Moving from skilarence to stelera

[Fred]

Good to hear you a clear, long may it continue.

[jiml]

Great to hear the Stelara is working for you Mac
As far as Corona virus goes, all any of us can do is take sensible measures to minimise the risk for ourselves and family and keep our fingers crossed it passes without us getting it

[Caroline]

I really don’t know if there is an increased vulnerability for people with auto immune diseases. I have started thread [Group Specific] for it.
And though I have been searching for answers, also with Dutch institutions and patient groups, but nowhere there is a detailed explanation on how vulnerable people with auto immune diseases nor people under treatment are. Probably they don’t want to panic anyone.

It is also not clear to me what exactly the virus is targeting. But it targets the immune system, so my guess is that if you are fit and your immune system can adequately react, so is not weak, there will be no problem, then it will act as just a flu.
Are you weaker, doesn’t your immune system react enough, then there may be trouble.
It is known that the lymphocytes, white bloodcells, are important in the system. So a good lymphocyte count seems to me as important.
Biologicals target specific interleukines, at least Stelara, Cosentyx, Tattz, etc. The non-TNF blockers. They are not influencing the lymphocytes. So it may very well be that there is less risk with those. TNF-blockers, and various systemics, like MTX and DMF, suppress or lower the lymphocytes. So there may be a larger risk with them.

Just my thoughts and Remember is am not a doctor, but in absence of better information just trying to do some logical thinking.
It’s also nothing to panic about. Just be careful and wash your hands regularly.

[jiml]

Thanks Caroline I'm sure there are a lot of worried people who have no idea how vulnerable they are and what precautions to take
I think the advice to keep handwashing will possibly help although it's going to be impossible to wrap everyone in cotton wool to avoid getting it.

I haven't seen anything from anyone that has had it and survived to tell how bad the disease was

[D Foster]

Saw an interview with a guy who had it in China and survived . Started with a cold and then that cleared up a few days later he started aching then it went into bad sinus and ear ache. This then appeared to get better but he woke up a few days later unable to breathe and was rushed to hospital with pneumonia. This guy was about mid thirties and in good health before it struck.

[Fred]

Let's all remember this is about moving from Skilarence to Stelara.

I have started another thread about the virus: Covid-19 (aka Coronavirus) and psoriasis

So let's try and keep this one

[Mac092]

Hi Everyone again, 

I'm terrible at keeping up to date with this and I do apologise.

Cheers Caroline for your take on covid and stellera, it is always good to get as much info as possible.

I'm in a pretty remote part of Ireland so I can keep clear of people which will surely help 

Now for the important update, just had my fourth dose of stellera.  As before I am completely clear and the little blotchy patches on my skin(marks from where it used to be) have started to clear too. Speaking for my own experience so far, I've had absolutely no side effects. Long may this last!

The main reason I started this thread I suppose, was for anyone who failed with other treatments and we're beginning to lose hope, keep going there's more options. While skillarence failed for me, stellera has been a revelation and the needle really isn't a big deal(which is saying something as I used be terrified of needles). Ill try my best going forward to keep up to date,  even if I only remember when I have to take another shot so that people can see how stellera plays out(for me) in the long term 

[jiml]

Brilliant news Mac I'm so glad it's been a good move from skilarence to Stelara and you are experiencing clearance. It gives hope to others as you say that are struggling with treatments, and ones like me who are always wondering if the current treatment fails what's the next step
Thanks for the update it was interesting to read

[Fred]

Great news Mac. It is a great treatment, and like you say once you get a few shots under your belt it's so easy to do.

Long may it continue and thank you for taking the time to pop in and give an update.

[D Foster]

Great news Mac, it's really a fantastic treatment indeed , long may it continue.