. Be kind to yourself, doing less at times and more normal (if possible) at other times. Pacing yourself will be part of your life for the rest of your life. Hugs.
Thank you so much for the good advice. My Rhemy took me off MTX and put me on the biologic because of the elevated ALT. I’ll find out next week what’s the next step. Wow sorry to hear about all your health matters. I do try and do more (and yes I am a mother of three) but one thing is that I am leaving my job at the end of the month. It really is too much for me and I was accepted to an early retirement program so going to get my pension at the age of 54! Slowly getting the hand of pacing but it’s hard to change habits. My mind feels it should be doing something when my body says “no you have to lie down!” Good to have the support here - thanks all
That might be a reason to not start it again. I never had changes to my liver function with MTX but I could never get my life on track while taking it so my rheumy hasn’t added it to my biologics even though it would probably lessen my symptoms. There’s a permanent balance of “wellness” through medications and diminished symptoms versus “wellness” through lack of side effects.
Just as a point of reference, I’ve gone through a few biologics recently which showed little efficacy (on my 5th?) and I’m not losing hope! There are lots of options out there. Finding the best fit is tough, though.
Big hug from me, too. I tried Enbrel, and felt like you did, like it was making things worse. After using it for a month, my rheumy took me off it and tried Simponi. Wow! So little pain now, and I got my wedding ring on!!! Its been at least 8 years since it would go over my knuckle! I am using it with methotrexate. There will be a solution for you, too. It may take awhile, trying different meds, but there is hope!
I can’t get my wedding ring off!! Not that I would want to 
but sometimes I feel like my rings are choking my fingers.
Good to hear that there are more options. I have to be better for April. My hubby thinks I’m crazy “in your condition?” but I want to join my daughter in Peru who will be traveling in South America and I want to see Matchu Pitchu!!!
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Hugs …It is very frustration but I think Dr. Marc’s words are worth reading again! I have been on Methotrexate for 12 years at 8pills 1/week. In February added Enbrel because my psoriasis was exploding on my fingers and I was progressing in joint damage. I guess Enbrel is good and bad, It has significantly improved the psoriasis but I too feel like my pain is getting worse. Unfortunatly I think it is disease progression. I am active regardless, sometimes crying while im on my treadmill. I cannot take any Nsaids only Tylenol. Time to time I do physical therapy. Even though the Enbrel is not changing my pain level I do believe that it is stopping further joint damage. Diet is essential for me as well. Staying away from grain and high amounts of fat truly keep inflamation down as well as staying away from alcohol.
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Omg I feel the exact same, enbrel is not helping pain but has significantly cleared up my pustules on my fingers