Saw the Rheumatologist today

[northcoast]

Another update, but not much new...

I think Saturday will be my 8th shot, but I'm not totally sure on that one.

Arthritis is held in check for the most part.  Some very mild soreness in my hands is all, but I feel pretty darn good for the most part.

The psoriasis still hasn't responded all that well, unfortunately.  Still scaly, but not as bad as before the Humira, and the sizes have not changed.  I think it just goes to show how truly baffling autoimmune problems are.  The arthritis was largely gone after 1 day, but the skin issues have improved maybe 20-30%.  No idea.  All things being equal, if I had to choose one aspect to improve, it would definitely be the arthritis.


Oh... forgot to mention that I have had zero side effects so far.  Keeping my fingers crossed for that trend to continue.

Hope everyone is well.

--dave

[Fred]

Yes I agree the psoriatic arthritis is the worse part of it. I wouldn't like be flaky again, but if it meant I get still be free of psoriatic arthritis I would happily walk around covered in psoriasis.

They will usually pull you if there is no improvement around week 12 - 16, but it sounds like you're on the right track.

[jiml]

Hi Dave and good to read your update .....it seems as if the humira is working well on the arthritis but slow on the scaly psoriasis ....it's good you are feeling good ...I hope the psoriasis continues to improve and I will follow your posts with great interest

[northcoast]

Update time for those following:

Arthritis symptoms still remain at zero.  So thankful. 

Interesting side note.  I'm 42 years old, diagnosed at 35, and I really started having pain issues for about a year before diagnosis.  Feeling the way I do right now, which is virtually pain free, I look back and think that I've probably been gradually ramping up as far as the pain goes since maybe my late 20s.  It's been eye-opening in that sense. 

I recently hiked 8 miles round trip over a 2000ft mountain with a 50lb. pack with my brother.  Zero ramifications except for sore feet, but I doubt it was related... the trail was pretty rocky and I opted for running shoes as opposed to hiking boots because they are much, much lighter and I think that was the cause, but even that was no big deal. 

Skin:  As I was about to give up on any decent skin clearing, I got some good clearing as I headed into month 4 of treatment.  Now it oscillates between about 50-70% clear, so I'm pretty happy there.

Hope all is well and everyone is getting some relief from their own symptoms!

--dave

[jiml]

Great update Dave ...it certainly seems as if humira is doing its magic on you .....if you are up to a good hike like that it's certainly not done you any harm.....I'm sure my feet would ache after that hike

Let's hope that humira gets you complete clearance soon, although you sound pretty happy with the current clearance

I'm staying clear, thanks for asking I'm still on p my Fumaderm and just seen my dermatologist and got a good set of blood results and 6 years clear

[Caroline]

That is certainly looking good Dave.
Sore feet after 8 miles hiking in the mountains on sports........ that is quite obvious.   in the mountains you should use mountain shoes, not sports shoes.

But it remains super that your arthritis symptoms stay on zero. congrats.

[Fred]

I'm following Dave, and I'm very well thank you. (apart from some problems getting to answer posts, but it's normal for me)

Great to hear it's working well for you, and long may it continue.

The psoriatic arthritis is the one to get on top of as soon as possible as it's the one I find affects the quality of life, psoriasis is bad enough but give me a a flaky skin any day over locked up painful joints.

8 Mile hike! Fred thinks "Must work harder" ................................................................ I'll start slow.

[D Foster]

I am with you on the hike in spirit Dave ,you seem to be doing really well but if I tried that I would have to be carried home. Hope that it continues for you, all the best.

Dave from the seaside.

[northcoast]

That is certainly looking good Dave.
Sore feet after 8 miles hiking in the mountains on sports........ that is quite obvious.   in the mountains you should use mountain shoes, not sports shoes.

But it remains super that your arthritis symptoms stay on zero. congrats.

It was a gamble to go with the shoes, but the trail was not all that rocky.  And with the heavy pack, the light shoes saved me I think.  Mountain shoes/boots are heavy, and 1lb. on your feet is like carrying 5-6 pounds on your back.  I certainly wouldn't use them for all situations, but I lucked out here!

[northcoast]

Thanks for all the replies and support, everyone!