Ok, I wrote in the last sharepost, that I was about to beging with Enterecept. Long story short, the day I went to the rheumy, who is located 50 miles from my home in a large city, (read PAIN IN THE BUTT to get to) I was finally amped and prepared to start the new regimine, but I was 7 minutes late due to factors completely out of my control, and even though I called ahead to tell them the situation, once I got there, I was told I would have to go to the end of the list and be the last patient to be seen because I was late. This was not possible for me so a whole day was wasted. This doctor is now my ex-rheumy. Upon arriving home, I discovered I had the beginnings of a leg ulcer. Its not infected, but its not healed either. NOW I am glad I didn't start the enterecept. Does anyone have any information about leg ulcers and TNF inhibitors? Are they safe to use if one is susceptible to leg ulcers? I've had 3 in the last 6 months. Couldn't find anything on my internet search.... Please help?
The Biologics will make you more susceptible to infections, however, for most people, taking general precautions to keep healthy and avoid infection will be sufficient. For instance, if I am getting sick, I skip my Humira shot. I would assume that as long as your doctor is aware of the tendency to have leg ulcers and you take some extra precautions around that, you should be okay. Cheryl is right, though, it would probably be a good idea for you to consult with your family doctor regarding these leg ulcers to see if you can find out what's going on.
And congratulations on ditching that rheumatologist. Sounds like a complete idiot.
Sometimes, we have to go back before we go forward. RA is often about learning to live with loss and grieving and letting go, finding a different way to connect with life and joy. You'll get there.
I would still recommend you talk to your family doctor about figuring out what causes the leg ulcers. Maybe there's a way of reducing their occurrence? And yes, meeting new doctors is a pain. Years ago, I wrote down my medical history in short form, just with dates and a description of what happened, a list of my medications, the ones that work, the ones that didn't and why, etc. When I meet with a new doctor, I just hand them a copy. I've had several doctors tell me how helpful this was for them to keep in my file and it also reduces the time you spend in that first appointment taking your medical history, instead getting to the point where you start talking about treatment. It's also significantly less boring for you. 
Thanks much for the nice words.
I am going to take that advice today about the medical history, and am scheduling the appt. with my reg doc Monday. Thanks for the excellent advice. I actually did that serveral years ago, but the doctors never seemed to read it and I had to repeat everything anyway, so I got disgusted with it and quit, but things have changed a lot in the past few years, and everyone is pressed for time, so I'm going to do it again. Again, thanks so much for the reminder. And I sincerely mean what I wrote. Not trying to be overly mushy, but if you ever have those momentary doubts (like so many of us do...) about whether you are accomplishing much, or your personal worth or value...please be assured that you have helped me IMMENSELY!!! Just by your insight your being open about your challenges, your positive attitude and your hard-won wisdom and keepin' it real.
Most sincerely! : )
Thanks so much. I am having a kind of day where hearing that really helped.
Let me know how things go with the Enbrel and your ulcers?
Of course! Hang in there, girl!!!
Talk about everything happens for a reason! You are very lucky that you didn't do that entercept-from what i have heard of these meds.
You don't ever want to start any kind of treatment with your doctor knowing about this. Leg ulcer's mean open sore's, and open sore's can easily get or be infected, and that is one thing you don't ever want to do-from what i have read...is have an open sore or any kind of infection such as even a cold or sinus infection even. So that is very good you didn't get it that day! Sorry you had to waste all that time, but it could have been way worse! This is somthing you diffinatly want your doctor to know about.
One of the side effects of having 6 hip replacements and 2 knee replacements is a condition known as Venous Stasis. This, btw, is not something I was ever told to watch for or expect. What this means is that from all the tourniqueting (sp?) that has been done to my legs, the veins in my calves are shot and can't push the blood back up the leg. This leads to ankles that tend to swell, varicose veins, and finally, leg ulcers. The leg ulcers are a new thing for me, just in the past 3 months or so, so I have had to adjust my day further. I now carry a timer with me when I'm doing work around the house and every 30-45 mins I put my feet up above my heart for 15 mins. Anyway, I have been checked out for all the stuff you mentioned and thankfully, I'm completely healthy. (relatively speaking, of course, I just love writing that phrase. ; ) Thank you for the good advice, though!
Well you have sure been through it-with the 6 hip replacements and 2 knee replacements...goodness!!!
I'm glad you are completely healthy other wise though. And i wish you lots of success on the Entercept.
Cheryl
Thank you Cheryl! And I am going to see my regular doc about the swelling and such. Next I suppose, is a vascular guy. I just need to keep in mind the big picture. Had I not had all those surgeries, I most definitely would not be able to be, in any way, as functioning as I am now. So there's always a trade-off, I guess. Thank you for your good advice!
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Well, it is VERY helpful to know that Enbrel may still be an option. Its just so difficult, because I have struggled with this decision for SO long. With all the replacements I've had, it seems like a risky drug to take, but at this point, I'm ready to risk it. The leg ulcer thing really has just thrown me for a loop, though. I don't have any at the moment, and as long as I keep the swelling down, (at least, according to my research so far...) my risk for an ulcer reccuring is greatly reduced. Right now, I'm just dealing with the shrinking parameters of my social life and volunteer work. New adjustments, in what seems at the moment to be a backward direction, are always challenging...NOT looking forward to getting to know a new rheumy. I do get so tired of hearing my own story over and over and over. You know what I mean, I'm sure. So many times, Lene, when I read your stuff, I feel like you are inside my head!!! Thank you. You are doing a great job!