Question
I am a 70 year old female with a history of minor guttate type psoriasis. Father had it and fingers were slightly clubby looking. I developed around 55 years. Last year I developed shingles. Immediately, psoriasis plaques and severe guttate over upper half of body. When they disappeared arthritis started in joints. I went to a rheumatolgist and was given bextra, asulfazine and finally methotrexate. Methotrexate caused pale stools when upped to 25 mgm 1x weekly. Also, had blurry vision while taking it. Stopped going to Dr. because would not explain anything to me about progress or opposite/ Went to pain center had median block. Swelling in legs and feet which was severe disappeared for 1 mo. Pain continued in back. Swelling now again. Lost one tonail and the others were opaque. What can help me? I cannot shop for food and stay home most of time due to pain caused by walking.
Answer
First, find another rheumatologist. He/she needs to carefully review your situation. In general, we have been seeing remarkable improvement in the skin and joints with the TNF inhibitors. Enbrel is formally FDA approved for psoriatic arthritis. The studies with the other agents Humira and Remicade also look very good.
