So I didn't update through November, which was also due to being busy with work. I had another visit back to my Rheumatologist. I had experienced quite bad stiffness in my elbow in the days leading up to my visit, and unfortunately my skin hasn't been behaving lately. With the winter setting in, it could be down to the changes but it has been fairly mild temperature wise here.
My rheum did discuss with me about changing medication, to which I wasn't open to. As previously posted about, my current medication, Stelara, is the third different biologic I've tried this year. I was told about a different oral medication I could try but due to being of 'child bearing age' it was not something he would be comfortable putting me on.
We decided that it would be best to give the higher dosage a fairer chance (only one 90mg had been taken at that stage). I was due to take my next dosage the first week of December but due to not being well, I was put on a course of antibiotics and could then take Stelara. I got a steroid injection to my side to relieve the stiffness and pain I had been feeling in my joints and sent on my way.
A week later and I was feeling better, I then waited another 3 days before I took my next injection. The 90mg dosage came as one injection, instead of two, which made life a lot easier. I have become more confident at injecting, considering at the start of the year it was something I felt sick at the thought of but I'm am grateful for having learnt this.
As previously mentioned above, my skin hasn't been agreeing with me lately, especially on my legs, upper arms and lately my scalp. I find scalp psoriasis to be one of the more annoying things, as well as being itchy, you have to deal with flakes through your hair and on your clothes. I have found one or two dots appearing on my face lately as well, so I'm hoping it is not reappearing there but I guess this time I am more prepared for it. Last year when my face was covered, I took it very badly, hated going out in public and felt the need to avoid certain situations. I have found some very good foundations and good application techniques which would help if I feel the need to cover it, as well as becoming a stronger person to be able to deal with it uncovered in public.
Have you found your skin/joints to be flaring up this time of year? What do you find helps?
I hope to update before the year is out, but if I don't get the chance to, I hope everyone has a lovely flake-free Christmas! Stayed tuned for bigger and better to come in 2016 :)
Until next time.....
Sarah x
