Fumaderm and hormone injections

[jiml]

Went to have a blood test Monday  this week as my last results the lymphocyte count had dropped  to .95.....not too worrying as it was only just out of the normal range.......So I was delighted this morning when my GP phoned and said guess what your lymphocytes have recovered and are back up to 1.23 a great result

I will continue on 5 tablets a day as my psoriasis is well under control and I only have a tiny patch on my left elbow
The arthritis is not too bad the finger joints are a bit tender and my feet are less painful when I get up in the morning so I will try to stick to this medication as it has been so good to me for the last four and a half years

[Fred]

Good news Jim, I've just been reading your Journal that only members with 10 post can see. But thank you for the update here too.

I would advise anyone to stick as long as possible to something that is working. We may think the grass is always greener, but I regretted going onto Humira. A change could be better, but it could also be worse, so we have to weigh up our options.

The good thing about most treatments is that you can just change. And with all the new stuff coming out, there will always be something in the cupboard for us.

[jiml]

Good news Jim, I've just been reading your Journal that only members with 10 post can see. But thank you for the update here too.

I would advise anyone to stick as long as possible to something that is working. We may think the grass is always greener, but I regretted going onto Humira. A change could be better, but it could also be worse, so we have to weigh up our options.

The good thing about most treatments is that you can just change. And with all the new stuff coming out, there will always be something in the cupboard for us.

Thanks Fred I agree and will stick with my current drug as long as possible as I don't have any side effects apart from an odd flush, and with keeping an eye on my bloods I can manipulate the dose to keep me clear and pain free without fear of problems
And the other things will be there if Fumaderm should ever stop working ...I am hopeful it will continue long term

[Bill]

Excellent rebound, Jim. At least you have the option of hitting it with a little more if you need to, and can do so with a lot more confidence. I think the DMF gang have the best treatment going.

Cheers,

Bill

[Caroline]

Excellent rebound, Jim. At least you have the option of hitting it with a little more if you need to, and can do so with a lot more confidence. I think the DMF gang have the best treatment going.

Cheers,

Bill

That is a common opinion under the DMF gang.

Too bad it is not so well recognized by dermatologists, rheumatologists and pharma. Although they may have different agenda's. DMF could be the aspirine of the future but also could be turned into a cash cow. Let's hope for the best.

[Bill]

Yes, it is a drug with effects on innate and acquired immunity, and I have been using it for almost four years without a loss in efficacy. Great for the skin too. I would like to see it tested as a conjugate with either glutathione or cysteine: If you can reduce the gastric side effects and give the liver and kidneys more protection, then you could treat the disease much more aggressively initially than you can with DMF at present.

[jiml]

Friday I wasted an afternoon at the hospital had a three thirty appointment so got there 15 minutes early
No receptionist just a note to say sit and wait till called
Didn't get called to see the dermatologist till after 5pm and it was a young ( not complaining about age we all have to learn ) but she had no idea of my history and I had to tell her what I was doing she listened and was happy or at least understanding that I had increased the dose to 5 tablets a day and 2  weeks later increased to 6 a day . I explained that the previous derm said there was no problem as long as I was being monitored . I then told her on 6 a day my lymphocytes dropped in less than a month to .95 so I reduced again to 5 a day and my blood recovered quickly to lymphocytes 1.25.... she hurriedly scribbled this down and informed me she was happy for me to continue on 5 a day as my lymphocytes were now at 1.35

I told her my joints felt a lot better and as far as I could tell the current dose was containing the psoriatic arthritis
I was out in 10 minutes and just got to the pharmacy before they closed but got my pills very quickly

[Fred]

Friday I wasted an afternoon at the hospital had a three thirty appointment so got there 15 minutes early
No receptionist just a note to say sit and wait till called
Didn't get called to see the dermatologist till after 5pm and it was a young ( not complaining about age we all have to learn ) but she had no idea of my history and I had to tell her what I was doing she listened and was happy or at least understanding that I had increased the dose to 5 tablets a day and 2  weeks later increased to 6 a day . I explained that the previous derm said there was no problem as long as I was being monitored . I then told her on 6 a day my lymphocytes dropped in less than a month to .95 so I reduced again to 5 a day and my blood recovered quickly to lymphocytes 1.25.... she hurriedly scribbled this down and informed me she was happy for me to continue on 5 a day as my lymphocytes were now at 1.35

I told her my joints felt a lot better and as far as I could tell the current dose was containing the psoriatic arthritis
I was out in 10 minutes and just got to the pharmacy before they closed but got my pills very quickly

Oh that is a shame Jim. It's so annoying when you have a good relationship with your dermatologist and then it all goes tits up. Hopefully it's a temporary thing and will be sorted for next appointment.

[jiml]

Yes it was annoying Fred. As I wasn't able to have a proper conversation and came away feeling she had learnt more than I had .... the only positive was I got my prescription filled quickly

[Fred]

Yes it was annoying Fred. As I wasn't able to have a proper conversation and came away feeling she had learnt more than I had .... the only positive was I got my prescription filled quickly  

It's good you managed to get your prescription. But it's also good that you know what you are doing and how to monitor your treatment, it may not be the same for a newbie and you have to ask would an episode such as this put one off continuing with visits.