Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications My starting experience with Humira (pen)

Sorry to hear that. I don't have the answer to your particular problem but I had a problem with my heel that swollen red etc it was like that for 12 months. Nothing was found on testing. I also do get sore hips with AS and was given a cortizone shot in my hip which miraculously totally fixed my heel instantly. I'm not advocating getting a cortizone shot but it may be part of the AS. Mine was and that's why the cortizone fixed it.

psr: Can you take a 6 day methylprednisone taper? that might just knock this out for you.

I was dx'ed in sept 2010. I started humira in june 2013. In between those dates, I took methylpred for my flares. But I was needing it too often (every 10-13 weeks) and too, with diabetes, it raises my blood glucose. So now its good being on the Humira for me.

But since you are off the Humira, maybe try a short course of steroids.

One time when I needed the steroids for a flare, a 6-10 day course of methylpred knocked out a stubborn TMJ that I had had for months that the dentist and I had been trying to resolve in more traditional dental ways, but the steroids knocked it out and it never came back, then I started Humira and its never been back since.

I also had a really good podiatrist; I haven't needed her in years now since Humira. But she was able to help me with my feet in ways no other of my doctors could. I've had terrible foot problems over the years.

I can say ice or contrast baths helped my feet in the past more than most anything else.

Too, ultrasound, has been very helpful for me. I'm not exactly sure how or why it works, but it does. They say its deep heat, but I think there is more to it than that. I used to get it done at PT, then a chiro office, now I have a home unit, and there are times its very helpful still.

and I hear you with scans showing nothing dramatic, but still there being a huge problem. That's the way it is with this enthesitis stuff. I "injured" my ulnar wrists very badly, to the point of needing a cortisone injection in one once and couldn't use that hand for 2-3 years, and yet the MRI showed very little if anything. I've read that there is a ligament in there that can unravel and only be seen with exploratory surgery, not any kind of imaging will pick it up. Last fall I needed to go back to specialists for the other ulnar wrist and I was told that the cartilage in there can get inflamed.

its complicated, but things like ice, ultrasound, steroids, PT can fix or at least settle down the problem even when the problem can't exactly be pinpointed.

and time...sometimes time is the only real thing that works...but those other things can shorten the time.

Thank you for the replies osja and Sue22. I appreciate your advice and thoughts.

It has now been a few months since the starting of this odd-ball foot pain and I have finally received a diagnosis and even began to experience some relief, although I am far from perfect. Morton's Neuroma is what they've diagnosed me with.

This type of nerve pain was excruciating and I would never wish it upon anyone! Through physio, cortisone shots, and contrast baths (like you mentioned Sue22), the healing process has been slow but steady.

I am yet from repairing my back problems though. I will have to give methylpred a shot.. I'm just getting lots of flaring up in my neck/hips/low back. It is a dull achey feeling that hasn't left in 4 years now. I know most of you know exactly what i'm talking about.

The support on this forum has been amazing - thank you everyone.