Kat's Skyrizi Journey Part 2

[Kat]

I want to say my ankles are feeling better, but then again I had good days prior to injection so it's really too soon to tell.

Skin is about the same.  I  have not used the topical as I want to be able to tell what is working.  It's not really better yet but also not worse.

My AbbVie nurse ambassador called yesterday.  Originally we were supposed to facetime prior to injection so she could show me how.    I told her I was okay as the nurse showed me and I had already been on three biologics as well as an injection for blood sugar.  She was nice (and insistant) so I said sure, why not.  Well I missed  her call as I'm bad to turn off my ringer on the cell at doctor's appointments, church, etc and forget to turn it back on   So I told her I already had my injection and she said she would call me right before my next one, I said okay but why and she said to tell me how to inject.   I told her that it wasn't necessary, but she said the company has them complete steps and would I mind..... so I said okay to help her out with her job as I really don't need the help!  But it's very nice of them to follow up so thoroughly and if I did have questions or need help with anything I have her number.

[Fred]

They're keeping an eye on you and you have a contact that is a good thing.

I will say probably a bit early for it making a difference, but having said that I remember the first time I tried Remicade I told the nurse it was working whilst the transfusion was going on. She said it's the placebo effect and it won't work that quick, but she also said to keep hold of those thoughts.

Now when ever I start a new bio I keep telling myself "it's going to work" over and over, I still do it after each booster shot.

[Caroline]

They're keeping an eye on you and you have a contact that is a good thing.

I will say probably a bit early for it making a difference, but having said that I remember the first time I tried Remicade I told the nurse it was working whilst the transfusion was going on. She said it's the placebo effect and it won't work that quick, but she also said to keep hold of those thoughts.

Now when ever I start a new bio I keep telling myself "it's going to work" over and over, I still do it after each booster shot.

I understand the “procedure” of the pharmacist, they probably have records that will be checked by an official government/governance organisation. So to prevent trouble they will have to follow the procedure, despite it being not necessary for you Kat.

This placebo effect is really really strong, so hold tight to that attitude, Fred.

[Kat]

I've been positive each time I started a biologic but haven't had much luck so far. Skyrizi was on my radar pre-covid so I'm hopeful.

Skin is actually a bit worse today but that's probably because I've stopped the topical, even though I was only using it about 1-2 times per week on average.

I don't know if anyone here will have the answer, I'll probably have to ask the doctor but anyway...

Is it possible my body fights off the biologics? I don't know how it works but being a new something entering my system and a wonky immune system that tends to want to fight off good things it seems, I just wondered. Remember, I lack in a natural ability to understand this stuff.

[mataribot]

It’s your immune system’s responsibility to fight foreign invaders - so it’s possible… But typically, there’s side effects associated with that…

[Kat]

It’s your immune system’s responsibility to fight foreign invaders - so it’s possible… But typically, there’s side effects associated with that…

I don't really have side effects.... but things like "headache" and "joint pain" are normal for me so I'm not certain I would notice if the side effects were mild.

It seems my body goes into protective mode over things so I just wondered. I have CRPS which short version, I can have an injury that heals but my body will keep the swelling going etc as it still treats it as being injured. (A VERY bad description, but the one my physical therapist used to describe it to me) so I just wondered since biologics - up until now, still trying to be positive haven't worked is because my body won't let them or something of that nature.

I'm going to have to moisturize my neck/ears as they are getting a bit more dry and scaly I don't want to use the topical as it did work to calm things down and I want to be able to know if/when the skyrizi starts to improve things. Of course if it gets too annoying I'll use the topical to be more comfortable but I'm not at that point yet.

[Fred]

I agree with Mata. It's possible your body could fight it, but I would say it's more about side effects or the bio causing other problems that would cause problems.

[Kat]

Yeah

It's hard to understand how things work, or sometimes why things aren't working. Just some thoughts I was having.

Well still too soon to know anything, could be quite awhile yet before noticing if it's working or not. I had to reschedule my dermatologist appointment with grandson having covid but I'll see her in a couple of weeks. Not that I expect anything at that appointment other than continue to wait and see. Patience is definitely NOT a virtue I have in abundance.

[Fred]

I've found some bio's work almost from day one, some take a few months. Some keep going a long time and some fail within weeks.

You know the old saying "psoriasis is difficult to treat and there is no one suits all" for me these days I tend to go with the flow and enjoy what I can out of them, but I always keep an eye on the back burner for my next option.

I think it was Bill I once had a conversation with here and I said "if they say it does this then it should especially at the price they charge my healthcare provider" I think what I'm trying to say is grasp the opportunity and use it, give it a fair try (unless it causes you problems) and see how you feel in 3 months time as that is usually when most bio's say it's worth continuing or not.

But don't forget you can sometimes play with the dose and times between shots as I did with Stelara, but that is something you have to talk over with your dermatologist.

Give it three months, keep notes, report any problems, get ready to switch, but enjoy what you have now. If in 20 years time you're still happy great, but it's your body and it's your choice. Some will never touch a bio, I will never touch DMF it's my choice, I just go for what gives me the best for what I want.

I'm off to the bar ............................................ * don't drink alcohol it's bad for psoriasis go and read a book instead ........................ as long as it's a good book and not one that will mess with your mind.

Sorry Kat I'm done

[Kat]

Don't be sorry Fred, I appreciate the input.

I'm actually reading a good book, which I won't discuss here.  And I don't drink, well I should say I rarely drink.  Maybe once or twice a year. 

I did change my mind on the topical.  I had a patch behind my ear really dry, scaly and itchy.  I decided to use the topical as it made no sense to suffer when I didn't have to and also I will know if things are improving if I don't need the topical down the road.  I can be a bit blonde at times, even though it's mostly gray now.    (Okay so it's ALL gray! or GREY for you people who can't spell )