Psoriatic arthritis

[Dazakella2010]

Hi all... is there anyone one here that has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis? I had a telephone appointment yesterday with a rheumatologist phycho and he wants to see me face to face as an urgent appointment!! He is suggesting I have psoriatic arthritis. I would love to hear anyone’s experiences of this please.

[Happyrosie]

My daughter has this. Her psoriasis is barely under control and continues to be under review, but at age 48 she’s able to work as a cleaner in a care home full time with no muscular or bone problems other than tiredness.

My husband has this too in a more mild form, with the admixture of Ankylosing Spondylitis which left him with a curved spine. The AS was diagnosed in his late teens and he’s late seventies now, playing golf twice a week. When he was of working age he worked full time, with no real problems. His psoriasis was bad in middle age but has almost disappeared. He takes evening primrose oil for the psoriasis and painkillers for the arthritis.

I don’t know if this helps!

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you..... unfortunately the psoriatic arthritis has already damaged my joints.... both thumb joints one wrist, both ankles, shoulder, knee, toes and feet. I am unable to walk and can not stand for long periods of time. I have developed pain in my legs and arms over the last 9 weeks, it feels like I have over worked them, my legs and arms feels bruised, heavy and sore. I’m struggling to climb the stairs. I have been told this type of arthritis is along the same line as rheumatoid arthritis and it can lead onto other health conditions.

[Happyrosie in reply to Dazakella2010]

Sorry to hear you’re suffering. A diagnosis does help, somehow! Arthritis is one of those conditions that doesn’t go away. I have arthritis too in feet and fingers but am fortunate that I’ve kept mobile, And I’ve never needed to see a rheumatologist.

If you haven’t already, do browse through the website of Versus Arthritis for tips.

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you I will have a read when I’m in bed later.... I also have osteoarthritis in my lower spine and neck.... even though the rheumatologist physios are really good i would really like to see a consultant rheumatologist.

[Batty1 in reply to Dazakella2010]

How much you want to bet you don’t have osteoarthritis in your spine ... but PSA which is often diagnosed as osteoarthritis.

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Batty1]

Batty I am having terrible trouble with the rheumatologist and have had to put in a complaint about her!

[Batty1 in reply to Dazakella2010]

What type of problem are you having with the rheumatologist?

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Batty1]

I had my consultant appointment yesterday... the follow up with the second opinion rheumatology appointment.... too much to go into but she was so rude to me.... she told me I didn’t have arthritis so I told her to read my notes.... when she did she didn’t like it that I had basically told her her job... because when she did read my notes it states I do have arthritis and it has been diagnosed from scans and x rays.... I got upset In front of her and said I felt that no one wants to help me because she basically said that there is nothing she can do and she was discharging me... I said to her I wish you could live a day in my shoes to feel the pain that I go through... she then said “I don’t think there’s any need for that!!!!!” Then she said I think we had better leave it there!!! I got up and walked out, saying I think I had better have that 3rd opinion you offered me, she said “go to your gp!!!”

I think I got her back up because I told her that the previous consultant put me on steroids and I didn’t start them and she said she wouldn’t have given me them so I said so i have now been given 2 lots of medication by a consultant that I shouldn’t have had!!! That doesn’t give me much faith and trust really.....

[Batty1 in reply to Dazakella2010]

Sadly I can relate to your exact situation I had 2 Rheumatologist and a orthopedic surgeon all of them said “you exercise to much” and need rest days this is why your in so much pain....I finally sought out a medical university rheumatologist that specializes in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis even though at that point I wasn’t sure what was going on with my body. I was so bad I would have to get to my appointments over and hour early because it took me that long to walk.

The issue with PSA is yes you can do xrays and blood test and a family history and as soon as those X-rays show osteoarthritis or inflammation the doctors go crazy and label you as having osteoarthritis and the blood test won’t reveal PSA.

Below is what Ive been using along with my meds for pain and honestly can say it’s helpful (not a cure) and I cleared it with my Rheumatologist and she said if it helps “go for it” but its not cheap.

Probiotic for inflammation

[Batty1 in reply to Dazakella2010]

Check out this site ... great information devoted to PSA .

psoriatic-arthritis.com

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hi Dazakella2010 , thanks for reaching out with your question. The first thing to remember is that you're not alone in this - there are over 10 million people living with some form of arthritis in the UK, making it the leading cause of pain and disability nationwide.

Your healthcare will be able to provide more information for you given your own circumstances and health background. In the meantime, however, it may be worth reading the Arthritis Action webpage on psoriatic arthritis, which breaks down what the condition is, common symptoms, how it is commonly diagnosed, and potential treatments. Please note, however, that your rheumatologist will be able to share more specific information based on your own history.

arthritisaction.org.uk/psor...

Let us know how your appointment goes, or if there's anything else we can help with!

[Dazakella2010 in reply to arthritis_action]

Thank you for you reply..... I have only spoken to a rheumatologist senior physio on the phone after being referred by my hand specialist... and now he wants to see me face to face as an urgent appointment.... is it my right to ask to be referred to a rheumatologist consultant?

[arthritis_action Partner in reply to Dazakella2010]

It's good that they want to see you face-to-face. This will allow them to review your specific condition in person rather than over the phone, as everyone experiences arthritis slightly differently. An appointment on its own is nothing to worry about.

Do keep us updated with how the appointment goes!

[tthiele]

Hello,

I’m newly diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis too. It’s good that your rheumatologist wants to be proactive and see you. There are medicines so you don’t have to live in constant pain. I understand what a rollercoaster ride this can be. Finding a rheumatologist you like and trust is so helpful to get you better. Im wishing you the best of luck as you get better.

[Dazakella2010 in reply to tthiele]

Hello.... thank you for your reply.... what are your symptoms? Do you have pains in yours legs/arms as I have explained above.... I have other conditions so not sure what one is causing my leg problems.... I also have fibromyalgia and a rare blood cancer.

[tthiele]

I do have pains in my arms and legs as well as swelling in my hands and feet. I also have pain in my spine. I would trust that if they want to see you, it would be good to go and hear what they have to say. My PsA was diagnosed when they did an MSK ultrasound. Quick action will help to keep from degrading joints. There are medications that can slow that down.

[Dazakella2010 in reply to tthiele]

My already know that that my thumb joints and one of my wrists are already quite damaged.... I will go to the appointment on 26th with the rheumatologist physio then I assume he will have to refer me to a consultant?

[tthiele]

I’m in the US and haven’t seen a physio. Is that like a physiatrist? I see a rheumatologist and have tried Humira and Enbrel. I’ve also had other things that have cropped up recently (GI issues and liver inflammation) that makes figuring out all of the diagnoses more difficult. When you have a more complicated case (and it sounds like you do) it’s good to try to get as much information as you can. Have you tried Reddit? I often will go there to find out other people’s experiences. I’ve learned a lot.

[Ascidian]

Hi Dazakella. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about a year ago. Last summer I was unable to hold a cup of coffee with one hand, couldn't use my bank security device as I couldn't press the keys, couldn't even cut a sandwich in half. By the time I saw my GP, my flare had eased and I struggled to convince him I had a problem. However, an x-ray of my right hand showed permanent damage to fingers, as well as osteoarthritis (I concentrated on one hand as I wanted to focus, but have problems in toes, ankle and knees too). Rheumatologist prescribed sulfasalazine (a relatively mild DMARD) as I wasn't in flare. It took a while, but there has been a significant improvement, and my flares have been short and milder since then. I have spent much of the year helping hubby renovate our house - just have to remember not to overdo it. There are also many other drugs available. From what I hear from other sufferers, it can take a while to find the right drug for you - some people have bad reactions to drugs, others just find some drugs don't work. But they do find something eventually. You can also have steroids either as tablets or injection if things are really bad. Nothing will heal existing damage, so i still get some pain, but things are massively better. Good luck x

[Batty1]

I had a thyroidectomy in 2016 (cancer) and this brought on my psoriatic arthritis and I have been battling it ever since.

I have a life long love affair with Psoriasis!

My PSA attacks my tendon from my feet to my hips. Im currently injecting with Cosentyx (biologic drug) monthly and my skin looks good but my pains still rage on.

What symptoms are you currently having?

[Dazakella2010]

I have swollen thumb joints and sockets.... one wrists inflamed and swollen. I’m unable to use them fully or out any pressure onto thumbs at all..... I now have pain in one knee my shoulder and it seems to have gone into my ankles, feet’s 3 of my toes and and at the back of my ankle. I have developed week legs and arms like I have over worked them at the gym.... they feel bruised. I can’t walk very far or stand for long at all. I suffer really bad with fatigue but I have numerous health conditions that also have fatigue as a symptom.

X rays show damage to my thumbs and wrist.

[Batty1 in reply to Dazakella2010]

I wonder if you have PSA in Enthesitis (tendons). This is the type of psa I have I hurt from my toe to my shoulder... it’s insane to have these many health problems.

[Mickymoo]

Yes you defo need to see a rheumatologist for psoriatic arthritis. The treatments they offer are mostly the same as for rheumatoid arthritis. If i was you i would take pictures of any swollen joints as you can guarentee when you get an appointment the swelling will have calmed down.. i had a face to face consult last week and couldnt believe how much the swelling went down. Roll on this week ny knee is massive and i dan barely move my shoulder/arm. It took 4 years to diagnose the psoriatic arthritis. Mainly because waiting list to 1st see him us 2 years! I see him now every 3 months. Last week was first time since march though with covid. The medication you get may not work at first so it can be a case of trying different meds. The medications also slow down the progression of the disease so they realiy are a must. X

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Mickymoo]

Thank you for your reply.... yes I have taken photos, unfortunately my joints are swollen 24/7 and the X-rays and ultrasound scan of my hands/thumb show damage.... my feet, toes, knee and shoulder have not had any imaging yet but they are so painful. Did you have problems with your legs and arms feeling like you had overworked them at the gym? Mine feel bruised and heavy? I can’t walk very far, I’m struggling to climb stairs and basically walking is painful at the moment.

[Mickymoo]

Yes definitely. Even to brush my hair it feels like ive been weight lifting. My arms from the neck to wrist feel like dead weights. Legs are the same. Really gets to me as im only 43 and feel like a pensioner. Starting new treatment soon. Ortezla its called. I pray they work!! X

[mrsgailowens]

Yes I got diagnosed about 3 months ago, awaiting treatment. Have you joined the fantastic community on Facebook?

[mrsgailowens]

I had been very Ill for 4 years I used to be a competitive athlete before. My GP fobbed me off for 4 years before, finally a private podiatrist suggested that I have PSA.

I paid private to see Rheumatologist, cost me £345. Ge said that I was being transferred to NHS and that I would get an urgent appointment but still waiting.

My brother has the condition as well.

[Dazakella2010]

Hi batty....

may I ask how you was diagnosed? What tests were performed to diagnose PSA?

[Batty1 in reply to Dazakella2010]

Their is no test for PSA its a process of elimination really.