Health Boards
Mon-09-05-2022, 15:12 PM
My gastroenterologist would like to try increasing frequency of Humira to weekly, rather than every other week. If the skin clears up, then we'll stay at weekly Humira. If it gets worse, then we'll switch to Stelara (I think). He had checked in with me via the online patient portal last week, and we had a brief exchange about this--nice since I don't have a co-pay for that communication. Saved me $60 for an office visit co-pay.
I took the six oral tablets last Thursday; yet, my skin has increased itchiness and a few new patches have appeared since then. I wonder how much is due to stress at coming to the decision to quit using MTX or if it's the MTX being less effective at this dosage (15mg).
I recall Fred's earlier advice on enjoying your life and try to keep stress low. I tried the diet approach as diligently as the strictures in the small intestine would allow (I cannot tolerate much fiber), but going gluten free, eliminating added sugars didn't produce changes in my skin. I think Fred's outlook on this is wise.
It can be maddening. But this forum is so very helpful. The information, the support, the community--so good.
So . . . my plan is to agree to weekly Humira, contact dermatologist who is covering for my doc while she's on maternity leave, and see how it goes.
I had an office visit with pulmonologist last week following an annual spirometry test. He said that if/when I switch to Stelara (or away from Humira), he will order spirometry test every four months and see me in person afterward. If I lose ground, we'll see it early and figure out what to do. But he said continuing with Humira is best option for lungs since it's keeping a dangerous condition quiet, and he doesn't know how they will respond to changing away from it.
I took the six oral tablets last Thursday; yet, my skin has increased itchiness and a few new patches have appeared since then. I wonder how much is due to stress at coming to the decision to quit using MTX or if it's the MTX being less effective at this dosage (15mg).
I recall Fred's earlier advice on enjoying your life and try to keep stress low. I tried the diet approach as diligently as the strictures in the small intestine would allow (I cannot tolerate much fiber), but going gluten free, eliminating added sugars didn't produce changes in my skin. I think Fred's outlook on this is wise.
It can be maddening. But this forum is so very helpful. The information, the support, the community--so good.
So . . . my plan is to agree to weekly Humira, contact dermatologist who is covering for my doc while she's on maternity leave, and see how it goes.
I had an office visit with pulmonologist last week following an annual spirometry test. He said that if/when I switch to Stelara (or away from Humira), he will order spirometry test every four months and see me in person afterward. If I lose ground, we'll see it early and figure out what to do. But he said continuing with Humira is best option for lungs since it's keeping a dangerous condition quiet, and he doesn't know how they will respond to changing away from it.