RESPONSES
Mark,
I've found so little information on DISH, but
I've found that even the chemotherapy and the Enbryl don't stop its progression.
For me, I find that I have to protect my body. If I overdo it. like
walk too much, my feet will flare up leaving behind a bigger boney growth
on my ankles or toes. Or if I put my weight on my knee, it will flare
up, or if I open and close a heavy door, my elbow will flare. So
I try to be as careful as I can to not get injured or strain any part of
my body. I don't know if this is how it usually progresses in people,
but that is how much of my spurs and tissue turning to bone has occured.
I would find a good rheumotology doctor if I were you because they are
up on the latest medical advances and treatments. And if you do get
flare-ups, do take anti-inflamatory drugs because I noticed that the longer
an area stays flared up, the more damage is done. If they don't take
it away, don't hesitate to have either cortisone injections or the cortisone
med-pak. Of course, these eventually quit working for me, but at
least for a while they helped. There are side effects like weight
gain and depression, but it's worth it when you are in a lot of pain.
Have you had an MRI? That can tell how advanced
it is and give a definite diagnosis.
annie
