Hi everyone,

Well, thanks to your fantastic breakout plan and after an 11 day stint in hospital, I am now back home! HORAH. I was discharged on Friday and have been trying to catch up on my sleep as I hardly slept on the ward. Feel absolutely exhausted and have very little energy or strength at the moment, but hope this will change soon when I have learned to adapt and cope with yet another chronic condition, "Palmoplanter Psoriasis (PPP)."

It seems that the Humira triggered PPP, which is a rare form of psoriasis, which is also known to cause Psoriatic Arthritis, and I am now left wondering whether I am going to get that too. To tell you the truth, I am finding life difficult, and can't help thinking where this is all going to lead. It would seem just as I think I am on the mend, able to take a drug and learning to adapt to life with RA, something else comes along, puts a spanner in the works, and I find myself back at square one again. I have now had the psoriasis for over a month and although my skin has improved, in that the lesions on my feet and hands are no longer weeping, new pustular crops have started to appear again on my hands and feet. The RA is out of control, particularly in my shoulders, feet and hands, and cannot have a steroid jab, and have to contend with taking just pain killers as the steroids cannot be given with the psoriasis, and there is also the problem with my adrenal glands to consider. I was started on a small dose of Enbrel and was told that it will also help to clear up the PPP, as well as treating the RA. Please send out positive vibes, or pray that the Enbrel works as I don't think I could cope with another bad drug reaction.

As my mobility has not improved a great deal my GP is referring me to the local wheelchair service as I am fed-up with not being able to walk far and would like to get out more with friends and family who will be able to push the chair. I do not see the wheelchair as being a long term solution, and I am determined to get back on my feet again. I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon at the end of the month to find out if anything can be done for the 4 prolapsed discs in my spine as I continue to experience a lot of problems with back pain and being able to move, sit or lay comfortably...... OH IS LIFE FUN!

Forgive me for going on a bit and wish I had more cheerful news, but felt I needed to say exactly how things are for me at the moment. In saying this - "I WILL SURVIVE!" and I am only temporarily indulging myself in a little bit of self pity before I give myself a good kicking up the "Jacksie," and get on with life again.

Alison, it was lovely to met you and will email you later this week.

love,

Barbara
XXXXXX

Dear Barbara,

I am so glad that you are home again but sorry that you have acquired another nasty to go along with the others. I hope that the Embrel gets everything under control.

You 'moan' all you like, although it isn't moaning but telling it as it is. What a good idea having a wheelchair in the short term as it will do you no good being stuck in the house.

Chat soon,

Eleanor x

Hi Barbara,

I hope you are going the whole hog and are tucking into chocolates and wine as well! You deserve it after what you have been through.
Glad you are home now and hopefully getting lots of sleep.
I really ,really hope the enbrel continues to give you no problems whatsoever and turns out to be your wonder drug!
Lots of love and hugs,
Doreen xx

Hello Barbara, I hope and pray that the Enbrel helps. try to rest up and charge your batteries. Glenys. x

Hello Barbara xxxxx

Positive vibes and great big hugs from us too, Doreen's right - make sure you treat yourself a little or even a lot, you deserve it
and then hopefully get some good rest too,

Hoping and praying that the enbrel works for you and you get some relief and the RA can be brought under control for you xxxxx

& Dont think of it as moaning, more of a battle cry

You are a strong lady, i know you wont let it beat you
and never forget you've got your forum army right here besides you xxxxx

Hi Barbara
Welcome home .

Well thats what i say about a wheel chair i can go out .
( i have one ) Yes i used one when i had a bad flare up and was on no drugs .
Have you thought of looking in the paper mine was new £50 just brought so someone could go to a party used once then he died .
cost over £100 new .

Also shop moblity gets you round the shops to the cafe .

Did i tell you i might have p.a ??/Have a double app tomorrow for re testing about tests rashes and such like .

they thought i had P.a in the winter not sure now may a mixure of things .
I also know a lady whos feet and hands looked like yours maybe not as bad but bad she could stand and hobble .
She now has P.A Her feet have the p .rash on them and on the bottoms of feet .

love Christine nice meeting you at Lecister

Such good news that you're home, it's always nicer to be in familiar surroundings.
Take good care of yourself
Hugs
Kelly x

welcome home.

lots of rest and TLC, hoping you feel miles better very soon.
Jan xxx

Hiya,

glad you are safely home where you can lick your wounds and regroup in peace. It is good to hear you be fed up, frustrated and cross - better out than in and once out gives room for the postive vibes we are all sending you. I am beaming mine to you right ----NOW xxxx

Hello Barbara

Glad you are home - Take it easy no stripping wall paper and glossing the paint work

Rose