Romi Wallis

You know what? I think you are on the right track. And I think I finally am, as well. I only saw a rheumy at the end of December last year after years and years of hospital and doctor visits, x-rays, scans, MRIs, physio, chiro, tens machines, meds - I could go on and on ad infinitum. So depressing! Eventually a really smart GP decided to run bloods, checking specifically for HLA B27. Voila! I tested positive to this annoying little antigen which, I understand, comes off the short arm of the sixth chromosome. At least we knew then what we were potentially dealing with and I was sent to a rheumy who diagnosed psoriatic arthiritis. This group of disorders is vast and it seems that in many areas they overlap (spondyloarthropathies?, I think). The good news is that I commenced treatment in January. Rx methotrexate and cyclimycin (plus the very NB folic acid). One of these drugs was causing beastly side-effects, so after a month of feeling like hell, I quit until my next scheduled visit with the rheumy. He believed the cyclimycin was the one causing the problems and switched me to Plasmoquin, an anti-malarial agent. Having resumed my med routine: one plasmoquin plus one folic acid per day and six methotrexate once a week, with the occasional Vioxx in between, I am now delighted to report that I haven't had Vioxx for the past three days and for the first time in AGES, I am ache and pain free! No side effects at all. My mood has lifted considerably (understandably so) and with all this newfound energy -in abundance, I must say, all the dominoes that had fallen down are starting to erect themselves again. I feel a little afraid to rave about my health in case it is just a flash in the pan, but I really do feel good again (and it has been such a long, long time...) and I am sure I'm in good hands now. Part of the PA problem is that the psoriatic side of things has affected some of my toenails so, being somewhat vain, pretty sandals have been out of the question for me for quite some time. I am truly grateful for the relief I feel - no morning stifness, no creaking and groaning when I get up off a chair, no limping or battling with lower backache and sore legs etc. - but I do so hope that the meds will help ease off the problem with the nails so that I can once again don my pretty sandals and, BETTER STILL, go barefoot without feeling embarrassed. Too much to ask for? I really hope your meds work too and also send up a prayer that a full cure will one day be available. Also, it is worth mentioning that I have my diet plays a critical role in my condition. I do cheat sometimes (and pay the price), but if I follow the rheumy's advice on my eating plan I feel extra good. Every time I stray from the path, my body shrieks at me and so I am learning that if I want to feel okay, I have to give certain foodstuffs a miss. What I have noticed is that combining protein and carbohydrates is a no-no. I can eat as much protein as I like with no problems. Similarly, I can indulge in carbs, also with no problems. But heaven help me if I combine the two. Also, tomotoes (deadly nightshade vegetables, in fact) do not really agree with me. The rheumy told me, in terms of fruit, that to have one apply and one orange a day is one of the wisest things I could do. He was right! Is there anybody else out there who is on this drug/eating plan combo? I am 46 and started with early symptoms of this disorder about 12 years ago!