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News > Phil Mickelson Reveals His Battle with Psoriatic Arthritis
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Phil Mickelson Reveals His Struggle with Psoriatic Arthritis

The pro-golfer says quick diagnosis, effective treatment helped him get back in the game.

By Bill Sanders

8/17/2010 Golfer Phil Mickelson, the No. 2-ranked player in the world, has revealed that he is battling psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory form of arthritis that came on suddenly and left him temporarily in a near-crippled state this summer.

Mickelson said he first noticed symptoms, including searing pain, in the days leading up to the U.S. Open in June.

After a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Mickelson began taking weekly injections of etanercept (Enbrel), an injected, biologic drug that helps to lower levels of a protein that spurs inflammation.

In the days leading up to last week’s PGA Championship, the year’s last major golf tournament, Mickelson first talked about his arthritis and said he was pleased with how he was responding to medication.

“I feel great,” he said to a group of golf reporters. “I’m able to work out and don’t have any pain. So I’ve had some good immediate response. And that’s why I feel comfortable talking about it, knowing that long term and short term, things are fine.”

Psoriatic arthritis is not the first serious medical issue that the Mickelson family has had to face. Mickelson took most of 2009 off after his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Already a fan favorite, he became even more popular for the way he stepped away from the game to take care of his family. Mickelson came back this year and won The Masters in April.

It was soon after that he began to experience mysterious pain and stiffness.

Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues. The condition is rare, affecting about 1 out of 100 people in the general population. People with psoriatic arthritis not only have joint pain, but also experience plaque psoriasis, a red scaly rash that commonly appears on the skin of the arms and legs, scalp, palms and the soles of the feet. Over time, psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage and disability.

The fact that he was even able to play golf, much less compete in a couple of major tournaments with this condition, is amazing, says Robert Shaw, MD, a practicing rheumatologist and instructor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

“It clearly shows what an elite athlete he is,” Dr. Shaw says. “People with PA sometimes have trouble dressing themselves. He could have had a milder case of it, but eventually, untreated, it still overtakes you. You can’t just move on. The hallmark of this type of inflammatory arthritis is that it causes you to stiffen with even minutes of rest. So if he takes a short water break while playing, his joints would stiffen up.”

Enbrel is one of four “big-gun” medications used to treat PA, and Dr. Shaw says that for some people they are almost miracle drugs.

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Ken
02 Dec 2011, 09:18
I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in 2000. I too started Enbrel in Jan. 2003 which gave me the freedom to work in the Sheriffs Dept. However in March 2010 Enbrel turned nasty and brought on drug induced Lupus. Now there are some Rheumatologist that do not believe in drug induced Lupus. My new Dr. believes it is the rodent DNA infused with human DNA that makes up Enbrel the cause that triggered my reaction. I now have psoriasis covering 70% of my body a problem I never had before I started or during my Enbrel treatment. I sincerely hope that anyone who is on Enbrel does NOT have the experience I am having. If you have any doubt switch to another TNF inhibitor such as Humira which is 100% HUMAN DNA
Karen McRae
25 Aug 2011, 18:11
I was diagnosed with PA a year ago. My joints are becoming deformed and I was tested for RA and it was negative. I knew I had something wrong. My knees and elbows will break out in little red patches and my joints including fingers are becoming swollen. I finally ask to be sent to an RA specialist who diagnosed me with PA. When I saw Phil on the Embrel commercial I said he has the same thing as me. My doctor put me on Meloxicam and it is not working, I am going back to see if he will prescribe Embrel. My joints are becoming so deformed and painful, thank God I am on disability. I hope I can find some relief.
jeff
23 Aug 2011, 01:18
wow. just found out about this pa stuff. What a big problem. I have had a few rashes over the past few years and the doctor gave me some ointment and kinda went away then finally did.
Also have had a breakout of bumps on my head a few times over the last 15 years, not many but a few. Just had one and kept picking at them and they got worse and finally went to doc.
Well, back up a second, I talked to my doc 2 months ago and asked if swelling and joint pain is normal for a just 50 yr old guy(I have had pain in hands, feet , neck,back for at least 10 yrs), the doc said no it is not normal and ran a test. The test came back showing elevated c reactive protien level and after 4 days called hm back and was told that since this was the only marker that showed up that I need not worry and all was ok..
Now back to the doctor visit yesterday but I got a different doctor this time and was told that the high c reactive protien level coupled with the bumps on my head and pain and swelling could mean I have PA...

Not so good news but does explain much mystery over the years. The problem is that I now will go to a specialist but there does not seem to be a conclusinve test to PA and the drugs have such bad side effects that I do not want to take them if I do not have to and what about the cost? I probably will not have access to insurance soon and then will be on state aid possibly so does the state of california pay for these drugs for people with PA, sounds very expensive but if do not slow PA down them can be crippled.

Again WOW, what a life, sure hope they find some help for all the sufferers soon, maybe they could not bail out wallstreet next time and spend the money on cancer or arthritis research or something a bit more tangiblev.
Janet M Jacobson
13 Aug 2011, 16:05
I have had PA for over 20 years. Until Phil Mickelson had the advertisements on TV did my family even came close to understanding what I was dealing with. I really appreciate famous people who come out with the problems they have. I finally have the family support that I have needed, just because of Mr. Mickelson. Thank you for "coming out". Janet Jacobson
david shadoan
22 Jul 2011, 12:13
so sorry phil, at your young age. my ra showed up at 56. was put on predisone,then various meds like methotrexate and then enbrel for about 3 to 4 years. during that time my feet were stripped of tissue and bone joint connections disappeared and toes are now completely deformed and walking is now very difficult. i then was moved to remicade which worked very well for 3 years until i suddenly became allergic and almost died in the docs office. am now back on metotrexate injections as having least side effects. be careful phil of enbrel your career depends on your feet. god bless that you don't have my luck with the many treatments you may have to try in your lifetime.
anuj
16 Jul 2011, 02:58
thanks for sharing your knowledge and pain.my mother is also facing the same problem she is suffering from joint pains and other symptoms we did do the best we could but we also knw that it is autoimmune u can send me suggestions on what steps should i take to relief her off the pain
R.Krueger
11 Jul 2011, 14:09
I have a similiarly difficult condition, Palindromic Rheumatism. The fun part is the harassment I get from one of the bosses, not looking at my work stats which are at the top, but only at my need for medications and sick time. My GP left my HMO to teach medical school and the new one has the attitude of, "I didn't dx this so it doesn't exist." Getting to actually SEE a rheumatologist is an interesting proposition. Finally I did and now ama going to get proper care. I will also be looking for a new GP. I just wish I could afford to live of a disability retirement.
Betty Patterson
04 Jun 2011, 23:18
I have been dealing with PA since age 50. I'm now 63. The psoriasis started at age 19. I have been on probably every mediation for this that is made. At this time I take methotrexate weekly,Arava, and prednisone daily. Every 4 weeks I get an IV of Remicade. All of this is expensive. Fortunately My hospitalization covers most of it. The Remicade is over 10 thousand dollars a month! It was the last resort for me because Enbrel and Humira each worked for a while then quit. The sad part is that I still am in pain most of the time. Thats when the pain pills come out. I force myself to go to work every day. It's so hard in the morning but by afternoon I can move a little better. If I ever quit working and don't move a lot, I'm afraid I won't be able to move! I have had knee replacement in 1 knee and need it in the other. I am getting a new hip next week and need a new shoulder. I want to Thank Phil Mickelson for bringing PA to the forefront of peoples' knowledge. Whenever I would tell someone what I had they would look at me as though I was lying or crazy! Now everyone knows that there is such a disease and even famous people get it! I think keeping a good attitude about this is necessary. Otherwise a person could cry all day,everyday.
Sharon Hill
03 Jun 2011, 09:04
I have had psoriasis for 22 years. I developed it while I was in the military. At that time I mainly had it on my scalp and elbows. I was in a hit-and-run accident before I got out of active duty and about 3-4 months later my body was covered with plaques. I used many meds over the years and noticed some aches and pains as well. It was until 1998 at the beginning of my second year in college for Radiography that I started having severe pain in my low back and SI joints and hips. Then the beginning of 1999 my toes were swollen and very painful. That was when I was referred to a rheumatologist.

I was diagnosed with PA with Spondylitis and Sacroilitis in Aug. 1999. I was on methotrexate for a little while until I couldn't stand the side effects any more. Then in March 2000 I started taking Enbrel. It cleared my skin up and decreased the pain and stiffness significantly. 2004 I found out that I had spondylolysis which resulted from a fall when I was in the military. It turned into spondylolisthesis and the pain in my low back got worse over the years. It became debilitating after xraying a very large patient that it got significantly worse where I started having pain going into my left leg.

I had major back surgery done March 2009 and now have hardware in my lower back. Gradually the psoriasis came back as well as the PA pain and stiffness. Over the year last year my meds have been changed to find something that worked. I have been walking with a cane. I have had my knees drained and injected 3 times. Finally, the beginning of this year I was switched from Enbrel to Humira. My skin cleared up along with a reduction in stiffness and pain. But the damage has been done unfortunately to some of my joints so now it is basically trying to slow the progression of PA down and make me as comfortable as I can.

This disease sucks but after dealing with it for so long you get used to it. Sadly I have went from working full-time down to part-time and now per diem.

I'm glad to see someone famous has PA as well. I'm glad that Phil got relief so he can keep playing golf.

Thanks Phil for sharing your story! Remember, you're not alone.
Nancy
15 May 2011, 10:11
I have not been diagnosised with PA yet (seeing my Dr. next week), but I am almost positive that is what I have. All of the comments, suggestions and discussion on this site have helped me gear up for my appointment next week. Thank you all for your help.
Sorry about Phil but maybe with his help, doctors will do more research and get better treatment for this awful disease.
Rosemary
29 Apr 2011, 01:25
I am 17 years old and I have had psoriatic arthritis for the past two years now. I get the pain mostly in my hands and fingers and sometimes my feet. I get psoriasis on my head and legs and even one of my ears. Until Phil came out about his arthritis I had not known anyone else who had it. I'm glad that there is someone as famous as he is that is spreading awareness about psoriatic arthritis. At my age, I cannot relate to my peers about arthritis and the rare times I tell someone my age that I have psoriatic arthritis, they have never heard of it. I take mobic every day to prevent the pain and I was almost put on methotrexate, but my parents decided against it. In all honesty, I was never too interested in golf, but now I try and keep up on my golf knowledge and root for Phil!
michelle kelley
26 Apr 2011, 06:06
I am a 51 year female who has been suffering for 15 yrs. My 1st Rheumaltologist told me that I was depressed and chronic fatigue, stiff and swollen joints, inability to get up out of bed was due to OA and hypochondria. He even suggested that his wife's OA was worse than mine; She is not as much of a wimp as I am
I tried to put my head down and power thru my sx until I experienced a severe crisis and took emergency FMLA for three months. In that period, I was finally dx with PsA. In addition,, I was now HLA-B27 positive (genetic marker that signifies spine involvement ). It was bittersweet because I finally had proof of my disease but missed dx and no tx had
allowed my PsA to get so HOT. I was put on Enbrel 2 mos. ago. I am now able to get up but only for short (hr) periods of time. When I feel the intense burning in my neck and lower back, I have to lay in a hot bath until it subsides. If I dont listen to my body and do what it wants (rest and heat), I will suffer another storm in my spine.
Steve Mieras
17 Apr 2011, 20:03
I have had Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of Psoriatic Auto Immune Disease, for over 34 years. Due to my genetic mutation, i tested positive for HL-B27 when I was 17, yet i didn't know that I was not able to break down food starches, until two years ago. So my body was making fusion in the spine and other tissue systems. I take Celebrex and bite the bullet on the other pains.

Glad to see Phil coming out, and maybe the medical community will try to treat this disease seriously. Early detection is key to avoiding disabling effects, and many scientist are getting funding to stop the proggression of Auto Immune and Gentic Mutations.
Donna
17 Apr 2011, 19:40
I agree with Scott. Phil, I recommend that you read a book "The New Arthritis Breakthrough". Written by Henry Scammell and Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown. This is a landmark book that first set forth the infectious theory and the rationale for antibiotics in rheumatoid arthritis. I am on the antibiotic protocol for 18 months now. I am so much better than I was. I'm still not in remission but I suspect if I progressively keep improving in another year I might be able to say "I'm in remission". This is not mainstream therapy but it works for me. It may be worth your while to check it out.
Karen B
07 Mar 2011, 16:07
I was diagnosed with PA at age 21, I am now 35. These last 14 years have be hell on my body. I have been on Methotrexate (pills & injections), prednisone,celebrex,Remicade(which I found out that I am allergic to), Enbrel, and Humira. After finding some kind of formula to medicines that work, much to my dismay most quit working for me after a while.
After reading a lot of posts I have been where some of you are,,I've fought for SSI and Disability twice for 2 years each time and fortunately the last time I won my case. I have worked with doctors and pharmaceutical companies to get my medicines for free.
People look at my hands and just gasp cause they are becoming deformed, I can't sit, stand or walk for long periods, cause I stiffen up. Most people think that I am "faking" because of my age. I tell them walk a mile in my shoes.
I'm glad that Mr. Mickelson came forward to shine light on this disease. And I'm glad that his meds are working for him.
Bill Cameron
03 Mar 2011, 11:27
I felt terrible for Phil when this diagnosis came down. He has had such a rough couple of years with family health issues. I hope this diagnosis helps him in his struggle with pain management let alone his golf game.

I do have to say that I see a little preferential treatment here. Athletes and people in the spotlight seem to get a leg up when in comes to medical care and getting diagnosed.

I have had PA type symptoms for 5 years. I don't know if its PA becuase I have never been tested for it. My GP thought it was plausible and sent me to a Rheumotologist that talked to me for a few minutes and without any testing simple told me I have chronic pain and not any sort of Immune Disorder. I am at the point where I don't know where to turn. I live in a small Norther California town with a weak medical system. Do I need to take a vacation to the Mayo Clinic to get a real, fair shake at finding out why my body and joints hurt? I don't present the skin rash on my elbows, knees and other areas but have severe plaque psoriasis on my chest, face and scalp which one dermatologist diagnosed as Seborrheic eczema. I don't know how they are related (joint pain and Seborrheic eczema) but when my eczema flairs, my joint pain gets much worse. Just don't know what to do. Can't sleep and any physical activity leads to days in bed. Very frustrated.
Jamie
26 Feb 2011, 09:10
I have had symptoms of PA ever since I was 22. I am now 39. It was not until 4 years ago that a rheumatologist diagnosed me with PA. Prior to that they thought it was gout (in my foot). I have a severe form where it would affect all joints. My middle finger had swollen to look exactly like the middle joint had a golf ball in it. Before diagnosis it felt like there was something in my blood that was affecting my entire body. Pain and stiffness occurred in my neck, back, hips, wrists, feet, ankles, fingers, and toes. The swelling did not come and go, it was constant. I was placed on methotrexate and prednisone with no results. I could not afford enbrel at the time because I was out of work, and could not function normally. I then found the encourage enbrel foundation with the help of my nurse. I immediately got in touch with the foundation, and after filling out the paperwork was able to get the drug at no cost due to my financial situation. The drug was a miracle for me. It took the pain away, and the swelling was reduced greatly. I have a high tolerance for pain, so there may be a little pain left, but absolutely nothing compared to the time before taking enbrel. I have also been lucky so far to not have experienced any of the side effects. (knock on wood) The swelling in the finger will never completely be gone, but it is much more normal now. I suggest anyone experiencing the worst this disease has to offer, check out enbrel with your doctor. There are many tests that need to be done to make sure you can take this drug, and should never be done without a physician's consent after completing the testing. I now have a great job, and insurance that covers a good deal of the costs. The residual costs are being helped with an enbrel assist card that I have also enrolled. This covers much of the residual costs after insurance leaving me with a manageable portion to pay for the injections. Please research and read about this drug if you have PA.
Lisa
23 Feb 2011, 11:00
I was diagnosed with PA 15 years ago and have had P for 20 years. It is a terrible disease. Exercise and living in a warm climate in the best for you. Find doctors you trust and take your meds as directed. It is nice to know that there are others out there who understand the pain of this disease but we can get through it.

Lisa
sandra
15 Jan 2011, 10:51
Exercise no matter how much it hurts or how hard it is to drag you out of bed. Cut out all meat and processed food...that means anything in a box, jar or frozen. Add turmeric, Ginger, and oregano oil to your vitamin regime and you will have less pain.
Karen
30 Dec 2010, 21:43
To those of you who say that Phil's doc's are making a big deal and that he will be fine- YOU just don't get it! To say that PA is a mild form of RA-are you kidding me? Every day I wake up and wonder which body part is going to give me hell, and that is just what it is-HELL. When it attacks your hips or your feet, you cannot even walk! The pain is so severe that I at times would rather they just cut the sucker off! Am now back on Metho and bumping up on the Medrol to get me out of the storm(4 days running with no relief). I fear the metho is not working and so its time to try something different. Had taken Arava but due to complications of severe parathesia I had to get off it. I do know the pain you all feel- you are not alone and I pray for us all every night that God will help us. I am proud that Phil had the guts to come out with this and share his personal life with us. I can only hope now that Philly will bring some awareness of PA to the general public and just maybe his big name can start a foundation for this.
MES
04 Nov 2010, 20:03
This is to Arlene's comment
"Arlene28 Aug 2010, 15:23
I've had PsA for over 10 years. It's not as big of deal as the doc in the article is making it out to be. It can be disabling, but thats very unusual. It's milder then RA and only about 30% of sufferers have severe disease. Phil will be just fine!"

I am absolutley disgusted by your comment...How can you say it is milder than RA? It does the exact same thing to our bodies, but it is not as common. Your case may be very mild, obvoiusly much less disabling than my case. Phil will be just fine? You must be CRAZY or uneducated about your own disease. Nothing is 'MILD" when you are taking the drugs "humira" that I need to take, when the threat of cancer still seems worth the risk due to the amount of pain I am in daily... DISGUSTED!! You should have thought about what you were writing before you wrote it. If you are doing so GREAT why are you even on this website???????
Karen
02 Nov 2010, 11:29
I also have PA. I am on Enbrel and methotrexate.
I have found diet to play a large part. Sweets and meat cause me to have inflamation and pain.
CL
21 Oct 2010, 12:05
Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis and am on methotrexate (was on sulfasalazine which did not work) and some short stints with prednisone (no one should be on steroids for a long time).

For more information about PSA, check out http://www.psoriasis.org
clive
14 Oct 2010, 03:26
I am 67 years old ( South African) I have just been diagnosed PA and am on Methotrexate once per week. I have some questions i.e. does it come to all the joints all of a sudden together or is it progressive? Does diet help at all i.e. laying off red meat etc.. I had psoriasis when I was about 25 years old and I treated it with a tar like cream and it went away and have not had it since - will it come back?
I do think we need a Support Group for this disease.
Jon
19 Sep 2010, 23:56
I have had PsA for several decades now. Generally it's much milder then RA. It's not really a big deal. Phil should be just fine.
annabella gonzalez
15 Sep 2010, 20:07
Thank-you for this site , I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM SORIATIC ARTHRITIS FOR MORE THAN 7 YEARS , AND IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME SYMTOMS , IN MY CASE NOTHING HAD RELIEVED THE INFLAMATION AND PAIN ON MY HANDS ,FEETS AND MANY OTHER PARTS OF MY BODY,I DO GET VERY TIRED AND VERY STRESS ESPECIALLY LOOKING AFTER MY DEAR HUSBAND THAT IS BEEN OPERATED OF STOMAC AND SOFHAGUS CANCER,I DID TRY TO GET HELP FROM CENTRELINK AND EVERY HELP I ASKED IS BEING REFUSED , I DO NOT UNDERSTAND.ANNABELLA
vince
09 Sep 2010, 17:08
I have dealt with this disease the past 10 years.I took methotrexate for the first year and had success with that until the doctor mentioned a liver biopsy.New doc put me on enbrel and its been a miracle drug for me.still have the plaque psoriasis but the joints feel 100%.i golf 3 days a week and have no pain.prior to the medications i couldnt tie my shoes,open jars and if i sat for more than 5 minutes it was hell to get up.
Scott
09 Sep 2010, 08:04
There was a famous Dr. from Johns Hopkins that had success treating arthritis patients with anti-biotics. His name was Thomas McPherson Brown, and there are others continuing his work. Try http://roadback.org/.
Rebecca
09 Sep 2010, 00:57
I was diagnosed ten years ago after two lengthy hospital stays (Oregon and Texas). I almost lost my left leg in Oregon due to cellulitis complications. When finally diagnosed I began Methotrexate injections which lasted several years and cleared all plaque. Because the insurance I had at the time did not pay my doctor bills, I lost my wonderful doctor and began salving myself with creams and pain pills. After about eight long years fighting this "stuff" I had another severe breakout and now am on Prednisone and Methotrexate and soon to be on Remicade infusions. I am so thankful to my God and excellent doctors for their good care. Without them it would have killed me already. I have eight grandchildren; life is precious and life is worth living as well as can be done. Hang on to the good you find and LIVE, LIVE, LIVE.
sue ellen
08 Sep 2010, 10:55
I totally agree, his case is not typical. I have had this dx and tried many meds, now on Rituxan, and 7 other meds. I have had both knees replaced, in 2 wks will have cervical fusion on several discs. I am on pain management as I suffer great pain from this disease, the inflammation in every joint is extremely painful. It can be debilitating in my case it is, I was active but this disease has robbed me of my active life,and I am only 46. I am thankful for him that he has it under control.
PAM
08 Sep 2010, 09:34
I started suffering from PA about 5 yrs. ago and was almost bedridden. I was prescribed Embrel and took it every week. It worked for about 2 yrs. I was switched to Humira once a week and have been on that about 2 yrs. I have not been pain free but is much more manageable with it and Aleve. The Humira stopped working the full week a couple of months ago. My arthritis specialist suggested combining it with Methotrexate. Before he started me on this I had to go and get a liver biopsy first. I started this regiment 2 weeks ago and so hoping this is the answer, Nothing has helped my psorasis yet. I'm hopping this will help with both.
darren
07 Sep 2010, 21:26
5 weeks ago I was diagnosed with P/A. Initially I was prescribed a variety of medications which in total per day amount to 19. I doubt taking this amount of tablets per day in the long term will do my body any good in particular my liver. My remotologist suggested either Humira or remicade as another option. After exploring the costs I found it prohibitive. These are the only two types of the injectible type available in Thailand where I currently reside. I am exploring natural remedies such as fish oil, carrots, apples etc to relieve the pain. If anyone can suggest a cheaper way to purchace these drugs or a good web site for natural remedies do not hesitate in makin a suggestion.
Debby Richard
07 Sep 2010, 18:24
I have tried it all. I am now only on pain meeds. The Remicaid almost killed me. I am in pain every minute of every day. My right hip can't even rotate for me to put on a sock. The minute I sit down I lock up. Had I known I was going to be like this when I was young I would have done a lot more. Now I'm just basically waiting to die.
Jan K
07 Sep 2010, 13:34
Remicade is a miracle drug and I urge you that aren't having good results with your current medications to try it. I take it with weekly oral Methotrexate. I take the Remicade in a 2 hr. IV every 6 weeks.It is aggressive but very successful treatment.Live your life for today and be the best you can be today for you and your family. I tried Enbrel for 1 yr and got energy back but the inflamation didn't go away.I have been on Remicade for 4 years. It is less painful and it is taken less often. May God bless you who are suffering.
Kathy P.
07 Sep 2010, 09:44
I have RA and can relate to what Phil is going through. I have been on everything that there is and have actually been successful with all. however, after a period of time they stop working and I have to be put on something else. I lost my job and home due to the fact I couldn't work and took 4 years of fighting with SS Disability before they gave me my disability. By then I had no insurance or a place to live or car. So, stress made things worse. The only thing is I have a great RA doctor who continues to see me without insurance. ( I pay him 25.00 a week on my bill) Am waiting for my Medicare to start but I have to be on disability for 2 yrs. before they will pay. I have been on the Humira, Remicade, and Rituxian. I am currently on Cimzia. I had a reaction to Remicade so had to come off of it. The Rituxian was great but when I lost my job, could not get it. My dotor has contacted the drug companies to make them aware of my situation and I now get y meds for free for 1 yr at a time. Helps to have a good doctor who knows your situation well. I was where I could not even get out of bed at one time, but thanks to him, I can do what I have to do. However, I can not work and DS is a big bunch of poop!!!! Still working on a case that ahould have been closed. A month ago they told me and my attny that they were making a decision but nothing yet. So just make sure you have a good doctor and family that understands. But I don't see Phil coming off of the Embrel any time soon.
Deb J.
05 Sep 2010, 23:36
I have had RA for over 2 years and have been on many many different medications, Prednisone, Methotrexate, Docusate Sodium, Daypro, enbrel injections once every 2 wks, which were very Painful and other medications that I cant even think of. I am now currently taking an IV solution of Humaria, once a month and that is NOT helping. I have swollen feet, hands, and burning pain,which I take gabapentin for. I am at the end of my ropes, I am still in pain and nothing is working. Any thoughts?
Fran
05 Sep 2010, 15:44
I have PA for about 7 yrs now. I was on Enbrel for 1 yr and felt great, except I had very bad headaches. I had an mri of the brain and it showed I had white spots, so they took me off. I was off it for 2 yrs and couldn't take the pain in my fingers and other parts of my body. I, like Phil get very stiff if I sit for 10 mins. I went back on it again this year and I felt great again except for bad headaches and dizziness. I stopped it after being on it for 6 mos. I also got sick. I don't know what to do now. I get very upset when I read about all the people who get cancer or tb. I don't think I will go on it again. My children and husband don't want me on it because I get sick a lot. Does anyone get side effects like I did? I would like to know. Thanks
Arlene
28 Aug 2010, 15:23
I've had PsA for over 10 years. It's not as big of deal as the doc in the article is making it out to be. It can be disabling, but thats very unusual. It's milder then RA and only about 30% of sufferers have severe disease. Phil will be just fine!
Debbie
27 Aug 2010, 21:12
I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with PA and Spondylitis, about 6 years ago. I have been fighting for my Social Security Disability for 4 years now. I am sorry for Phil Mickelson, having to endure this dreadful disease, but his situation is not typical of the everyday sufferer.

It is extremely crucial to have a quick diagnosis and have access to medical intervention and than one may possibly have pain reduction and regain mobility as with Mickelson. He also has the unlimited funds to get the top physicians to care for him, and on-site physical therapy. I doubt he has to wait 2-3 months for appointments.

He also is extremely lucky to not have drugy allergies, as I have had almost fatal drug reactions to Remicade, Humira and Enbrel. I am trying Simponi and but my psoriasis is becoming more severe, but gaining mobility and a reduction in pain vs increase in psoriasis????

Yes, maybe there will be more recognition to psoriatic arthritis but when disability judges or family read that Phil say PA is not that severe since I just took some med and I got better, than what hope do the rest of us have in the real world....
dan gregg
27 Aug 2010, 16:17
I'm a serious senior amateur golfer that was struck with ankelosing spondylitis, a form of RA, back in late 2006. After months trying to get a diagnosis, I was finally given Enbrel once a week for a year. Thankfully, with regular exercise, a good diet and daily stretching, I can play golf without pain and NSAID's. Enbrel is great and has changed my life. I hope Phil gets back on track real soon. DG
Wendy
25 Aug 2010, 10:55
I have had Psoriasis for over 20 years and was not diagnosed with PA until the last 5. Before then, I tried topical treatments, lighting and many doses of Aleve. I was on Humira, but did not get good results after 6 months so my derm. changed me over to Enbrel, 50mg every 2 days. I have had great results on my skin, but the PA is still giving me much pain. I have started taking Vit. D and since then, am able to stay off of Aleve daily. I still have pain and am seeing a Rhumat. now, he wants me to go on Remicade, to help with the pain, along with Mobic. Anyone have anything to say about Remicade?
Jeff
23 Aug 2010, 16:38
I was diagnosed with PA one year ago and immediately went on one injection of Enbrel per week. Prior to the diagnosis I could not dress myself or drive. Dr. believes I have gene for arthritis, and it was dormant until sudden trauma of a botched surgery 2 years earlier. Within a few weeks I was driving and back at work. Now, one year later, I am still on the Enbrel and supplement it with one dose of Celebrex daily. I can walk 2 1/2 miles a day now with little pain.
Tammie
20 Aug 2010, 21:21
I have had PA for 17 yrs and was put on disability about 6 yrs ago. My rhuemy has me on Methotreate and predisone. Wondering if anyone has had any luck with Methotrexate.
sharon
20 Aug 2010, 18:45
How long would you have to be on a med before side effects kick in? Is it immediatley following treatment or is it up to days before you really know if you can take a drug? thanks
Jane
20 Aug 2010, 14:59
I was on Enbrel for psoriatic arthritis for about 2 years and like Phil, I was doing great. Unfortunately, the effect faded - especially in my skin. I work with people for a living, so I am very self conscious about people thinking that I am contagious. My doctor switched me to Humira every other week, and I have been plaque free for years. I have not had side effects and only inject every other week. I don't have morning stiffness and basically feel great! I hope that Phil's story encourages more people to get treatment and increases awareness about this painful and emotional disease.
Sandra Witherspoon
19 Aug 2010, 09:21
I'm so glad Phil is bringing attention to this disease. I've had it for years and spent many of those untreated because the doctors I saw did not know about it. I now take Humira weekly with huge success. The most important thing is to get the right treatment in the correct dosage. Most doctors prescribe the biologics bi-weekly because the insurance companies don't want to pay for weekly treatments. The biologics (at least Humira) wear off after a week, which leaves the patient without medicine in their bodies half the time. Then, the next injection is starting from scratch to battle the proteins rather than being a maintenance dosage. I hope Phil continues to have success with his treatment, but having had this disease for years, I can't imagine going off the Humira. It's my lifeline.
Gerry
18 Aug 2010, 21:39
Kathy,

My wife did not have any luck with remicade, and enbrel and went to rituxan ifusions with excellent results and no side effects. You may want to talk to your doctor about that. It has been the miracle drug for my family.
Kathy
18 Aug 2010, 13:26
I can relate with Phil's condition, and am pleased to hear that such a fine athelete has had success while using Enbrel. I was diagnosed with PsA about 6 years ago, I don't think people realize how disabling this condition can be. It has been hard trying to find a treatment that suits me well, as Enbrel caused intermittent low grade fevers for me that lasted long after discontinuing the injections, causing extra added fatigue and achiness, and I had to take a 3 month leave from my job. Humira caused intermittent viral infections for me, and I can't take oral methotrexate due to stomach problems. There was a period of time where we couldn't locate the injectible methotrexate due to the manufacturer. I see my Rheumatologist next week to see if one of the newer alternatives will help me.
Rhonda
18 Aug 2010, 02:08
I s this treatment (enbrel injections) availablr to diagnose p/arthritis sufferers in NewZealand..??

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