As I have AS since I was 16 years old and I am 61 now I have the most problem with my knee.I was diagnosed to have osteoarthritis. I can’t hardly walk anymore and I am thinking of getting a knee replacement I am anxious that if I would get a knee replacement, if that would fix my problem or would the tissue and bones around the artificial knee still be affected with inflammations and is such an operation useless for me because I have AS. My knee now gets stiff and makes saw like noises. The quality of my life is diminished and I am depressed about it. Can you help me with an answer?
Vaccines and immunosuppression
I’ve had RA for about 2yrs. On 7.5mg methotrexate weekly + Remicade every 8wks. I’m supposed to travel to India soon and all information I have indicates a number of vaccines are required (polio) or “highly recommended”. Including Malaria, Polio, DPT, MMR, and Hep A. I still plan to speak with my Doctor, but I was wondering if there is any guidance on taking so many vaccines while immune supressed. OR if there is any information on the timing of all vaccines – e.g. over a 3mo vs 4wk period of time? Sincerely, – laura
How long for Orencia
I am wondering about orencia and how long a person can be on it .? I have been doing good on it for 6 months and someone told me they stop it at that point and only do mtx..at that point..can you be on it for longer like 3 years so to speak..any evidence to show any sideffects/ thanks mary
Phosphocitrate
greetings, im a physician and newly diagnosed spondyloarthropic. ive seen several researchers point toward phopshpocitrate as a potent inhibitor of tgf-beta in murine models of AS (j cliford, h krug). infact, its use appears to inhibit or stop ankylosis altogether. i believe bisphosphonates failed to have a similar effect in mice. despite clinical improvement in humans, i know its unclear what effect bisphosphonates have with regard to ankylosis. my question is: are there plans to test phopshpcitrate, or prehaps closer cousins to it, in humans? enjoy, josh
Allergic reactions and serious infections from DMARDS
Ive been on 15mg of MTX for 2 years but need more help. My Rhematologist has suggested anti TNF. Is it true that there are more side effects in terms of allergic reactions and serious infections with Humira Than with Enbrel? Also I asked about the TB test and my RA team don’t do it!! I live in the UK.
Popliteal Cyst / Baker’s Cyst Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient
I have RA and over the last several years developed a popiteal cyst. I have had it drained more times than I can count and I had surgery to remove it and with in two weeks the cyst was back. It was drained more but that has not helped any. It really hurts and limits what I can do. What else can be done to get rid of this cyst?
