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.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Friday, August 11, 2017
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
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.
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.
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