Psoriatic arthritis

[Callierae]

Good morning everyone. Hope you're all feeling good today. I had an appointment with my rheumatologist yesterday. The last time I seen her she gave me a steroid jag.she said she'd see me back in a couple of weeks but got a call to attended yesterday as there was a cancelation. The steroid jag worked wonders I actually got my life back to normal for the first time in a year and a half.yesterday after being told I had Fibromyalgia and maybe something else going on at the sane time she told me my diagnosis is psoiratic arthritis. I have an appointment with my gp at 9:40 and um feeling a bit frightened about it all. Could anyone tell me what to expect and also how will this affect my life and will I be expected to return to work. Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully someone can answer my questions. X

[FrankV]

My advice,don't trust doctors too much .All they know is writing prescriptions and most of the medicine has side effects .Whatever you may have ,i can suggest a natural treatment that could greatly help you ,that's in case you're interested .

[arthritis_action Partner in reply to FrankV]

Hello, we do recommend people take a self-management approach to their condition, and we encourage a balanced approach to dealing with arthritis symptoms, including exercise and healthy eating. However we also strongly advise anyone considering reducing their medication, to continue taking them until they have spoken with their GP and/or Rheumatologist who will be able to help them with medication reduction, safely. 

All the best,

Arthritis Action 

[Ella61 in reply to FrankV]

Hi frank, I am doing the Patterson diet, what other suggestions do you have, anything would be much appreciated.thank you

[gwynedd]

Hi, if you post this on the Beyond Psoriasis forum you'll get some good advice. I haven't got time to reply properly atm. You'll be in good hands. With people who also have the condition. 

[flow4]

Hi Callierae, I have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and was just diagnosed in February after a few years of problems and different diagnoses. 

The first thing to say is that this should be the *start* of you feeling much better, but it could take some time. PsA is a tricky, slippery disease! People are affected in very different ways, and it seems very common that doctors have to try several different treatments before they find the right one(s) for you.

Your GP won't be able to do much. You will see the rheumatologist or rheumy nurses again, and maybe quite often at first - I've been every 6 weeks since November. If you're in the UK, you should be offered medication called DMARDs now. Most people are offered methotrexate (MTX), but there are others. The DMARDs stop your immune system from attacking your own joints and from causing inflammation. I started on MTX in February, and have been on it a couple of months. I get some mild nausea with it, and extra tiredness, but it has reduced my swelling and pain, and I feel generally better. Symptoms I've had for a long time, esp GI problems, are much better. MTX helps psoriasis too, if you have any. But it doesn't work for everyone, and you may need to try several drugs.

The steroid jags don't work for everyone, but when they do, they're great! I feel like superwoman for about 3 weeks! The fact that you've responded so well and so quickly confirms that your body is full of inflammation, which the steroids reduce. Unfortunately, the effects don't last, and you can't safely take steroids long-term, which is why the DMARDs are important.

I have been working throughout my treatment, so I'm not sure about returning to work. It can take months to get your PsA under control, or sometimes longer, but I guess there will come a point where you're well enough to work again, unless you have other health problems too.

It is a scary time. I was frightened too. Uncertainty is not good, and nor is feeling like your body has a life of its own! Be kind to yourself, and don't beat yourself up about feeling scared. Come and join the NRAS group, where there are quite a few of us with PsA, and where most people understand the fear and worries and frustrations... Good luck!

[Callierae in reply to flow4]

Aww thank you so very much. what you have told me makes me feel so much better already.I'm hoping that I can return to work but only part time but like you said I'll need to wait and see how the medication works and take it one day at a time.thank you once again and I wish you health and happiness. X

[flow4 in reply to Callierae]

Thank you, you too!