I have been diagnosed with autoimmune psoriatic arthritis in my sacrum with edema in the bone marrow and joint trouble. I am in my mid fifties. My rheumy also thinks the problem I’m having with a toe is autoimmune. I was sent to her to see if I had sjogrens. Those lab tests came back negative even with dry mouth and dry eye. I wasn’t even complaining of my back problems (pain and stiffness). Then two MRI’s later I learned I have problems there on top of mechanical troubles.

She wants to put me on Embrel. Either self injectable or infusion. She had me on a low dose steroid for two weeks to see if it helped my pains and problem. It did. So she wants me to start that drug.

I did some research. My loved ones did research too. They are against it due to what it does to the body and organs. I’m not sure how bad a “flare” I could have although I can tell with my shoulder and knee.

I know I would feel better on it, but i have other health problems that are causing worse trouble then the PsA. Point 1: Diabetic Neuropathy with muscle spasms. Vision trouble, high intra ocular pressure, vision was in “jeopardy” but since meds for that the pressure improved.

I have stable perinephric fat stranding (PFS) found on CT.

I have other issues but my main question is:

What other options are there for people like me who don’t want to attack the arthritis with Embrel?

I am going to try physical therapy, anti inflamatory diet…

What else can I do?

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