Just a small update; I have both good news and bad news. First the good news. My Psoriasis score is now less than 5!! My legs and back still have light pink parches, but the itch is gone. However, I still have inverse psoriasis where the sun don't shine.

Now for the bad news. I still have feet/hand/hip pane. He said that Stelara only helps approximately 20% of this patients with PsA. He said since my psoriasis is in good shape is going to subscribe Plaquenil for PsA. He told me if in 4 months if my joints are not better is going to refer me to his Rhumey and more than likely pull the plug on Stelara.

Hopefully my PsA is better in December, I don't know I will do for my skin He said he can order a MRI for my hand, but it's more than likely a waste of time and money because it doesn't always show unless there is significant damage and inflammation. Not sure if I want to tell him if does still hurt in December.

Thank you for updating this thread, I wish a few more would come back now and again to give an update as it can be valuable information to others.

Stelara did take a while to help with my psoriatic arthritis and although I get a few problems when it's damp, I now manage to live with it. Maybe the PsA got better as my skin got better but it's working for me.

My Dermatologist sent me to rheumatology but all they done was confirm I had psoriatic arthritis and prescribed Methotrexate to be used with Stelara. When I said "No Way" they said there isn't much else they could do. I asked my Dermatologist about Simponi but being the way things are in France I was told It can only be given by Rheumatology and not by Dermatology

I have heard some people say Stelara doesn't work for PsA and do agree it's not as good as the other Bio's but whilst I'm clear of psoriasis I can put up with a bit of discomfort now and again. I found an article the other day that may interest you: https://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=1418

Chin up mate

I just thought I would update my condition again. I just saw the rheumatologist again today. I have complained all my life about my joint issue and my x-rays have been clean and promptly called a quack. I guess they can no longer call me a quack cause I have permanent damage in both my hands and hip. My rheumatologist said the damage is minor, and he isn't to concerned about it.

More bad news, he said can't get any other biologics approved until I try MTX again first(because I lack swelling). I might be able to go back to other drugs that are approved biologics (Humira), but I am scared to try that one again.

Over the last few weeks, I have been vomiting acid in the morning. More than likely the Celebrex. I am no longer taking it and I am on an acid reducer for the time being.

I still don't believe completely with the diagnhosis of pure PsA. My symptoms simply do not match.

Just a small update; I went to my dermatologist today for a routine follow up. Ironically, he surprised that I still have psoriasis in my groin region. The psoriasis in this area is the inverse variety and is quite painful. Sadly, I don't think that area will ever be free psoriasis until my PsA is controlled.

I have some issues I discussed at my appointment. My knees and feet area turned a dark pink and left a wierd pattern like my pants cut off circulation. It was extremely itchy and hurt to the touch. Ironically, he doesn't know what it is (showed picture) during that time period, My face decided it needed it's red cheeks again....

Sorry to hear you still can't get fully under control particularly in those nether regions it is very difficult. In the past when I had it in my groin area I used to apply a little Dovonex against medical advice, but when desperate you try anything. I used to leave it on for only a short while then wash it off and moisturise with Doublebase Gel.
Fortunately not had any problems like that since I was put on first Methotrexate (which I stuck for quite a while ) then my current treatment Fumaderm which I hear is not yet available in US
As for the leg problems may be something not psoriasis related could have been a reaction to medication ? Maybe
Good luck I hope you get some total relief soon

(Wed-11-12-2013, 07:02 AM)mataribot Wrote: Just a small update; I went to my dermatologist today for a routine follow up. Ironically, he surprised that I still have psoriasis in my groin region. The psoriasis in this area is the inverse variety and is quite painful. Sadly, I don't think that area will ever be free psoriasis until my PsA is controlled.

I have some issues I discussed at my appointment. My knees and feet area turned a dark pink and left a wierd pattern like my pants cut off circulation. It was extremely itchy and hurt to the touch. Ironically, he doesn't know what it is (showed picture) during that time period, My face decided it needed it's red cheeks again....

Probably not that good an idea, but if you can get as much air around your groin area as possible it may help. Plenty of Coconut Oil and loose fitting cotton underwear may also help.

I wonder if what your describing with your knees and feet could be Cellulitis? Liz started a thread about it here: https://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=858 but no answers, though it could be worth a look.

Sadly, I have too tried to potent topological steroids in that region. The result was a super yeast infection that took several months to get rid. This too much info, but I don't wear any underwear anymore. Keeping that area dry is better than the alternative.

My dermatologist agreed that adding MTX was waste of time and dangerous. Surprisingly,he said feeling for swelling is a lost art and needs to stay lost.

Another small update: found out that the same rules apply for my Stalara as a 90 day prescription. My shot is in the mail; wonder if my dermatologist will be mad if I take it early. I already started to vomit again; so it's time for a new shot in my opinion.

(Thu-30-01-2014, 00:16 AM)mataribot Wrote: Another small update: found out that the same rules apply for my Stalara as a 90 day prescription. My shot is in the mail; wonder if my dermatologist will be mad if I take it early. I already started to vomit again; so it's time for a new shot in my opinion.

Will that affect your next shot, I mean won't that stretch it out further next time?
But if you are feeling really bad go for it ( just my opinion and what I would do)
Others will probably disagree. Hey it's your body only you know when is a good time.
question is it possible taking it early to be overdosing?

I should be able to order again in three months. Note sure if it would cause over dose, but Fred takes the 45 mg every two months.