KatT's Journal

[Fred]

Uhm......the site I looked into was not updated.

What I find odd is two articles three years apart....2017 and 2020

Will keep this in mind if Simponi doesn't work 

The difference in the dates is because the first one is for psoriasis and the second is for psoriatic arthritis. It's usual for most bio's, they get approval for psoriasis first and then go for psoriatic arthritis later.

But at least it's one you can keep on the back burner for future reference.

[jiml]

KatT wrote

I find that we are behind in approving biological treatments here in Canada but there are still a few available and hopefully more will get approved soon.  I have been a bit better for the last few days.  Is it the injection? Less rain? Coincidence?  I doubt Simponi would work that fast....

So glad you are feeling a bit better 
Hopefully it is the injection working already  positive thinking
It's possible as I know some of the bios do work fast so I wouldn't be surprised if it was beginning to work

[KatT]

Not so little update:

Had four injections so far, with my fifth at the end of this week.  My face does swell up a few days after the injection (like it did with Humira) however, Humira was injections every two weeks vs Simponi is once a month. 

Had an appointment with my GP, told her about the swelling and that I was taking Reactine (over the counter allergy pills) to control it.  She said I could continue as long as the swelling doesn't get worse.

Oh...she also prescribed decent pain killers to take before going to bed if required and Champix at my request (to quit smoking ….. still admiring the box though)  

I feel great for about three weeks and the fourth week is a bit painful.  Therefore, I have barely used the pain killers she prescribed which is good as I don't want to get addicted.....have enough with my smoking and my ice caps!

Also ended up in the ER on December 21st with pain in my abdomen/belly that I had been enduring for four days (with no sleep, pillows in my back in bed or sitting on the couch crying cause I am exhausted) ....it took 6 hours....not bad however, I was extremely pissed when I left.

1. The doc told me I was a box of surprises because I am immunocompromised and that it was possible that he wouldn't find anything

2. They were not able to take blood from my right arm (three nurses tried).  When they went for the left, I told them it's worse and good luck.  One of them checked and eventually they took it from my right hand.  I am surprised I didn't pass out as I usually do when they fool around.

3. Had a CT scan....again, they could not put the ''thingamagig'' in my arm so they put it in my right hand

4. They let me go to the bathroom for a urine test however, when I asked if I could go again several hours later, the nurse told me that she was going to bring a container and that I had to pee in a weird chair that was in the room.  I told her that I would wait.  That being said, when I was about to leave (I was eyeing the sink at that point lol), I asked for the container as there was not way I was going to make it home.  She then told me I could use the bathroom.

  

Anyway, the doctor didn't find anything aside from gallbladder stones but he said that that was not the reason why I was in pain.  I did not push for further tests as I was tired, in pain (arthritis flare due to lack of sleep), in serious need of an ice cap and a smoke!

Conclusion: The pain eventually went away.... and now I know I have gallbladder stones which is apparently quite frequent and usually don't cause problems.

Almost forgot.  Had another appointment with my rheumatologist at the beginning of January.  Told him about the swelling and that it was under control.  I'm glad however that he got to see my swollen hands!  I was due for my injection a few days after.

Next appointment in 5 months 

[Fred]

Good update KatT. 

I don't recall anyone else mentioning face swelling after injection, as it also happened with Humira I'm thinking it may be time to ask for Stelara , Cosentyx or Tremfya as they are different to Simponi and Humira. Got to be worth a try in my opinion.

They found I had some small stones when I got a bladder infection a few years ago, but said they were nothing to worry about. At least the pain went away in the end, could have been a muscle ?

As for giving up smoking, it's not easy but I achieved it about 10 years ago by joining an online forum (sadly gone now) the way it worked was to start your thread and each day make a post. The other members would encourage you to keep going and some of the advice was very helpful, someone told me to sip cranberry juice every time I wanted a smoke (I hate the stuff) but it worked.

I'm sure if you wanted to try a thread here you would get a lot of support, but determination is your biggest helper. 

[Caroline]

Thanks for the update KatT.
You have a lot to stow away. I see now why there are certain days you were more silent on the forum.

Can’t give you advice on smoking as I have never smoked.
But if you would want to start a thread, as Fred suggests, I will certainly support you.

[Raxyl]

Hi KatT, I gave up using Champex about 6 years ago, I found it very effective.  btw what are Ice Caps?

[KatT]

Good update KatT. 

I don't recall anyone else mentioning face swelling after injection, as it also happened with Humira I'm thinking it may be time to ask for Stelara , Cosentyx or Tremfya as they are different to Simponi and Humira. Got to be worth a try in my opinion.

They found I had some small stones when I got a bladder infection a few years ago, but said they were nothing to worry about. At least the pain went away in the end, could have been a muscle ?

As for giving up smoking, it's not easy but I achieved it about 10 years ago by joining an online forum (sadly gone now) the way it worked was to start your thread and each day make a post. The other members would encourage you to keep going and some of the advice was very helpful, someone told me to sip cranberry juice every time I wanted a smoke (I hate the stuff) but it worked.

I'm sure if you wanted to try a thread here you would get a lot of support, but determination is your biggest helper. 

Tried Stelara and Cosentyx....didn't work.  My rheumatologist is not very good unfortunately and he's the only one we have in our region on the Quebec side.  Tremyfa is next on my list but as I said, I feel great for three weeks and the allergic reaction is under control so I will continue for now as this is working a whole lot better than the previous treatments.

Good idea for the thread!  Will start one when I start Champix.  I have set my date to start 

Thanks for the update KatT.
You have a lot to stow away. I see now why there are certain days you were more silent on the forum. 

Can’t give you advice on smoking as I have never smoked.
But if you would want to start a thread, as Fred suggests, I will certainly support you.

Yes....I did go quiet for some days!  Not all due to health,  sometimes due to work unfortunately.....January was rough but I keep repeating to myself:  pensionable time!!!!

Hi KatT, I gave up using Champex about 6 years ago, I found it very effective.  btw what are Ice Caps?

I hope it will work! 

Iced cappuccino from Tim Hortons coffee shop (it's a chain like Starbucks)  look it up on internet.....they are awesome aaaaand I have a large one every day.....sometimes more......doesn't help with the weight though 

[Wooley]

Sounds like you have been having a hard time KatT - hope things get better for you soon....

[jiml]

Wow KatT you don't do things by half seems as if you've had a rough time the last few weeks by the sound of things. But glad the pain is eased now, and hope the gall stones don't cause further problems.
I gave up smoking years ago and know how hard it can be but we are always here and happy to encourage you 

[KatT]

Thank you for all the support