A Young Wife's Tale » Arthritis http://youngwifestale.com/blog Hand me another Diet Coke. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:09:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Oh, How Far We’ve Come http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/oh-how-far-weve-come/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/oh-how-far-weve-come/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:18:09 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/oh-how-far-weve-come/

Oh, how far we’ve come in our journey with Psoriatic Arthritis. Remember the awful rheumatologist in New Jersey who wanted to take David off the Humira? He didn’t believe David had psoriatic arthritis.

David had a great visit with his old Dallas rheumatologist last week. David and I told the doctor how well David has been doing. We talked about David being able to run errands, hang out with friends and go to Sunday School and church. We talked about how the latest round of acupuncture treatments have brought David’s daily pain levels down from a 5 to a 1. We were happy and grateful.

IMG_0759

(See? Happy and grateful at our friends’ wedding a few weeks ago.)

Then, because he’s an excellent rheumatologist, he asked several specific questions about stiffness. He wasn’t satisfied with David’s stiffness and pain in the mornings and evenings. The doctor is changing David’s Humira injections back to every 10 days instead of every 14 days. You may recall David used to take his Humira every 10 days back when he wasn’t doing so well.

I’m thrilled that the doctor thinks David can be even better! It’s incredible to me how very different this rheumatologist is from the one in New Jersey. I’d love to write the doctor in New Jersey a letter saying, “Gee, good thing we didn’t stick with you! David’s psoriatic arthritis is n remission!” But David says we should turn the other cheek.

I am so thankful David’s psoriatic arthritis is in remission. I’m thankful he has the Humira and his rheumatologist.

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/oh-how-far-weve-come/feed/ 4 How David Copes With Psoriatic Arthritis Pain http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/how-david-copes-with-psoriatic-arthritis-pain/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/how-david-copes-with-psoriatic-arthritis-pain/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:53:54 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3728 The Back 2 Life Machine helped stretch David's lower back very gently. Back 2 Life At different times David's rheumatologists have given him injections in his back of things like methotrexate and cortisone. They typically only offered mild relief. Doctors have prescribed many different medications to help David with his pain. Some of the medications that have given David significant relief are hydrocodone, Lyrica, Flexeril and Cymbalta. There was only one time when David asked a doctor for pain medication, and the doctor didn't want to (but he's the horrible rheumatologist who didn't think David had Psoriatic Arthritis). I convinced him to give David the medicine, and we found a new rheumy ASAP. ]]>

This post is part of the RA Warrior Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management Blog Carnival. Click here to learn more from other rheumatology patients about pain management.

My husband David was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis four years ago. Although he is currently in remmission, he has been completely debilitated at times by arthritis pain in his joints, most notably his spine, and he still experiences arthritis pain every day. David uses a variety of methods to deal with his Psoriatic Arthritis pain.

Some of the simplest remedies that help him are things like over the counter heat patches, heating pads, and hot baths with epsom salts. Another thing that has helped David is chiropractic care.

I’ve blogged before about the Back 2 Life Machine. It was very helpful when he was flaring so badly the muscles in his back would spasm. You could actually see the muscles in his lower back twitching. The Back 2 Life Machine helped stretch David’s lower back very gently.

Back 2 Life

At different times David’s rheumatologists have given him injections in his back of things like methotrexate and cortisone. They typically only offered mild relief.
Doctors have prescribed many different medications to help David with his pain. Some of the medications that have given David significant relief are hydrocodone, Lyrica, Flexeril and Cymbalta. There was only one time when David asked a doctor for pain medication, and the doctor didn’t want to (but he’s the horrible rheumatologist who didn’t think David had Psoriatic Arthritis). I convinced him to give David the medicine, and we found a new rheumy ASAP.

I would not want David seeing a rheumatologist who was uncomfortable helping him with the pain. He’s never abused his medication. I understand that some doctors hesitate to prescribe pain mediation because they are afraid people will become addicted. I understand that they have liability issues. But, rheumatologists treat people with chronic pain, and there are better ways to deal with these problems than by letting rheumatology patients suffer in pain every day.

Prescription drugs help with the pain, but the absolute best thing for David’s Psoriatic Arthritis pain is acupuncture. Acupuncture is the only thing that has ever given him any pain free moments. After an acupuncture treatment, David typically has several hours where he isn’t in any pain. Acupuncture is expensive, and many health insurance companies don’t cover treatments. Still, it works for David. If we could afford to do it every day, he would!

I wish health insurance companies covered things like chiropractic care and acupuncture. It is frustrating that they will pay for drugs that offer minor relief, but not acupuncture which offers incredible relief.

Do you have chronic pain? What helps you?

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/how-david-copes-with-psoriatic-arthritis-pain/feed/ 5 The Psoriatic Arthritis http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/the-psoriatic-arthritis/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/the-psoriatic-arthritis/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 15:34:24 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3688 This was originally posted on April 25, 2009. It was the second blog post I wrote. It's amazing to see how far we've come. And to know David's arthritis could be this bad again. My husband, David has Psoriatic Arthritis. He was diagnosed a year ago, at age 23. He's only ever had mild psoriasis on his scalp. We actually didn't know it was psoriasis until the rheumatologist told us. David has a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, so we were relieved to know he does not have the rheumatoid factor, although I recently learned that it could develop into rheumatoid arthritis.]]>

This was originally posted on April 25, 2009. It was the second blog post I wrote. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. And to know David’s arthritis could be this bad again.

My husband, David has Psoriatic Arthritis. He was diagnosed a year ago, at age 23. He’s only ever had mild psoriasis on his scalp. We actually didn’t know it was psoriasis until the rheumatologist told us. David has a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, so we were relieved to know he does not have the rheumatoid factor, although I recently learned that it could develop into rheumatoid arthritis.

David takes several different medications. The rheumatologist thinks he should go into remission. It could be today, it could be next year. There’s no time frame. The cold really bothers him, as do changes in the barometric pressure. He takes two or three baths a day with epsom salts. He sees a chiropractor a few times a week, and gets a massage or two every month.

And still, with all that, he’s in constant pain. It’s miserable.

The arthritis is so bad we’re selling our beautiful home because David can’t handle the stairs when he has a flare up. The last severe flare up completely immobilized him. I couldn’t leave him. My parents brought us meals. His parents brought us groceries. We need to be closer to our family in case it happens again.

Everyone keeps telling David he needs to exercise. But how exactly is he supposed to do that when it’s a struggle to get out of bed in the morning?

The arthritis is quite a strain on our marriage. David goes to work and then crashes at night. He’s not up to going on dates. Most evenings we’re sitting at home watching a movie. We can’t go to the movie theatre because it’s difficult for David to sit in the chairs for so long. If we take the dog for a walk, it’s a good day. But there is no going to the mall, no bowling or putt-putt. No fairs, no opera. Nothing that requires sitting or standing for any length of time.

David can’t help around the house. He can’t help me move furniture or bring in groceries. Sometimes without thinking I’ll ask him to help me with something. And sometimes he does something stupid like play duck duck goose with kids at church. Then he’s in agony for days afterwards, and I’m resentful.

Even though it totally sucks that my husband has PSA, we really are very blessed. David has a good job. He can even work from home when he’s having a very bad day. Frankly, the fact that he’s still able to work is a huge blessing. We have health insurance. Our family lives nearby. We have the prayers and support of our church. And you know, at least we know what’s wrong, and he’s being treated.

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/the-psoriatic-arthritis/feed/ 6 Humira and Worrying http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/humira-and-worrying/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/humira-and-worrying/#comments Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:51:38 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/humira-and-worrying/ the awful New Jersey rheumatologist, he would only write a script for a 90 day supply of Humira instead of the typical 12 month supply doctors usually send to the Humira Patient Assistance Program. When I called to order another shipment (they send one 90 day supply at a time), they reminded me he'd need another script. I told them the name of David's new rheumy, and they said they didn't have her info in their system. No big deal. They said they'd contact her and fax her portion of the paperwork. But, I felt nervous. What if they didn't have her info because she refused to work with Humira or something? Sounds silly, I know. After my experiences with David's first rheumatologist and COBRA though, it's not that farfetched. ]]>

Check out my guest post over at Healing Well.

Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Even though David’s psoriatic arthritis is in remission, we don’t know how long it will last. We are really enjoying a more “normal” life right now, but I still struggle with fear and anxiety.

The last time David saw the awful New Jersey rheumatologist, he would only write a script for a 90 day supply of Humira instead of the typical 12 month supply doctors usually send to the Humira Patient Assistance Program. When I called to order another shipment (they send one 90 day supply at a time), they reminded me he’d need another script.

I told them the name of David’s new rheumy, and they said they didn’t have her info in their system. No big deal. They said they’d contact her and fax her portion of the paperwork.

But, I felt nervous. What if they didn’t have her info because she refused to work with Humira or something? Sounds silly, I know. After my experiences with David’s first rheumatologist and COBRA though, it’s not that farfetched.

Then I started worrying about the rheumy giving us a hard time since David still hasn’t had the lab work done that she ordered. He’s so busy at work right now, and Saturdays we try to rest so that we can attend church on Sundays. We really miss our doctors in Texas with labs in their office. He needs to have the lab work done. It is important. But I was terrified his medicine would be delayed. I worried that he’d have a flare while we were moving.

The doctor sent us the paperwork, saying we needed to fill out our portion. Her office didn’t know we’d done our portion months ago. David took the doctor’s portion to his office and faxed it.

In the past, a rep from the Patient Assistance Program has called me within 24 hours of receiving David’s paperwork. Busy packing, I waited several days. They didn’t call. I worried. I asked David again if he’d faxed it. Not only had he faxed it, but he had the confirmation page.

Finally I called them. They had received the doctor’s portion. Everything was fine. The rep put me on hold while he verified the pharmacy department had received the script.

While I was on hold, I became terribly anxious. What if they said we had to resubmit our portion of the paperwork? Our part is good for one year, but that had always been with a one year script. And what if they thought it was odd we were moving back to Texas, but the doctor was in New Jersey? What if they gave me a hard time about shipping to a new address?

What if David couldn’t get the Humira any more?

Finally, I told myself, “These are the Humira people! They didn’t give you a hard time when you moved from Texas to New Jersey. They’ve never hassled you about anything. They’ve never had to speak with David to authorize or verify anything. They’ve been incredibly accommodating. They have always believed everything you’ve said!”

And they did. They had everything they needed. They were perfectly courteous and professional as always.

David’s next shipment will arrive a few days after we move home. God continues to provide for us, and I shouldn’t panic when I refill David’s Humira. Letting my thoughts spiral into worst case scenarios is great for writing fiction, but not healthy for real life.

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/humira-and-worrying/feed/ 1 What I Wish I’d Known the Day My Husband Was Diagnosed With Psoriatic Arthritis http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/what-i-wish-id-known-the-day-my-husband-was-diagnosed-with-psoriatic-arthritis/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/what-i-wish-id-known-the-day-my-husband-was-diagnosed-with-psoriatic-arthritis/#comments Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:27:53 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3631 Remission is not as easy as the doctor makes it sound. David was diagnosed in February 2008. He didn't go into remission until December 2010. He got much, much worse than he was the day he was diagnosed before he got better. 2. Remission does not mean you'll be doing everything you were doing before the diagnosis. David still has pain every day. He'll probably never go back to playing softball, racquetball and wakeboarding. We are extremely grateful that he is doing as well as he is. But it's not like it was before the diagnosis. Remission does not mean cured.]]>

The day David was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis we learned several things. One, David has psoriasis. He thought he merely had dandruff. Two, he had Psoriatic Arthritis, which we’d never heard of. David and I both felt pretty good when we left the rheumatologist’s office. We had a name for David’s terrible back pain. The doctor was starting him on medication, sending him for x-rays and a bone scan. The rheumatologist said he’d soon be in remission.

We were so naive. The rheumatologist was overly optimistic. (A year later he was fired.) Here’s what I wish I’d known the day my husband was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.

1. Remission is not as easy as the doctor makes it sound. David was diagnosed in February 2008. He didn’t go into remission until December 2010. He got much, much worse than he was the day he was diagnosed before he got better.

2. Remission does not mean you’ll be doing everything you were doing before the diagnosis. David still has pain every day. He’ll probably never go back to playing softball, racquetball and wakeboarding. We are extremely grateful that he is doing as well as he is. But it’s not like it was before the diagnosis. Remission does not mean cured.

3. Your life will completely change. This is a really big deal.

David and Me Just Before the Diagnosis

4. Try alternative medicine. Seriously. I’m amazed at how holistic we’ve become. Hello? I’m the Diet Coke Queen. I’ve always believed in eating lots of fruits and vegetables and exercising, but I’m the last person you’d ever expect to hear singing the praises of acupuncture and chiropractic care. It’s shocking to me to see organic milk and produce in my shopping cart today. Alternative medicine has been incredibly helpful for David.

5. There are other young people with chronic illnesses. I wish I’d gotten online to look for chronic illness communities and blogs sooner. Rest Ministries, RA Warrior, my friend Kerri at Living With Chronic Illness and so many other sites have given me so much encouragement. I wish I’d known about them the day David was diagnosed.

6. Say yes every time someone offers to help. Chronic illness is very humbling. Get over your pride. Fast.

What do you wish you’d known the day you received your diagnosis?

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/what-i-wish-id-known-the-day-my-husband-was-diagnosed-with-psoriatic-arthritis/feed/ 6 David’s Psoriatic Arthritis is in Remission! http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/davids-psoriatic-arthritis-is-in-remission/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/davids-psoriatic-arthritis-is-in-remission/#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:14:00 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3569

This is a post I’ve wanted to be able to write for a long time!

Yesterday, I blogged about David’s appointment with his new rheumatologist. As the nurse was asking David what medications he was taking, David mentioned that he has been taking less than one pain pill a week. I knew he was taking less, but I didn’t realize how much less. The only other medication he’s been taking is Humira.

Since December, David has been off of most of his medication. He has been in better moods, he has only flared when he’s done too much, and even then, they were mild flares.

Throughout his appointment, David talked. He answered ninety percent of the questions asked. At past appointments, I’ve done at least fifty percent of the talking. He volunteered information he thought the doctor might like to know. It was pretty amazing.

And then it happened. The rheumatologist said the R word. David’s Psoriatic Arthritis is in remission! Thank you, Lord!

He has to continue Humira, and he’ll keep pain medicine on hand in case he flares, but that’s it. He still is in pain every day, but it’s much less pain than he has experienced in the past. He has more stamina. He’s been in a great mood for the past three months. He still has to be careful not to strain his body. Walking and swimming are okay at this point, but running and wakeboarding are not okay.

We don’t know how long the remission will last. There are no guarantees. Humira is not a cure. David will live with Psoriatic Arthritis for the rest of his life.

The remission may have been caused by a combination of all the medication David was taking, the acupuncture and chiropractic care getting his pain under control. The easy, gradual changes in the weather here in New Jersey may also have played a part.

However it happened, we know God has blessed David with remission. We know the prayers of our friends and family have been answered. Thank you. Thank you for reading about our journey with Psoriatic Arthritis. Thank you for praying with us.

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/davids-psoriatic-arthritis-is-in-remission/feed/ 15 Appointment with New Rheumatologist http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/appointment-with-new-rheumatologist/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/appointment-with-new-rheumatologist/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:02:34 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3566

David saw a new rheumatologist yesterday. We arrived at 10:59 for his 11:00 appointment. David walked up to the counter, and said,

“Hi, I’m David. I’m here for an appointment.”

The receptionist looked at him and shook her head.

“We’re a gynecology office.”

Our insurance company had the rhuematologist listed under a the wrong address. So, we got back in the car, called the rheumatologist and got the correct address. We were thirty minutes late. The staff and the doctor were very understanding. They even laughed with us about the mix up. That was a good sign.

This rheumatologist did not talk over him. She asked many questions regarding David’s psoriasis, which was nice, since most rheumatologists focus on the arthritis part of psoriatic arthritis, especially since David never complains about his psoriasis. She listened to our answers and repeated back to us what she was hearing. At one point, during family medical history, she asked us to clarify if a relative had irritable or inflammatory bowel syndrome. She didn’t freak out the way other rheumatologists have when he mentioned having taken medications such as Wellbutrin and Celexa.

Towards the end of the appointment, she told David she wants him to get back to exercising. She emphasized that David do an exercise he enjoys. If you enjoy your exercise routine, you’re much more likely to stick with it. She seemed full of common sense.

She ordered a test for Celiac Disease in addition to David’s regular lab work. David was never tested for Celiac, but he stopped eating gluten a little over a year ago. We were told that David would have to go back to eating gluten before he could be tested, but this doctor said no. I’m hoping some of my gluten-free friends can help clarify. There’s more than one test, right?

David and I both liked the new rheumatologist. But we weren’t even asking for a refill. It’s easy to like a doctor when you’re just going for a check-up and not in intense pain. Most doctors will seem nice when you don’t need anything. Still, she and her staff made a great first impression.

Tomorrow I’ll post about the R word she used…We’ve wanted to hear the R word for three years!

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/appointment-with-new-rheumatologist/feed/ 1 Natural Treatments vs Medication for Psoriatic Arthritis http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/natural-treatments-vs-medication-for-psoriatic-arthritis/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/natural-treatments-vs-medication-for-psoriatic-arthritis/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:04:21 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3551 Are rheum patients pressured not to take medical treatment? Have you ever read an article that sounds like it discourages medical treatment for rheumatologic conditions? Whether the alternative offered is Eastern medicine, non-prescription medicines, or dietary changes, or spiritual advice, what would you like to say to anyone who would tell patients to forgo medical treatment? My answer? It's not just rheumatology patients. David and I have a relative who has been diagnosed with a type of hereditary stage IV cancer. We have prayed for this person and their spouse often over the past year. I've been very concerned, of course, but I literally had this thought: Well, at least no one is going to bother them about the medication. No one would tell a cancer patient that organic food or acupuncture will cure them. I was wrong. They have had people tell them that an all natural approach will cure cancer.]]>

RA Warrior is hosting the Rheum Blog Carnival #3. The official subject is:

Are rheum patients pressured not to take medical treatment? Have you ever read an article that sounds like it discourages medical treatment for rheumatologic conditions? Whether the alternative offered is Eastern medicine, non-prescription medicines, or dietary changes, or spiritual advice, what would you like to say to anyone who would tell patients to forgo medical treatment?

My answer? It’s not just rheumatology patients. David and I have a relative who has been diagnosed with a type of hereditary stage IV cancer. We have prayed for this person and their spouse often over the past year. I’ve been very concerned, of course, but I literally had this thought: Well, at least no one is going to bother them about the medication. No one would tell a cancer patient that organic food or acupuncture will cure them.

I was wrong. They have had people tell them that an all natural approach will cure cancer. There is no cure for cancer. Or psoriatic arthritis. Just in case you were wondering.

At least with Psoriatic Arthritis, when people say things like that I can just assume their ignorance on the subject. Most Americans understand what cancer is. I’ve written about this before: if acupuncture, chiropractic care and Humira shots help David, why would acquaintances suggest he shouldn’t utilize any of those things? Why are we telling people they shouldn’t treat their illness?

Pain medicine is one thing I hear about the most. “I/my daughter/my spouse/my brother doesn’t take pain medication because he/she doesn’t want to get addicted. He/she is in pain every day, and he/she just deals with it. He/she does acupuncture/yoga for the pain.” Well, I’m glad to hear it. I’m glad your loved one can function without pain medication.

There were times (and the time will probably come again) when David could not work without pain medication. He was carefully monitored by his doctors. Nowadays when he takes pain medicine, it’s so he can sleep. He’s tried acupuncture, and it is the only thing that has given him pain free moments. I wish we could afford for him to have a treatment each day, since the effects only last a few hours for him. And yoga? Ha, ha, ha! Any exercises besides a little swimming or walking makes him flare. We wish he was able to do yoga.

David was on older arthritis medications for over a year before he started taking Humira. He was getting worse. He was frequently bedridden. Yes, TNF inhibitors (also called biologics) are strong medications with scary potential side effects. David chose to take Humira because the benefits out weight the risks for him. Humira aims to prevent the progression of his auto-immune disease. He has improved dramatically while taking it.

For David, a blend of natural treatments and medication help him live as close to a normal life as possible with Psoriatic Arthritis. I understand people’s desire to go all natural. It’s not as if David enjoys taking pills and injections.

But apparently, David interacts with a completely different segment of society than I do. When I asked him about the blog carnival topic, he said, “Oh, yeah! So many people think I’m crazy for doing acupuncture and chiropractic care!”

My opinion: everyone needs to be supportive and encouraging when people find treatments that help them with their illness. Also, read this article by RA Warrior on why she wishes natural remedies treated rheumatoid arthritis.

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/natural-treatments-vs-medication-for-psoriatic-arthritis/feed/ 9 How Much is This Medicine Really Helping David’s Psoriatic Arthritis? http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/how-much-is-this-medicine-really-helping-davids-psoriatic-arthritis/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/how-much-is-this-medicine-really-helping-davids-psoriatic-arthritis/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:39:41 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3530

How much is this medicine really helping David’s Psoriatic Arthritis?

We became active on our new health insurance December 4, but didn’t receive our cards until the middle of January. David ran out of all his medicine, except his Humira, because it’s provided by Humira Patient Financial Assistance. HR wouldn’t help him get a temporary card. They kept saying he could pay for everything out of pocket and then submit the receipts for reimbursement. I don’t know about you, but we don’t feel like putting thousands of dollars of charges on our credit card and waiting months for the insurance company to reimburse us.

Here’s the thing: David has been fine without his meds. In fact, he’s been active. In Dallas he played Kinect and wrestled with his nephews. Since we’ve been back, we’ve gone out with friends a few times, played Kinect a bit, walked Henry to the mailbox a couple of times…David hasn’t noticed much of a difference without his anti-inflammatory drugs, Lyrica, etc.

What the heck? Is the Humira helping that much? Why bother taking all that other stuff if it isn’t really doing anything? Or is it just that the medicine has built up in his system? Should we expect a horrible flare?

He has been in a great mood. I really don’t want him to start taking all his meds again. And of course, it’s a lot less expensive this way. Maybe instead of wasting money on all these meds that do little or nothing for him, he could spend the money on acupuncture, a treatment that makes him feel great! Or maybe, if he was taking the Lyrica he’d feel even better. Maybe he needs to go back on some of his meds so he can really exercise.

David has an appointment with a new rheumatologist in March. I’m anxious to hear what they think (as long as they don’t try to say he doesn’t have Psoriatic Arthritis) about his medication situation. I am so thankful David is doing well right now!

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]]> http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/how-much-is-this-medicine-really-helping-davids-psoriatic-arthritis/feed/ 5 Fragmented Friday – Psoriatic Arthritis Edition http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/fragmented-friday-psoriatic-arthritis-edition/ http://youngwifestale.com/blog/chronicillness/arthritis-blogpost/fragmented-friday-psoriatic-arthritis-edition/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 04:25:14 +0000 Young Wife http://youngwifestale.com/blog/?p=3218

Friday Fragments is hosted by Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin’ Time.

*You have to watch this video from Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior!

Although David has psoriatic arthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis, I can totally relate to this video. I get tired of people saying, “Oh, I have a touch of arthritis in my hands just like you do.” The rheumatologists have told us that his psoriatic arthritis could develop into rheumatoid arthritis, so we feel a close kinship to our friends with RA.

*Did you know David doesn’t wear a wedding ring? I bought him a white gold band when we got married. He lost it within a few months. We bought a cheap replacement band made of tungsten, but he never wears it. He says it bothers his hands. It’s strange to me because he never mentions his hands hurting. The joints that bother him the most are his vertebra, hips, knees and wrists. He does have psoriatic arthritis in every joint in his body, except his shoulders, but his hands are still stronger than mine. He opens jars for me all the time.

*David has done very well lately. We noticed a big difference when David started taking Humira. He stopped having flares that left him bedridden. We’ve now noticed another change with the Lyrica. They may not be able to diagnose David with fibromyalgia since he doesn’t have any tender spots, but boy does the fibromyalgia medicine help! Don’t get me wrong. David’s not going to take up jogging or anything, but we might be able to start going to Sunday School. He can walk Henry a little bit. I’m afraid to get used to this new level of comfort. I still worry about him having a flare that will leave him bedridden, even though it’s been at least a year since he’s had a flare like that. I don’t want him going to a men’s retreat or for training without me. What would happen if he flared? Who would take care of him?

*As of 5 PM Thursday, we still can’t use our health insurance. COBRA has cashed our checks, and they show us as active, but they can’t seem to tell our health insurance company or the mail order pharmacy. It makes me so mad! I was on the phone with them for an hour today, and they kept putting me on hold to talk with the health insurance company. Health insurance company was sent a fax, but they haven’t input the information into their computer system. They needed COBRA to give them our plan number, and they didn’t like the plan number listed on my card. So guess what I get to do Friday morning? Spend another hour on the phone with COBRA, and then ask them to overnight David’s meds without any surcharge. I’m not holding my breath.

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