Cimzia ATNF

[LesJames]

Has anyone had a flare brought on by the start of a Biological? I am currently going through the biggest flare of my life at present. The pain is uncontrollable , making me sick to my stomach. The two started within a couple of days with each other. My only other experience was with Humira which began working within a couple of weeks.

[Batty1]

Hi, what are you taking biologics for and what type are you taking ?

[LesJames in reply to Batty1]

Yes Biologics “ Cimzia” for Psoriatic arthritis. It maybe coincidence that my current flare started about the same time and is 8 weeks tomorrow.

[Batty1 in reply to LesJames]

What were you taking PRIOR to Cimzia and did you have a delay between medications?

Im taking Cosentyx for my 5 year PSA flare yes you read that right 5 years of crippling pains and they are adding otezla to take along side the Cosentyx.

[LesJames in reply to Batty1]

I was taking steroids and methotrexate , plus tried Aziothioprine and others before a Biological was offered. It took them 15 years to finally get a diagnosis. I am on Steroids permanently now because I have adrenal insufficiency , cause by steroid use,

[Batty1]

Were you on Aziothioprine because of a transplant?

When did you stop the methotrexate was it prior to biologic or are you still taking the methotrexate waiting for the biologic?

Do you have thyroid issues and do you take thyroid meds?

Sorry so many questions.

[LesJames in reply to Batty1]

Hi,No I ave not had a transplant. I was put on Aziothioprine to try and control an auto immune disease, unfortunately it did not work. I am still taking Methotrexate as well as the Biological and steroids. I have been tested for thyroid which came back negative. I have been diagnosed with the following:

psoriatic arthritis

Sjogrens

Fibromyalgia

Adrenal insufficiency

Chronic pain syndrome

How many of these I have actually got is anybodies guess, I have been on this merry go round for 18 + years 😀

[Batty1 in reply to LesJames]

Im with you on the merry go round 45 years … yippee when can we catch a break.

I asked about biologics and other meds because STOPPING them suddenly can bring on a PSA flare from hell “me” 5 years ago was diagnosed with thyroid cancer (its common for psoriasis and PSA patients to get thyroid issues) and I was taken off biologic before thyroidectomy surgery as a precaution and I ended up developing a psoriatic arthritis flare that has been going on for 5 years from stopping the biologic medication and guess what most derms and doctors have no clue what they are doing with biologics, other then they work you can’t just stop taking them must wean off slowly.

It makes me so mad considering before my thyroidectomy I was a fitness instructor and a gym junkie now Im just crippled and unable to even stand or walk without feeling like my bones are breaking.

It definitely sounds like your medication isn’t working and your experiencing a psa flare… do you currently have active psoriasis or is your skin clear? Have you considered moving to a different biologic like Stelara or Cosentyx?

[LesJames in reply to Batty1]

So sorry to hear your plight as well. My skin is breaking out in places that have never before. Knuckles on hands. I have a telephone consult with my Rheumatologist in a few weeks. I used to row on my own concept for 40 min every day sometimes completing a half marathon. I can barely make it to my on-suite now. The trouble I having at present is my GP asked for an MRI and a CMAT team appointment . He said that the MRI showed no indication of a herniated disc causing the problem, because it would have to be several discs pressing on several nerves, which would be highly unlikely. My Rheumatologist has said my pain must be mechanical. So now she is waiting to see the MRI report for herself. In the mean time I have to juggle with all the Pain relief medication and try to control it. At the moment the are where you would have a pocket in your trouser on your left leg is where the majority of the pain is now. It started on my left side of pelvis moved across to the middle cocyxs area hen my right side, and is now back on the left but down the thigh a little. It has been going on for 8 weeks now. Sorry for the length of this. Take care and best of luck.