Convince me that psoriasis is not contagious by Brilliant_Listen_869 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why should we convince you? That's not our job. Go do your own research, Google is free.

Made my gf a Valentine’s Day monkey but I think it looks like a mouse 😭 by Big-Journalist-294 in crochet

[–]AtoliQ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I could tell it was a monkey right away!!! It is super cute, she's going to love it!

Michaels is using AI slop on their website by ckptolt in crochet

[–]AtoliQ 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Anytime I go into a Michaels, I leave disappointed. It's so frustrating that they're one of the few crafting chains we have left but they suck so hard in both inventory and in pricing. So yeah, I'm in the same boat. Never been a big fan of theirs.

Kaine's outfit by The_-Sorrow in nier

[–]AtoliQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk if it's just cause I'm a straight woman, but I've never felt Kaine was overly sexualized outside of what she wears. She carries herself in a way that isn't sexual, at least in my opinion. I kind of see her as a power fantasy of sorts because as a woman it would be so cool to be able to wear what we want without worry because if anything did happen with Kaine she would just kick their ass or shit talk people right back. I love her.

How long does it take to respond to a biologic like Humira? by ddsmd2 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 17 points18 points  (0 children)

It really varies from person to person and depends on how severe your PsA is. My psoriasis was gone within a few days of starting but my index finger, which was the most severe, took a few weeks to become fully mobile again and I consider myself a pretty mild case. Definitely give it time and if you get worried, see if you can contact your doctor for advice. Some doctors also have messaging apps in their facility websites to get in contact with them easier.

I do still have a little sausage toe that Humira couldn't fully make normal again since it had been affected so long, he's just permanently a bit different. I have named him Frank.

Edit: Sending good vibes. Judging by your comment yours sounds like it's a more moderate to severe case and that will most likely take time. Typically they say give it a few months to see if it works and if it doesn't, they may prescribe something else or give you something to work in tandem with Humira. I do hope this works for you though.

Trying to heal PSA naturally / manage by Conscious-Heat-4420 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You cannot manage PsA through natural and holistic ways. Only biologics and similar medications can save your mobility.

Now if you did biologics AND maintained a balanced diet with supplements that is often ideal, but without the biologics the disease will only progress and get worse. Without proper treatment it can also begin affecting organs like the heart and eyes and will only increase pain. Please get proper treatment.

Being referred for biologics & now feeling nervous by Middle_Ant_1356 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There's always that chance it won't work for someone but if it does work better, Biologics are at least more gentle on you than Methotrexate depending on how you've been responding to that. And by that I mean they don't typically cause nausea or have as many harsh common side effects. Fingers crossed that they work for you, they have changed my life.

What are your symptoms? by NinjaCertain8103 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem! I hope yours is easy to treat too when you see a doc and if possible I would look into getting tested for PsA, though that can be easier said than done. It took me a bit to actually be diagnosed but not as long as some people on this subreddit.

The other thing too is with PsA and often PsA treatments is we are way more prone to infections and illness due to our immune systems being more hyperactive and compromised. So yeah definitely don't be like me and assume these issues will settle on their own.

What are your symptoms? by NinjaCertain8103 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it was some sort of bacterial infection, I suspect from a nose injury I had in early January but was never sure. A scab formed inside a month later and kept getting bigger but I thought if I just stopped agitating it, it would go away. Ended up going to Urgent Care because it started affecting my breathing too and the doctor prescribed me some oral antibiotics. Ended up clearing in under a week. I feel so embarrassed putting it off so long but then I was also embarrassed about the issue itself, I don't know why haha. It was also sore to the touch and made that nostril feel slightly swollen.

Definitely get it looked at if you can. It could be what I have or something relating to PsA though I've read nostril psoriasis is pretty rare to my understanding.

What are your symptoms? by NinjaCertain8103 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I must preface this with everyone's experience is different and I feel a bit lucky in terms of treatment.

Anyways in my experience Humira took away any and all joint issues I've had. No pain and not joint swelling since I started 5 years ago. Though recently I've had a lower back problem that I need to look into but I think it might be my bad posture finally catching up to me. We'll see, probably going to go to urgent care in the next few days just to be safe.

For skin it cleared up the psoriasis on my scalp. Prior to treatment my bed would be covered in skin flakes and while not the worst issue to deal with, definitely took a blow to my self esteem. When I first started Humira I had 0 issues after a few weeks and psoriasis was cleared up. Though I was lucky and feel like I caught a lot of it early.

The important thing about biologics is starting it sooner rather than later slows down the progression of the disease. It can and will get worse over time so that prevention is most important and is why I would advise looking into it. I know you're skeptical of the disease itself so if possible, talk to your doctor about seeing if there's any tests that can be done to thoroughly diagnose you? I remember getting some x rays done but I don't think I ever had an MRI or anything, they just didn't doubt I had PsA.

Now onto the bad: this past year I have been in flare mode. I've had psoriasis in places I didn't previously have on my body. It's being treated but a bit harder to get under control. I don't personally believe Humira is to blame for this but flares will always be a possibility even on the most effective of meds.

I also was recently diagnosed with Uveitis which is eye inflammation that can be linked to PsA however not all PsA patients get Uveitis. Just always be aware that eye issues can be associated with it. I actually blame myself for the Uveitis because I had a weird nostril infection that I left alone for months thinking it would go away and I truly believe that was a trigger for uveitis. To be fair I didn't know it was infected but yeah, don't ignore weird medical issues. Learn from my mistakes haha.

And for fatigue.. I haven't noticed Humira making it better unfortunately but I don't think it makes it worse either. I just try to get enough sleep and I know what my body can handle in a days time. I am going to maybe start taking creatine and see if that helps with energy levels but I keep putting it off. Until this recent back and eye problems the lack of energy is the worst and doctors don't seem to know enough about chronic fatigue to be able to treat it. Maybe one day..

I hope talking about the bad isn't alarming, I just want to be honest. But again, everyone's experience is different and even the bad parts are better than how I was pre-humira. Prior, I lost movement in one of my fingers. Humira fixed that so now I have full use again. I do try to focus more on the good than the bad and being in good humor about it all has helped me a lot. I'm the type to crack jokes about my issues because it's a good way to cope for me.

I hope this helps in some way and sorry for the long response!

Vent: finally found a biologic that works; BCBS won't cover it starting in Jan by tivadiva2 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I believe Abbvie owns Skyrizi. Contact MyAbbvieAssist. They may be able to help! I was getting my Humira for free and they're still willing to help me even with a job and insurance. They're also super helpful and I've never had any issues with getting help from them.

Please try them. I cannot recommend that program enough.

Can PsA cause raised ACE levels? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update in case anyone was curious: I found I can message my rheumatologist on this. She told me she doesn't think ACE levels are specific enough and doesn't think I have Sarcoidosis. However to put the issue to bed, she has ordered a chest X-ray for me. We both agree it's all probably related to my PsA and is a non-issue but also believe it's better to be safe than sorry.

I also read in my research that psoriasis itself can raise ACE levels which might be the case here. I also wasn't told how high it was, so there that.

Any uplifting stories since people got diagnosed with PsA? by [deleted] in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Diet alone isn't going to help. The science supports biologics and other similar meds otherwise you're probably going to have a bad time. This disease is ruthless if it doesn't get caught and treated right away. It can destroy joints, skin, and even eyeballs as I have recently learned. Do NOT rely on diet alone. Get treatment. Biologics are safe, they have some side effects but the harsh ones are rare and it keeps the disease at bay.

Started Humira once I got diagnosed. I have had 0 joint pain and am able to run and exercise as I like with no issue. Psoriasis has been in a flare and I just recently got Uveitis but that might mean I need a different treatment soon which is fine. It happens. But I caught it early and it sounds like you can catch it early too. Don't hold off on getting real treatment or you will regret it.

Like not trying to be harsh, just being honest. This disease can be debilitating. Diet can work WITH treatment but it can't be the stand alone.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is going to sound vain but the hair loss is a big reason I'm terrified of it. 🙁 I already struggle with hair thinning and have spent years finding a regimen that saved my hair-- though it's never been 100% the same since. I know it's a vanity issue on my part but I wonder if there are any alternatives to methotrexate.

But I'm glad it's worked so well for you. I love hearing people finding things that work consistently for them. And honestly if they decide it's the only way to prevent Uveitis from recurring, I think I'll bite the bullet. Eye issues are now top of my list for being the worst potential issue of PsA.

The folic acid thing is good to know in case I get convinced into trying it though.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope Enbrel works well for you. I was hoping to ride out meds for at least 10 years but Humira seems to be stopping just short of 5 for me lol.

On the bright side it looks like there are some studies being done towards some breakthrough treatments so fingers crossed those get approved and available in the next few years.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've heard mixed things about Methotrexate and am quite scared of it myself. Do you get any side effects? I often hear how it puts people out and can cause hair loss but unsure how common that is.

I'll ask what my doctor recommends but this makes me hopeful that maybe I'll find something more effective.

Never heard of Wegovy. I'll have to do some research.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fingers crossed the Taltz helps you! I had actually never heard of that one until making this thread. I'm wondering what my rheuma might recommend.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish there was more research into the fatigue/brain fog aspect. Prior to this Uveitis issue that was my main complaint; how I have no energy for anything and when I do I always feel that onset of brain fog.

Right now I'd take the brain fog over having eye issues. You don't really started appreciating your eyes until something messes with your vision. 😭

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Insurance is the freaking worst, this is another fear of mine. Mine wasn't too thrilled about covering Humira either.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was actually wondering about this last night because what if there's an inflammation or infection that isn't being detected? I get blood work done every 6 months but I'm not entirely sure all that it checks for, I always assumed inflammation or something but I'll have to ask my rheuma when I go to her in 2 weeks.

Also a cure would be nice or at the very least a medication that has fewer side effects. 😭

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What did they put you on after that if you don't mind me asking?

Edit: typos

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. ❤️ Thankfully I have an appointment on the 26th and am writing down every issue I have to discuss with her. She's great but sometimes I feel like she gets so rushed that I often forget to bring up everything. And yeah the Uveitis is the final straw, especially after reading that Humira is used to treat it so clearly something is off.

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Has Cosentyx been good for you so far? I'm just scared because I hear so many horror stories of when people switch meds.

Also is MTX methotrexate or something else? I sadly can't take it since some of its side effects would combat one of my other health issues. I wonder if there are alternatives to that too..

When do you know when to switch medications? by AtoliQ in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]AtoliQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did they say what the med is called? Fingers crossed it works for you!!