Stelara Shot Number 3

It took approximately one month before my psoriasis started flaring again, but nothing terribly bad. My new rheum doctor refilled my Methotrexate and the application mechanisms, told me to do my normal dose, but stop two weeks before and two weeks after my surgery (which was two weeks ago.)

The two doses of Methotrexate did not help at all with the impending flare, sadly. So, it was steroid creams twice daily until I saw my dermatologist for my third dose of Stelara.

That visit happened to be on Monday. I received my shot, and by the next morning, the flare on my chest and face were 90% clear. My underarms and groin area, they reduced in redness/itching by 50%. My ears improved about 75%. All in all, I can say that the Stelara is working for the psoriasis. I can also say that my joint pain is minimal, except for my hands, knees, and hips. Occasionally, my neck and lower back will chime in with their own pain, but nothing I cannot handle. 

I see my rheum for the third time in January. May need to discuss the Methotrexate usage, because I don't feel a benefit when I am taking it.

Thanks for reading,

Katie

Stelara Update, New Rheum Doc, Other updates

I am not sure if the Stelara had really worked like I thought, or if it was the multiple steroid shots I received, that cleared my skin/scalp until the middle of October. I do know either or both wore off, and now my face is back to being red and scaled and the corners of my eyes are cracking. Also, my chest and underarms are suffering. I am so thankful for my essential oils and the prescribed ointments. Using a combination of them both, I am able to manage the severe itching, for the most part. I see my Dermatologist in the middle of December, so things may or may not change then.

I did find a new Rheumatologist. He is pretty nice, and listens. He also wiped the slate clean, which was nice. I picked him, not just because of the reviews he had, but because he is an Air Force Veteran. I was not displeased. I had blood work done, then followed up with x-rays the other day. My blood is "normal" (I didn't get to see my lab results), and my RF was negative. First time in YEARS it has been negative. So, something is working. I had been off Methotrexate for a month (ran out) when I had blood drawn. Makes me wonder if I really need it anymore. I see him again in January 2018.

I had my annual physical last month, too. Because of the "interview" the doctor did with me (not my normal primary care doctor, she was booked until March 2018), I was referred to a sleep study place, gynecologist, told to follow up with my cardiologist, and follow up with the GI doctor. I have done 3/4 of them.

Sleep Study: I did a two night at home study. The results came back off the chart for obstructed sleep apnea. I am currently waiting for insurance to finish their review of the data so I can get my CPAP mask. That happens to be my only option. This explains my chronic fatigue, which in turn explains my fibromyalgia. It could also be the reason I get heart palpitations. I cannot wait to get my mask. 

Gynecologist: I was sent here because of 10 years of menorrhagia. An internal ultrasound discovered a large fibroid in the uterine wall, and that my uterus was not a "deflated" balloon like it is supposed to be. I received my options to control the period, 2 were medicines, an IUD, ablation, or hysterectomy. After a lot of discussion, hubby and I decided the hysterectomy would be the treatment. So, I had another procedure to figure out what was inside the uterus. I have 3 more fibroids in there, plus more they didn't see the first time in the wall. A biopsy of the internal ones came back benign. My surgery is scheduled for December.

Cardiologist: He has me set up for an echo and calcium test this week. Depending on those results, I may or may not have to do another stress test. He is leaning against it because I walk 40-50 minutes 5-6 times a week. We are also going to wait to see how my body/heart react to the CPAP mask, before we do anything major. One thing he did change was lower my high blood pressure medicine. Now, my dizzy spells are a lot less than they had been before. 

All-in-all I feel like this has been nothing but positive. I will try to update sooner, next time. :)

Thanks for taking the time to read this post.

Loss of Rheum Doctor

Two weeks ago, I received a letter from my rheumatologist advising me that she is taking a break from practicing medicine to be with her family. Not sure how long the break will be, but I need to find another doctor or use one at her facility.

I lost it. A lot. I cried for a few days. My trek to find her and finally find out why I had been in debilitating pain for more than 10 years was long and hard. 

I found another rheumatologist through my insurance website. I see him this month. Hopefully I will have similar results with him, you know, a doctor who listens and realizes people are not the same.

So, I will update, again, after I see him. Wish me luck.

Second Dose of Stelara

My 2nd dose of Stelara was a few weeks ago. The post injection sleepiness was not as bad as the first, which was really nice. So far, it is working wonders for my skin. My scalp, underarms, face, chest, lower back, and groin area have either cleared or reduced by 98%. Now, instead of turning into plaques, the excess skin can be pealed off or rubbed off with a dry wash cloth.

As for my RA, it doesn't seem to be helping with the inflammation in my joints. I was hoping it would have, since it is supposed to help with psoriatic arthritis. They are similar, but not 100% alike. 

Next dose is in December. Hopefully that one will help with RA, too.

Update 9-13-17

Well, it has been four weeks since I had my first Stelara injection. The only side effect I experienced was fatigue. Not the fatigue that comes with Fibro, Autoimmune diseases, or staying up too late. This was the type of fatigue a person gets the morning after taking one of the night time cold remedies. 

I have noticed my psoriasis has responded well to the treatment. My face is smooth, and my scalp no longer inflamed/over producing skin cells. I am still losing hair. Much more than my 100 (or is it 1000) hairs a day "allotment." Trying to cover the bald spots has become a little more difficult, so anytime I go out, I have my hair in a ponytail.

Last week, my Rheum did my normal blood tests. My Sed Rate and C-Reactive Protein levels are elevated. More so than they have been in a year. We are hoping it was just because I had my upper/lower GI procedure and not because of the medicine change. Also, my Vitamin D levels were low, so I am on 2,000 iu of Vitamin D daily. 

My second shot is this week. I will update my blog after the shot.

Again, thank you for reading.

Stelara - First Injection

First, the steroid injections I received a couple weeks ago worked wonders. The inflammation on my scalp subsided and allowed the shampoo & solution to do their jobs. It also reduced the size of my swollen lymph node. It is still swollen, but probably 1/10 the size it was.

Second, I received my initial dose of Stelara on 18 Aug 17. The sting from the medicine and the steroid shots in my head are probably tied for pain intensity. The tech that delivered the dose into my arm massaged the medicine into the muscle so it didn't remain as a knot. Which, I think was probably the best thing that could have been done, because when the prescribing information states there may be injection site soreness, they weren't kidding. Saturday, my arm was sore.

Third, Stelara packs a punch. Since I have begun treatment for Rheumatoid Disease, I have not had a side effect from the medicines. I expected the worst from Methotrexate, and felt maybe a little fatigue, but nothing like others in my support system had reported. Sulfasalozine, Cimzia, Orencia, Enbrel, and Humira: I still had no side effects. Then comes Stelara. By the afternoon, I had the medicine fatigue. You know, the loopy head fatigue. When I slept that night, I was in a DEEP sleep, drooling and all. I figured Saturday would be better, especially since we got out and did a few errands. *shakes head* We got home and I barely made it to the couch before I feel into a deep sleep. Thankfully, by Saturday night, I was good.

Last, Does it work? I have seen a difference already. Not immediately on my scalp, except the plaques are looser. However, the other areas where I have psoriasis (chest, underarms, groin, lower back) are now about 5% of what they were last week. As for the Rheumatoid Disease, time will only tell if it is working. Weather fronts going through the area give any medicine a run for it's money.

Next injection is in three weeks. I will keep you updated.

A few more holes in my head

I saw the dermatologist on Monday. The infection on my scalp has been cured, thankfully. However, the inflammation from the psoriasis itself has not responded well to the steroid solution. 

I would say I was mildly upset about it, but more disappointed. Even doing things exactly how I am instructed did not help much. As many of you know, who deal with chronic pain/inflammation, the best and quickest way to reduce it is to get steroids. Sometimes they are prescribed pills. Other times, we get injections into the affected area. 

That day was not a, "Let's prescribe a pill and see how it works." type of day. It was a, "We need this fixed and now." type of day. So, I closed my eyes, engaged in conversation, wiggled my toes and dug my fingers into the arms of the chair as the doctor injected my scalp 10-12 times with a steroid.

I will not try to candy coat it, that was probably one of the more painful procedures I have EVER had done in my life. The pain from the injections lasted about 3 days (including the day it happened). It is not for the meek. Definitely not.

Has it helped? Well, my scalp does not feel tight any longer. That is a HUGE difference. I never realized how much we move our scalp throughout the day just by laughing, smiling, crying, and general facial expressions. But that is not the only thing that has benefited from the injection. I have been dealing with swollen lymph nodes around my neck for a few months now. One of the nodes, in particular, I tend to play with, because it is movable. It has reduced in size from a small walnut to the size of the little bean inside a green bean. 

I am waiting for the final authorization to get Stelara shipped. Once it does, I will begin that treatment along with my methotrexate. I am still using the steroid solution on my scalp and the prescribed shampoo. Praying all this will keep my psoriasis in check and my rheumatoid disease at bay.

Medicines, Appointments, Blood Work, Oh My

Since the last post, I have seen an improvement with my scalp, I have had more blood drawn, and I am playing the waiting game.

The blood drawn, four vials, was for a TB test so I can begin Stelara. The results came back negative for TB, so the paperwork is in the hands of the insurance company. My last dose of Humira will hopefully be this Thursday. If I do not hear anything before the end of next week, I will more than likely have to order more Humira, which I would rather not have to do, because then the medicine would go to waste if the Stelara is approved and shipped to my Dermatologist's office.

The shampoo and the steroid solution I was given for my scalp have definitely calmed down the psoriasis on my scalp, and around my ears. That is a blessing. I also use the shampoo for other areas of issue, and they have become manageable. I am still losing hair, but only 1/3 of what I was losing 4 days ago. In my opinion, that is a vast improvement.

The GI doctor appointment is scheduled for later this month. I have yet to schedule the cardiologist appointment because if I am going to begin a new medicine, I need to figure out what is "normal" for me while I am taking it. My primary care doctor seems to think my edema is not heart related. She thinks compression socks will help return the blood to my heart. Which reminds me, I need to go purchase some.

My swollen lymph nodes in my neck are "normal" because my body has been fighting the psoriasis and infection on my scalp. Basically, when I can no longer "move" them, then I need to be concerned.

As for my RD, it has flared the past couple of days. It was sort of "expected" because of recent stress, Humira due, and a tiny cold front passing through the area. The part I do not like about it is the low grade fever. It turns my body to mush. My biggest hope is that the Stelara will continue to help with the RD as well as the psoriasis. I am almost out of options.

Stelara

Since I may be put on Stelara, I decided to do a little research. 

Stelara is categorized as an immunosuppressive drug used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It has also been approved to help treat Chrohn's disease. - Which will benefit me on multiple levels. Not just the psoriasis, but since Humira also helps with Chrohn's and I have seen an improvement with my digestive issues of the past 24 years, this is possible to continue to help.

This drug is injected, using pre-filled syringes. The difference between Stelara and other biologics is the frequency of the injections. There is a first injection, another four weeks later, than every 12 weeks after that. - This makes me happier. I have had an adverse psychological issue when I have tried to get my injections ready. Now, with the fewer injections I will have to give myself, maybe I will not have that weird issue.

It can be used whether or not the patient is taking Methotrexate. (Which is good for me, since I do take Methotrexate.)

The concerns with Stelara are the same as with any other biologic or DMARD, the risk of infections (bacterial or fungal), contracting a virus, or being susceptible to various cancers, to include skin cancer. - Which means same concerns, different medicine.

All information I found was from the Stelara Information site

Progress

I looked up the diagnostic terms from the dermatologist's appointment notes, and I was mildly upset. I am not really going to go into it here, but it threw me for a huge loop, emotionally.

I have been religious in the use of the steroid solution and the prescription shampoo on my scalp. Three days total, and I can feel a difference. The itching is not as bad, and the inflammation has gone down. The plaques created by the psoriasis have been slowly coming off, however they bring locks of hair with them. I am glad I am not a vain person, because the sides of my head are going bald.

I had four vials of blood taken the other day so that I could get a TB test done before starting Stelara. I am not sure how long that test takes to be returned to the dermatologist. Depending on the results, which should be negative, I get to start Stelara.

Then, to make life more interesting, I suppose gravity decided to pull on me yesterday while I was walking into the garage from the house. There is the two inch step. Not sure exactly what happened, but I twisted my left ankle. I either stepped on something, misjudged where my foot was landing, and it straddled the step, or my ankle picked the wrong time to be weak. I iced and elevated it for six hours yesterday, and took an NSAID. Today, I have a brace on it, and have been keeping it elevated, when I can. The silver lining? I am so used to pain, that what would probably be high on a scale of 1-10, this is about a 3 while resting, but can get to a 5 when walking. My RD pain, when in a flare, is around an 8. 

All in all, it has been a week. Just waiting on lab results, and my appointment with my primary care physician next week.

Dermatologist 7-24-17

I went to my scheduled Dermatologist appointment yesterday. She was not happy with the way my scalp is nor the fact that Humira is not helping for the entire two weeks.

I have two prescriptions to pick up, one a shampoo and one a solution to be applied to my scalp. I also have to visit the lab and get blood work done so that I can start Stelara. 

Hubby and I are concerned because since I started Humira, my inflammation levels have been within normal limits. This has not happened in over a year. The Humira was working fine for the "arthritis" (whether it be rheumatoid or psoriatic) portion of all the diseases attacking my body.

I see her again in two weeks, hoping the shampoo and solution get my scalp under control, and hopefully I will be on Stelara by then.

Wish me luck.

Doctor Visit

Good morning. 

Be forewarned, this post may jump all over the place, thought wise, but I will try my best to get it organized before posting.

I saw my rheumatologist yesterday. It had been three months since my last visit. It has also been 4 months of Humira. Humira is working for my joint pain. Plus, I do not get a negative reaction at the injection site, like I did with Enbrel. One other surprising benefit, my lower GI issue, which I have had since the early 1990's. However, it only helps with my psoriasis, the reason for changing biologic, for roughly 4-5 days. That is a lot of time between injections to suffer with the inflammation and itching. My next two options are Otezla or Stelara - just to get my psoriasis back under control, hoping they will still benefit my Rheumatoid Disease.

We also discussed the edema in my legs, which has not improved since I mentioned it last year. My heart is palpitating again, a lot of times for no reason, or so it seems. 

Plan of attack? 

1. Go to the dermatologist and see what she wants to do. 
2. Try to get my recent stress under control, hoping to reduce inflammation.
3. See a GI doc because lower GI issues seemed to "fix" with Humira
4. See a cardiologist because of my edema and palpitations
5. Rest as much as possible, keep legs up
6. Reduce hand use because of swelling and pain

I am already working on the appointments. The rest and limited use of my hands, I need to figure out ways to do what I enjoy.

The one thing I do not like about my visits with my rheum doc, is how fast she has to handle patients. I think she has patients who are in for their follow-ups scheduled every 10 minutes. That gives her nurse time to do the vitals and her to do her assessment of the patient's condition. When she walks into the room, she doesn't sit, the computer stand raises and she types everything we discuss from there. While she does her exam, I ask questions. My time with her is precious, and half of the time, I forget my questions or concerns. Yesterday, however, I had notes. I asked as fast as I could because once she finished the physical exam of my joints, she was ready to leave. I know if she doesn't press the "chess timer" fast enough, there are repercussions. 

The other thing I do not like is having to go somewhere else to get my blood drawn. I wait no less than 20 minutes. They have 5-6 phlebotomists working in the lab, the problem comes when the computer system is running slow and the lab work orders are hung up in digital never-never land. There were 10 of us sitting in the waiting room for 15-20 minutes after the last lab was drawn, because the orders had not arrived. You could see the phlebotomists standing around and chatting.

There are two upsides to both of those downers. I can message my rheum doc and she will get back to me the same day, if not within an hour of the message, with answers and help. She is one who truly cares about her patients, but because of where she works, her one-on-one time is limited. That, to me, seems like the business is concerned more about the financial income rather than the patients' health or concerns.

The lab results, they come back the same day. I already have my results from yesterday. My kidneys and liver are functioning well. My sed-rate and c-reactive protein are within normal limits. Sed-rate is increasing, but this tells me Humira is working to keep the inflammation markers in check. Which explains the lack of joint pain, unless I have a quick flare.  

Anyway, that is the exciting events from yesterday's doctor visit.

how am I feeling today

Have you missed me as much as I have missed getting things off my chest about these diseases?

Today, on a scale of 1-10 (where 10 is the worst pain I could have), I am at a solid 6 over all. Now, if we want to go through each joint area and get a reading, I would have to say my hands are at an 8, followed by my lower back, which is hovering around a 7.5.

It will probably be a while before I get back down to a 4 over all, if not lower. I think I may have had a couple weeks this year where I was at a 1, and couldn't figure out if I was dreaming or awake.

As for my psoriasis. It really hates stress. Even though I have been able to calm myself, and not get too mentally stressed, I think the physical stress is taking its toll on me. My scalp and ears are not happy at all. The worst part, I end up waking in the middle of the night only to find out I have been pulling the skin scales off my head & ears. That really does not make for happy skin. Hopefully, once we are completely done with the move, I will get back to "normal" and my skin will reflect it.

Then, the fatigue. Sometimes, it is REALLY bad. I have come to a point where I need to have water and something to munch on while I am driving, because it doesn't matter how much sleep I had or what time of the day it is, I find keeping my eyes open a big chore. It is kind of good in the house, because I will get up and do something, ANYTHING, just to not fall asleep. My brain is still going about 100 MPH, but my body gets into sleep mode, and I am done.

I also need to find my oil supplements. I get them from doTerra. They help a lot with my inflammation and just helping me feel better on a daily basis. Some are recommended to do 4 times per day, however I do them twice. They are like that because each capsule has jut the right amount of herb/supplement in it to be absorbed by the body over a short period of time. Whereas most vitamins give you the entire daily dose at once, and we can't absorb it, so it is flushed through our systems and we get rid of it. Kind of a waste, if you ask me.

Anyway, back to how I am feeling today. I am feeling a bit more pain than I would care to feel, fatigue is a bear to manage, and I am probably going to scratch off 3-4 layers of skin today because of the stupid psoriasis. On a positive note, however, I have baby birds in a nest by my back door, and the momma bird is teaching them to fly. My cats are being sweet and loving on me every now and again (when they are not sleeping or watching the birds). The new house is beautiful, as well as our view, and I woke up today. 

Thank you for taking time from your day to read this. Hopefully, once things calm down here, I may be able to do more blogging, either personal or educational.

Cuts and Moving

Cooking, when I have the energy and minimal amount of pain, is fun. Especially when I can slice vegetables. Last week, I decided it was hamburgers for dinner. I sliced the red onion with as much ease as I could. It was nice to not have to wait until my husband arrived home from work to get the prep work done. 

Next, was the avocado. I love having a couple of slices of it on my burgers. It must be from growing up in California. So, I halve it and try to get the seed out the cool way the chefs do on Food Network. What could possibly go wrong? So, I place the seeded half of the avocado in my left hand, raise the knife and bring it down with force, so that I could sink the blade into the seed. I am guessing chefs use sharper knives, because the knife I used dug slightly into the seed, twisted the seed, went through the avocado and into my hand, just below my fore-finger. Talk about pain. I think I had a guardian angel with me, knowing I could not handle much more on my plate through the end of May, because what started as a REALLY DEEP cut, started healing quickly. I decided to not go to Urgent Care or to the ER because when my husband looked at it, the bleeding had finally stopped, and it is so hard to explain RD & the medications I am on to someone who just doesn't know me or my medical history.

I did, however, see my primary care doc the next day. By then, the incision was slightly open, but no bleeding. She gave me an antibiotic as a precaution. She said I could still do my MTX & Humira, but I forgot about both because of my next subject...

Moving.

I began packing the house last week, as well. Some boxes just needed to be taped because we didn't seal them before moving them across the street from our old house. Others, I decided to go through and get rid of items. I have a garage sale pile, which is growing, thankfully.

Even with my sore hand, I was able to get most of them done. Over the weekend, Hubby helped me move all the boxes into my oldest's recently vacated room. There are still a lot more things to pack & do, but lists help me not feel so overwhelmed.

Then, the closing. We closed on Friday, 19 May 17. We thought everything was going well, and were excited because we should be getting money back from our earnest money. Well, the funding was taking a while, so we went to the house and got our keys. While there, I had to fix about eight pages of the closing documents. So, I fixed them, had our builder fax them back to the title company. So, I thought everything was done, we re-keyed the house. On the drive home, everything began to fall apart. I have yet to hear any news about the status of the loan/closing.

What is the moral of all this?

1. Don't forget your medicines, even if life is going 200 MPH.
2. Stress, mental & physical, are terrible on a person's body, not to mention one that suffers from AI diseases.
3. Lists are perfect.
4. Flares suck

Thanks for reading.

Walk to Cure Arthritis Day - 13 May 17

Today was the Walk to Cure Arthritis even in Plano, TX. I convinced my husband, daughter and youngest son to walk with me. My oldest had to work. The team raised almost 1/2 of my goal of $1000. 

THE WEEK PRIOR

So, The entire week prior to today, was non-stop. I had no less than 8000 steps each day, and for the most part, I was away from the house doing something for the upcoming closing on our house or my daughter's graduation. My joints were not happy and my fatigue was horrible. But I promised myself that I would walk regardless how I felt.

The weather was kind of mean, too. Of course, living in Texas, the pressure can change at the drop of a dime. So, let's just add that crazy pain. 

I was about to give in, then woke up this morning and everything was back to feeling manageable.

THE WALK
We got to the event and signed in and received the vouchers for our shirts. As we walked a bit, we found the fruit and snack table. Thankfully it was there, because all four of us had forgotten to eat or grab anything for breakfast. I remembered the water, and a couple snack items, but nothing that would sustain us.

There was a 1 mile and a 5K course. Everyone lined up at the Start/Finish line. The route began the same for both courses. So, we began walking. About 20 minutes later, after turning a corner, we were wondering when the mile route was going to turn around or cut back through the park. A young man on a bike advised we were supposed to turn around instead of turn right, but because there wasn't a volunteer there to advise us, everyone kept walking. 

This was my view for most of the walk:

I am so thankful they were with me. This was after we made it to the first mile mark of the 5K. And, even though we were in it for the long haul, and my hips began screaming at me, I had a smile on my face:

We did make it back to the park. I think it was a 45 min walk.

We chatted with other walkers. Many walking for Juvenal Arthritis. My heart sinks when I see how young these children are, and knowing what they go through. I watch them walk, and know if they can do it, so can I.

I am not sure which school had their volleyball teams cheering for us, but it was so inspirational. It also let me feel what people felt when I cheered them on at their races in the past. When you hear that "you can do it" it recharges you somehow.

At the end of the race, we all grabbed bananas, granola bars, and chips to rejuvenate our bodies before we headed home. Then, we collected our even T-shirts.

All-in-all, it was a wonderful morning. Exhausting, but wonderful. I am so happy that I was able to be part of such an amazing event.

Oh, yeah, our end of walk selfie - in the truck, ready to go home:

Nausea?

10 May 17

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy drug. It is classified as a Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) as well. Rheumatologists use it in small doses to help control Rheumatoid Disease, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, and/or other autoimmune diseases.

Many people who use Methotrexate, whether orally or by injection, experience nausea or a "hangover" type feeling. Me, I am a lucky one, I do not have any such side effects.

The past two weeks, however, I have had a "pre" side effect. The thought of getting my vial & syringe from my medicine case, and even filling it, have made me nauseated. Last week, I couldn't control it, so I had to skip my weekly dose of MTX. This week, I had to force myself to work through it, because I knew that my Rheum was going to flare if I didn't.

I know this is a psychological issue. And I am sure it stems from depression over the diseases that are wreaking havoc in body, and other life things that are going on in life for me. I have been trying to work through all them. Sharing with those whom I know I can share, and those I can trust.

Even today, typing my recent reaction to a medicine I have take for almost eight years, I had the same nauseating feeling. I don't know how to explain it or know why it is happening.

Then, I get the "fun" side effect, that isn't even listed as a side effect. It became funnier since I realized, as I began typing this paragraph, it is another psychological issue. I get WEIRD dreams. Sometimes I think a SCI/FI writer enters my brain and begins narrating a new story.

I wonder if anyone else experiences these types of reactions.

Anyway. Had to get this out of my head. Have a beautiful day.

3 May 17 -- Thoughts and Venting

Good morning. 

As most of us know, life with Rheumatoid Disease is a roller coaster, to say the least. Sometimes, when my upward climb seems to continue for more days than I am accustomed, I fear the trip downward, a lot. Why? Because I do not know if it is going to be a straight free fall, a loop, a slight down with a spiral, a cork screw, or any other combination. 

So, where am I today?

I think I am somewhere between a long free fall, going into a cork screw. All my joints are begging for some sort of relief, and my muscles feel very weak. The muscular weakness could be from my severe fatigue or from Fibromyalgia, which rears its ugly head when RD flares.

A couple reasons for my recent flare/free fall:

• I didn't do my Methotrexate shot on Monday
• Storms are on the horizons, so the pressure is changing
• Stress
• Not sleeping well

Sleep did not want to visit last night, my nerve endings felt electrified, so I used my doTerra Lavender Touch and rolled the oil down my legs, on my wrist pulse points, on the back of my neck and along my lower back. That helped calm me enough to doze off now and again.

I try to take things in stride. But sometimes, my stride seems to turn into a limp and I succumb to stress. A few things weighing on my mind: Oldest son moved into his first apartment, trying to get a loan approved on a house, daughter high school graduation, and youngest stressed about moving. I am proud of my oldest, I just hope that his roommates keep up their end of the agreement. So far, everything is going well with the loan, but I won't be happy until we are at the title company with my hubby signing papers.

The storms are unavoidable. Especially living in "Tornado Alley." We are expecting some severe ones to the East of use today, but that does not mean the pressure won't change where we are when the cold front moves through the area. When it goes through a large fluctuation, it feel like nails or ice picks jabbing into my joints. 

Methotrexate... I just could not do that this week. The thought if filling the syringe make me nauseated. One time, I almost gagged at the thought. It is really odd for me to have that reaction, because never, since I began taking the medication, have I had those problems with methotrexate. Just weird dreams.

So, today, I rest as much as possible, drink some water, and diffuse some essential oils.

<3 *HUGS*

Long time no post...

One and one half years since I last posted. A lot has happened. 

Enbrel was working wonderfully for my RA, but I started developing a weird reaction after I gave the shot to myself. My leg would swell for three - four days. So, I started giving it in my stomach along with the Methotrexate. Alternating every week. That was better, but there is only so much realty on my abdomen. 

This past January, I finally saw the dermatologist about my psoriasis. He confirmed that every patch I had was "inverse psoriasis". Basically, in places where people do not normally get it. Face, underarms, chest, ears, and scalp edge. 

This brought up an issue. Enbrel wasn't working for the psoriasis. He wanted me to go on Taltz, however it does not help with RA, so my rheumatologist said no. They both agreed on Humira. The middle of May will mark three months and I have noticed a HUGE improvement with my psoriasis. Although my RA pain is still an issue, as is the fatigue, my blood work has come back normal, for the inflammation markers.

I have been trying to exercise on a more regular basis. Walking is good, on the good days. On the days that my hips or knees feel like giving out on me, I go to one of the local stores, grab a cart, and walk around, window shopping. I aim for at LEAST 6000 steps a day.

This week, I decided to change it up a little and make use of my wide open living room. I go to YouTube and find exercise videos. The first was country line dances, the second was a cardio workout by BodyProject, and today was dance moves by Fitness Marshall. Every joint is screaming at me, and NSAIDs are my friend, but I feel like I accomplished something. Tomorrow may be a break, though.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my update. I will try to get better. I want to educate and let ya'll know you are not alone.