Hi,
The way it is with the Enbrel study, I can't add any more drugs, such as steroids, antibiotics, NSAID's and DMARD's.
Steroid injections were offered to me by the local pain clinic. These are people who have never heard of AS, and asked me what it was and how to spell it. But, according to them, steroid injections are the ONLY treatment for my pain. They are safer than narcotics. I didn't buy that. Besides they've yet to consider how many joints I have that are inflamed. And what if something goes wrong? It may be bad, but I can't afford to have it any worse. I have problems with steroid eye drops, if I have to use them very often. I can't imagine how my body would react to a whole bunch at once. I was also offered oral steroids, but I can't afford to gain any more weight. What homework I've done tells me that I'm not ready for steroids in any form yet. And I'm looking for a long term solution, don't think that is steroids.
So when the pain gets me to where I can't get around, it's back to the wheelchair. Most stores and public buildings are reasonably accessible, and my home is getting there. And I've come to terms with it, and a wheelchair is not the end of the world.
Hopefully the Enbrel will continue to help me. So far it's been pretty good. I've been able to get out of bed every morning and get dressed, all without help. Most of the time, my joint pain is at tolerable levels, and I am sleeping better at night. I'm not as tired as I used to be, but my energy levels are about the same.
What an adventure this AS has been!!
Hugs,
Cindy
