update on rash/remicade

Just got back from seeing my rheumy.  She took one look and said it was psoriasis.   I have never had psoriasis except for a bout of pustular psoriasis on the bottom of my feet years ago before the arthritis started.  Her first reaction was that I just haven't had enough of the remicade yet.  I told her that I read of cases where the remicade can cause or worsen psoriasis and that I am very afraid of having another infusion.  She called in her associate and he said that there really is no way of knowing and he felt that it wasn't a good idea to do another infusion.   I was sent home with a prescription for prednisone, told to go back on the Humira Wednesday and stay on it till they can get approval for yet another drug.   She gave me info on cimzia and orencia (neither of which has yet been approved for use in psoriatic arthritis so that means a fight with the insurance company.  She said she didn't think simponi would work well enough on my joints.   So, here I go again.   getting really frustrated and depressed and just wish it would all go away.  I hate taking these drugs but know that if I don't I'll be crippled up in no time.    Sorry to whine but I guess I just need a good cry today.    Now I have to call the Vet as my poor kitty isn't doing well again either.  He has hyperthyroid and gingivitis and is on thyroid meds and prednisone too.   He doesn't tolerate the thyroid meds well and he's itching all the time.  He and I make a good pair!    Any input on use of cimzia and orencia w.b. appreciated.   I think she was leaning towards the cimzia.  I don't really care as they are all about the same as far as side effects.  Just hope the next one works.

to be continued---

Alicat

Hey, Alicat...

I wanted you to know that you are not alone with the "mystery rash" syndrome. I tried Enbrel in 2007 and, after about the first month, developed a round, red, raised spot on my left bicep; my PCP said it was ringworm and sent me home with a salve. Fast forward three months and three physicians; it was a lupus-like reaction to the Enbrel and eventually developed into a nasty itchy, red, raised rash comprised red bumps all over my body. Since then, if I am out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, I get the rash. The latest bout was last week (it is now beginning to disappear) which was pretty nasty and intense and this time it came about three weeks after I was started on Cimzia. The treatment is Prednisone, which I had to get off of as my weight shot up 10-12 pounds in like w.5 weeks and I am ridiculously bloated. There are topical steroid creams which should work. None of the doctors know EXACTLY what the rash is but it is thought to be a reaction to the sun mixed with the biologic. It's pretty disgusting to me; you know, it's really nice when one of your co-workers points to your arm and asks what it is and says it is scary looking.

Hope this helps and I hope things get better for you.