Psoriasis and back pain?

Today I had the four-week check-up with my dermatologist regarding Enbrel.  My doctor's office asked me to participate in a survey for people with psoriasis.  One of the questions asked had to do with back/hip pain not associated with an injury that actually gets better with exercise instead of worse. 

Interesting.  You mean like MY back and hip pain?  The pain came from nowhere and I feel tons better when I'm working out consistently.  I've always wondered how that works.

I asked the significance of that question.  The PA said that it could be psoriatic arthritis.  She said I should definitely tell (remind!!) my orthopedist that I have psoriasis.  They did an x-ray and said I didn't have regular arthritis, but I don't know if the test for psoriatic arthritis is different. 

Anyway, I just found that interesting.  She did also mention that Enbrel also treats psoriatic arthritis, so I may notice that my hip and back pain get better during the time I'm on the medication.  I definitely feel like I'm not in as much pain as I should be after a couple of weeks off at the gym (and then a great/hard Twirly Girls class last night).  So, maybe THAT'S where my hip and back pain come from!

It's good information to know and now I have even more motivation to exercise.  I signed up today for pilates reformer classes at The Absolute Center in Lafayette.  I had a great Twirly Girls class and felt like I really need to get my core in shape.  Starting in early September, I will take classes twice a week for five weeks.  Hopefully I have the money to continue when this series is over!

Still motivated...WOOHOO!!!

Psoriasis and Enbrel

So my insurance approved me for a medication called Enbrel.  It's a weekly injection that you give yourself to help control psoriasis.  It is also used to treat a couple of types of arthritis.  It works by lowering your immune system.  Psoriasis is like having an amped up immune system -- to the point that your own immune system starts attacking your body and you end up with plaques where skin starts growing too fast.  I won't lie -- I'm a little nervous.  They say that you don't usually get sick more often...you just might stay sick a little longer if you do get sick.  But I'm desperate so I'll try it.  The patches on my face are especially bothering me.  I had to get tested for tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B before I was approved.  Rob works somewhere that puts him at a higher risk for TB, so I guess I have to hope he doesn't bring it home because I will be more likely to catch it now. 

I am hoping this will clear up my psoriasis.  I recognize that this is mostly for vanity.  I'm not contagious but I certainly feel like people look at me like I am.  People constantly ask me what it is.  I think you take the series of shots for a year or more.  But I have heard that some people will have clear skin for years past that.  I am keeping good thoughts that it will work for me with as few side effects as possible.