Psoriatic arthritis and Ankylosing Sponylitis

I am a 19 year old female in my 2nd year of college. I was just diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis and Ankylosing Sponylitis this last week and I am beyond scared and lost. My Dr. has given me the choice of taking Humira or Remicade and explained the risks of TNF blockers. I have a blood disorder that weekend my immune system at a young age and I am not sure of taking something that would weaken it more. I was wondering if anyone could tell me more of how they felt after taking either drug, and if they have experienced any severe infections or not.

[kmil1999]

Hi and welcome.  Maybe you could give us a little more information.  What kind of blood disorder did you have at a young age?  Did you go to a rheumatologist?  Do you have family support?

Hopefully, someone will come along that has experience with those drugs in particular.  I haven't been on either one yet.  

I just wanted to let you know that someone read your question and there is great support on the medhelp site.

Hang in there, diagnosis is frightening.  Once you assimilate the info, it will get better.  

My best,
Karen

[txsilver]

Glad you found us here.  I have not taken a TNF blocker but did want to respond and bump this up in the forum as it will get more views that way.
Kmil is spot on.  I would like to add that, if you see a doctor for your blood disorder, you should talk to that doctor and have him/her talk to your rheumy before you start the medication.  It is always best if your doctors work as a team.  If you are not seeing another doctor, talk to your rheumy and ask him about any special considerations that may need to be taken due to the disorder.  
Hang in there and know that you are not alone.  We will be here to help you along the way whether you need information or just to talk about how this is effecting your life.  

[Bekah1990]

I have what's called Henoch-Scholein Purpura, The Dr's when I was diagnosed did not do anything but give me steroids for a week and they said any joint pain I had was simply from the disorder. I did end up seeing a kidney specialist due to kidney damage, however the damaged appeared to resolve it's self after five years  When I was 16 my joints were so swollen and I was in so much pain an ambulence was needed to get me to the hospital. While there I was told that any pain I was in was psycho-somatic and that my blood disorder was no longer an issue (which is odd since I have had 2 confirmed relapses since then). I have had so many minor infections since the first onset of the blood disorder that I can no longer take most anti-biotics due to allergies and resistance. After 12 years of Dr's not listening to me I had a teeny break down and started calling hospitals trying to find out what kind of Dr I needed. I was finally sent to an infections disease Dr who refereed me to a Rhemuatologist.
My pain and stiffness is so bad that I can't grap on to small objects, and I need help just to stand up. I am worried about getting more small infections that I can not fight with basic anti-biotics. I am a full time student and around hundreds of people everyday.

[njw753]

I have had ankylosing spondylitis for 6+ years.  I take methotrexate and Enbrel (alternative to Humira and Remicade).  I live a virtually pain free life except for an occasional flare.  These 2 drugs gave me back my quality of life and hope.

Hang in there. I believe quality of life is important and there are drugs out there to give that to us.

Don't be afraid to try the medication.  Be aware that you need to be more careful about getting sick.  Understand that when fatigue hits, you have to rest.  Don't over do.  Listen to your body and respond accordingly.   Life can be good again!

Good luck!
njw