Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Medication question, need answer please

I have AS, but also have spinal stenosis. severe neuropathy (left leg)ruptured discs,(fused) and bone spurs from L-5 S1 to T-12. Would Remicade, Humira, or Enbrel along with Methotrexate help me. I have heard so much about the combo of Mehto- with one of the other three. I am taking methadone 5mg every 6 hrs, neurontin 300 3x daily and Baclofen 10mg 3x daily. I want to get off these meds, but I am not sure if these treatments would be advisable for me with all my conditions. I will ask my doc when I go next but would like other opinions. Thank You all, just coming in and reading has helped me immensely. I learned so much my docs never told me coming here. Love it here. Molly

It is my understanding that biologics will stop the inflamatory process and therefore fusing, but if you have already fused bone it won't help....I may be wrong, but if you are in pain and have inflamation then biologics can help. I went from not being able to roll over in bed or put on my socks to moving pain free within a week on Enbrel. Talk to your doc and be ready to get demanding if need be...
Peace, hang in there!!
Linc

Hi,
I think it's safe enough to try it out and see how much of an improvement it makes for you. Ask plenty of questions to your doctor and keep him updated on your other conditions. Since you have a neuropathy, keep in touch with your doctor about any new or increasing neuropathy problems after starting a tnf blocker. It's very rare, but once in a great while somebody will start to develop neurological symptoms from some tnf blockers. Most of the time it's only mild and temporary. I'm one of those people by the way, and it did go away. The tnf-blocker and methotrexate combo could give you more relief than the meds you currently take. It could be worth trying out.

Take care,
James.

mollywoonsocket
WELCOME to Kickas. I too have spinal stenosis and now they are checking me for norapothy. I also have two other stenosis's in my lower back but I can never remember the name of them. I have been on enbrel for 3 years and Methotresate for 7 weeks. I have had pain and numbness in my legs for about a year now and now stabbing, sharp, burning pain in my feet. The doctor put me on lyrica UGH UGH UGH see my two posts on it if you want "UGH lyrica... nerve pain? and "please read... very scard"

My mother also had spinal stenosis and controlled the pain with steriod injections for a few years. She finally had surgery when the injections were not enough and got the relief she needed. She feels a lot better now.

I was told that the inflammation from my AS is what was causing the spinal stenosis. I am surprised they have not put you on enbrel, humira or remicade yet since you have AS. I would talk to your doctors about starting at least one of them and also about methotrexate. It might also be for other reasons that you can not go on enbrel. such as if you get infections easy if you have had upper respiratory problems or maybe because of some of the meds you are on.

I have no experience with bone spurs but I have heard they are very painful. When I was in physical therapy 3 years ago there were a few ladies that had them removed with surgery and said it was the best thing they ever did. It really helped their pain.

Have a Blessed Day
BIG HUGS
Raquel

Thanks to you all, You have been a graet help to me.

Thank you so much, I am so glad I have found this website. I can go to my docs armed with information now. I love you all!!!!!!!!

Thank you James, Good Luck to you with your AS.

welcome,
yes.
enbrel, humira or remicade might well help you...never know if you don't try.
but skip the methotrexate

friends don't let friends take methotrexate.