New here? Catch up here: If you missed Day 0, Week 1 and Week 2, and Week 3 updates.
Week 4 is in the books.
Honestly, nothing too earth shattering to report, but check out my update.
Here are links to some of the things I talk about in my video (and a few extras):
Compression gloves:
Sammons Preston Edema Gloves (My OT gave me a pair of these)
IMAK Arthritis Gloves (I feel like an 80’s rock star in these)
Thermoskin Premium Arthritic Gloves Pair (I JUST bought these, so we’ll see how they work out!)
For elbow pain: DASTA’S Sports & Health Elbow Brace
For wrist pain: Pure Compression Elite Compression Wrist Support (Pair)
For hand therapy: Baoding Balls Chinese health Massage Exercise Stress Balls
Until next week!
Click here to read Weeks 5 & 6 recap.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is extremely important that if you experience side effects/adverse events from a medication that you report them. Why? Well, if you report them, more patients can be aware, drug companies can manufacture safer products and it can help the FDA do their job more appropriately. If you yourself experience adverse events, please make sure to report them to MedWatch.
Wishing You A Pain Free Day!
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Hi Juls! Love your site! I am on Stelara (not even a year yet) and I WAS on Otezla, together. The first couple of months on the otezla was ok, but then I became very depressed…I thought everyone was against me, thought anything I said was a waste of time (so I didn’t talk). A very difficult time for me. Depression is a side effect of Otezla. Since I stopped taking Otezla the (what I called the crazy depression) depression has subsided. Just wanted to let you know since you are starting. Good Luck! I really hope this works for you!
You’re not the first person to mention feeling depressed. I don’t think you’re alone in feeling that way. How have you been doing since switching over to Stelara? I have been on Humira previously and did well with it, but I was definitely trying this med before getting back on a biologic. I’m still hopeful, but we shall see what happens! Thanks for your comment <3 Sending you lots of love!
Hello, I just found your blog (again). I also suffer from PsA. Interesting that your doctor is ready to pull the plug on otezla after just four weeks! My doctor told me it can take up to a year for full effects. I wish I could remember how long it took for me to start noticing that it helped. Good luck! I will definitely check out those elbow braces because that is one of my major sore spots.
Oh wow! That’s really interesting and I’m so glad you said that. I know, I’ve been wondering what’s a good trial period to know if it’s working or not! I’ve definitely decided to give it a try for a bit longer. So I’m assuming you’re still on it? I hope you’re doing well!! Yeah, I JUST got those elbow braces so I’m hoping they continue to help. But first impressions are that they’re helpful!
I am still on it! It’s been 8 months and it definitely helps. If I miss a dose I definitely feel it. But it’s not perfect. Like you I don’t ever want to go back to a biologic so I am hoping this gets even better after a year. Hope you get some relief soon.
Hi Julie….week 8 here on Otezla….great results with my palmoplantar psoriasis but have felt a little irritable also. Always take it with food and do go to the bathroom more often. Hang in there for a few more weeks…my doc said it could take four months. Also…have you tried stretchy athletic tape around your arm for arthritis? Like the athletes use? Really helped my husband. You can buy it sports stores. Let me know if it helps you.
Hey Marilyn! Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you sharing that so much. Seems like you’ve had the same symptoms as I! I’ve heard so many different time frames – a few weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 1 year! It’s like geezzz which do we decide to go for! I’m definitely going to give it a solid try because I don’t want to get back on injections. Thank you for your advice! I haven’t tried the athletic tape. I actually feel like the compression wrist things I just got would be very comparable to that tape. I’ll have to try it. Thanks for the advice! <3 Hope you're having a great day!