Health Boards
Fri-07-04-2017, 17:22 PM
Hello Everyone. I am new to this forum, new to psoriasis, and new to Cosentyx. I didnt know how lucky I was to be starting Cosentyx as my first biologic until I read the stories here and learned more about Cosentyx in general. I was diagnosed with Psoriasis in early January and I started Cosentyx Wednesday April 12. This is my story.
I have had psoriasis for about 2 years. I used and overused topical steroids with little or no improvement during that time. It wasn't until psoriasis started on my hands and feet that I went to see my first dermatologist. In early January I was diagnosed and started the long road of trying to get Enbrel, the biologic my dermatologist recommended. Not surprisingly, I was denied by my "good" insurance. After a few other attempts at getting Enbrel failed, my doctor started trying to get Humira for me. I filled out paperwork and waited again. I think my doctor was feeling as discouraged as I was. Then I made the best decision I have ever made and started looking for a second opinion.
I went to a Psoriasis Clinic in Atlanta Georgia. The doctor explained so much to me, he went over all the pros and cons of the different biologics and I understood why he chose Cosenyxy for me. My next question was how do I get started. The doctor explained that his office would do all the leg work of getting me approved, but he said I didnt have to wait. He said that he would start me on Cosentyx in his office as soon as I had the proper lab work done. I had already done the test needed for Enbrel so I had a copy with me. He started me on Cosentxy that day! He said I would be able to get the mediation free of charge for 2 years, and that hopefully in 2 years insurance companies will have caught up with modern medicine. See why I feel so lucky? The doctor actually said "I expect great things".
I will continue to get the injections in his office until the medication starts coming to my house. The injections were completely painless. I think the doctors in the psoriasis clinic see many patients and because they provide statistics to Novartis, Novartis helps them start their patients quickly. My advice to everyone is to be sure to see the right doctors for this illness, and not to stop asking for help.
I am 2 days after initial injections. The first day I had a headache and felt achiness in my arms but the headache didnt last long and the achiness is better. I actually feel improvement in the burning, itchiness, and scaliness in my hands and feet and its just been 2 days. I am so hopeful. I am also thankful that I found this forum. I will keep you posted as time goes along about the improvement I am expecting and the side effects I may have.
Good luck to us all
I have had psoriasis for about 2 years. I used and overused topical steroids with little or no improvement during that time. It wasn't until psoriasis started on my hands and feet that I went to see my first dermatologist. In early January I was diagnosed and started the long road of trying to get Enbrel, the biologic my dermatologist recommended. Not surprisingly, I was denied by my "good" insurance. After a few other attempts at getting Enbrel failed, my doctor started trying to get Humira for me. I filled out paperwork and waited again. I think my doctor was feeling as discouraged as I was. Then I made the best decision I have ever made and started looking for a second opinion.
I went to a Psoriasis Clinic in Atlanta Georgia. The doctor explained so much to me, he went over all the pros and cons of the different biologics and I understood why he chose Cosenyxy for me. My next question was how do I get started. The doctor explained that his office would do all the leg work of getting me approved, but he said I didnt have to wait. He said that he would start me on Cosentyx in his office as soon as I had the proper lab work done. I had already done the test needed for Enbrel so I had a copy with me. He started me on Cosentxy that day! He said I would be able to get the mediation free of charge for 2 years, and that hopefully in 2 years insurance companies will have caught up with modern medicine. See why I feel so lucky? The doctor actually said "I expect great things".
I will continue to get the injections in his office until the medication starts coming to my house. The injections were completely painless. I think the doctors in the psoriasis clinic see many patients and because they provide statistics to Novartis, Novartis helps them start their patients quickly. My advice to everyone is to be sure to see the right doctors for this illness, and not to stop asking for help.
I am 2 days after initial injections. The first day I had a headache and felt achiness in my arms but the headache didnt last long and the achiness is better. I actually feel improvement in the burning, itchiness, and scaliness in my hands and feet and its just been 2 days. I am so hopeful. I am also thankful that I found this forum. I will keep you posted as time goes along about the improvement I am expecting and the side effects I may have.
Good luck to us all
