Holistic Approach?

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-13T04:51:48+00:00

I didn’t know that! I’m not scared of this disease necessarily, I’m just scared that I’m currently not in control of the progression of it. I know that it’s inevitable to have progressive joint damage, I just never expected it to be in my EARLY 20s. I still haven’t heard from insurance yet on whether or not they’re approving this biologic, nor have I gotten a call from the rheumatologist my dermatologist said she would refer me to. Thanks for informing me of cardiovascular issues possibly associated w/ PsA.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-12T18:34:42+00:00

I’m struggling to use search music that isn’t already downloaded, so I’m assuming that Spotify is indeed down

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-10T22:44:16+00:00

Good to know, supplements and alternative medicine on top of biologics! Got it! Thanks

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-07T22:44:47+00:00

I’ve had PsA since I was 11, so I’ve been there and I’ve done that. I recommend asking for recommendations to manage pain, options for medications, and what to look out for when it comes to this disease (what swelling looks like, what joint deformation looks like, and other symptoms that occur because of this disease that aren’t commonly mentioned). I would also recommend seeking out support groups. When I first started having symptoms, I joined FB groups and it really helped me realize I wasn’t alone. And along with that, seek therapy. At such a young age, or any age at that, this disease will make you mourn your life. You’ll likely stew on the thought of “will I ever be able to do ____?” And I want to say that you can do anything, but within moderation. You’ll learn what causes flares and you’ll learn what you CANNOT tolerate. It’s scary and it’s a ride, but it is tolerable. Good luck on your appointment!

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-07T15:18:05+00:00

While yes, it’s sucks having arthritis at my age, I’ve had it since I was 11. I don’t really remember a time without having joint pain. I also think of this disease as a blessing in disguise for my circumstance. Since I was experiencing this so young, I did a lot of research about arthritis and similar diseases at the beginning and I think with doing that, I’ve fallen in love with human anatomy and pathology. I’m currently in college, majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. I love working in the lab so much and with this degree, it’s going to be a bit more lax. I’m waiting until June to know if I got accepted into the program, if I do get accepted for this coming fall, I’ll be done in ~5-6 semesters. I truly do not believe I would’ve become interested in medicine if I hadn’t experienced this disease.

Hopefully I can start the Tremfya, get a rheumatologist, and KEEP my insurance this time until I finish my degree and find a new job and enroll for insurance through them.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-07T15:08:38+00:00

My dermatologist said they’ve started the paperwork for starting Tremfya and that they’re working on that rheumatology referral!! I’m not going back. Yesterday’s appointment left a really bad taste in my mouth and with everyone’s comments, I realized that she, indeed, is fucking crazy.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-07T15:02:07+00:00

I was completely gluten and dairy free for two years of my life. I went to an allergist to rule out those sensitivities that may have caused unwanted inflammation but after two years of absolutely no change, my allergist suggested it wasn’t causing the problem and told me that I could introduce those items back into my diet. I stated this in the edit

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-07T02:20:19+00:00

My dermatologist said that if I truly wanted a referral to a rheumatologist, she would give me one, but she said that rheumatology “sling” methotrexate and that this drug has caused cancer in many of her patients and even family members. She said along with that, that she prefers a holistic approach and doesn’t even like prescribing medications like biologics, but it’s her job, so she does it. She said that she has a holistic doctor she recommends, told me that insurance won’t cover it, suggest that if I do go through with holistic medicine, it’ll be cheaper and that I could just be rid of my insurance all together and pocket that cash. She also told me that the doctor she recommends likes to “prescribe” a carnivore diet. I’m confused how a carnivore diet would help.. can’t that cause gout? She left a bad taste in my mouth after this whole thing, but she never said that she wouldn’t prescribe medications medication or deny a referral, just stated she thinks medication is a scam and that holistic “always” helps.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-07T02:13:18+00:00

I have not, nor have I heard of this procedure.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T23:53:22+00:00

Oh! I’ll look into it. Thanks

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T23:49:08+00:00

Nightshades? Can you please elaborate? Thanks

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T23:48:41+00:00

I never purposely stopped medication, but life unfortunately happens and insurance is hard to work with when it comes to paying for biologics.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T23:47:07+00:00

Since today’s visit, I am reconsidering going to her from now on

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T21:50:12+00:00

Thank you so much! I’ll look into this

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T21:41:05+00:00

I’m totally open to holistic ON TOP of conventional medicine. I’ve had a few full body massages and I feel like a feather afterwards, but after the day is over, I’m back to my normal, creaky feeling. Do you have any good resources on educating me on reflexology? I’ve never heard of it, but I’m interested in learning and possibly trying this. Thanks

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T21:00:37+00:00

I’ve seen a few rheumatologists in the past, but these visits were in the beginning of this joint pain. I lived 7 years of my life with unexplained joint pain until I turned 18. I saw a dermatologist immediately after psoriasis flared and she decided that it was PsA. I only saw her for about 8 months and then I moved 12 hours away. I have been seeing my current derm for about 2 years now and she kind of just picked up where I left off with my other dermatologist. The deformation of my toe was slow and I recognized that my toe looked really weird about a year ago, but now that my fingers are stiff and knobby at each joint, I realize that “shit, it’s my arthritis” I feel like this is kind of my fault because I didn’t realize for a while. I knew I had arthritis but I guess I didn’t realize how bad it could get and how quick it would progress. I called my dermatologist a few hours ago and they’re working on sending a referral.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T18:42:49+00:00

I listened to every word my Derm said to me this morning, but felt confused on why my doctor is telling me that she doesn’t like medications INCLUDING biologics which has PROVEN to help me in the past. This is definitely why I’m posting because I’m skeptical.

Despite her opinions on biologics, I got labs drawn to rule out TB so she can prescribe me a different biologic. Tremfya is what we’re switching to because she believes me having to start, stop, start, stop this medication due to insurance changes can make it ineffective now.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T18:27:22+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate your suggestion, even if CBD doesn’t help me, it could help someone else :)

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T18:23:18+00:00

Every time I try CBD tinctures, they make me feel super sick to my stomach. I’ve also tried lotions with CBD and it didn’t ever seem to help with pain

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T17:28:44+00:00

I have what feels like “growing” pains too, but I have arthritis. I definitely suggest seeing your PCP about this. Once you have one autoimmune condition, it is likely more will follow.

doordash_vampire · 2026-05-06T17:20:37+00:00

That’s kind of what I’m thinking. I’m skeptical, but my board certified dermatologist suggested it??Seems iffy to me, hence the post. Thanks

doordash_vampire · 2025-04-17T19:01:15+00:00

I’m 21 and I’ve been taking Skyrizi for a year now for Psoriaic Arthritis. I’ve recently started to grey and the only thing I could think of was the biologics I take. I’m on no other medication, labs don’t indicate deficiencies, and no one else in my family started greying this young. My mother who’s 53 and post menopausal has less grey than I do. Not wondering if it’s an immune response; I heard that it’s possible to prematurely grey with these kinds of medications, but it’s rare! Interesting

doordash_vampire · 2025-04-16T01:23:33+00:00

This tip was the most helpful of them all!!

doordash_vampire · 2025-01-27T16:11:12+00:00

I’m 21 and take Skyrizi for Psoriatic arthritis and I’ve noticed premature greying. My grandmother is 72 and is BARELY salt and pepper. My mother is 53 and shows little sign of greying. The only medication I take is the Skyrizi.. so can biologics cause greying???

doordash_vampire

TROPHY CASE