Information on psoriatic arthritis

[Giraffegreen]

Hi, I'm in new to psoriaitc arthritis, my gp suspects I have the early stages of it and I'm likely to be referred to rheumatology. I just need more information about treatment, progression, diagnosis methods, people's lived experiences? I feel young to be looking at a diagnosis of arthritis, I can't take NSAIDs either, how to people manage pain? Especially hands and feet

[Batty1]

I take a biologic (cosentyx) and Otezla (pill) no real testing for PSA its usually a process of elimination and x-rays thats why its best to seek out a Rheumy that understands Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis.

[LiveLearn]

I'm a little late to answer but I will anyway :-). I am new to psoriatic arthritis as well and also feel far too young for any arthritis ... but I'm 60, so how we feel about things is relative , haha! What I have become far more aware of is the fact that arthritis, in any of it's forms, can strike anyone at any age. An xray revealed advanced oesteoarthritis in my neck at the age of 40 due to a car accident in my twenties. At that time I also thought, "What the...? I'm far too young." Sometimes we live and learn the hard way, pfft. I was put on Prednisone at diagnosis to lessen the swelling and pain in hands and feet. I have now just started on Methotrexate. As I can't take NSAIDS, I keep gel packs in the freezer and use them regularly. The cold helps the swelling and takes the sharp edges off the pain. I also reach for tylenol or robaxacet when needed. I don't know if any of this is useful to you but, if nothing else, I hope it let's you know you are not alone in this new, and scary diagnosis.