Newly diagnosed...

nikkinoo

I was diagnosed with PSA in March of this year and started Methotrexate, which didn't appear to do anything to help. So two weeks ago my doctor started me on Luflunomide, and gave me a steroid injection . Now I guess that I won't have seen any effects from the new drugs yet, but the swelling in my hand has definitely improved, although my toe still looks like it belongs to someone else . What I want to know is if I will ever feel "normal" again... i.e does the tiredness reduce, will the swelling go completely etc. I know this is still really early days for me, and there are some of you out there in a really bad way with this, but when I got diagnosed my Dr told me to research it on the internet... bad move, spent the night crying my eyes out and I've tried to avoide all topics of PSA since. The only time I allow myself to think about it is when I see the DR otherwise I deny it's all happening. The only give away is the pain I'm in almost all of the time.

Can anyone offer me anything positive???

dreamdaisy

Firstly, welcome to the forum. Secondly, what a stupid, unkind and uncaring (but mostly STUPID) doctor. Is this your GP or your rheumatologist? If you were only diagnosed in March I would suggest that the meth did not really have time to to really get established in your system: were you not tolerating it? I am glad to hear that some of the swelling has gone down: I too have PA but I did not begin mine in the classic way nor are my hands generally affected (until I flare, then they swell and hurt). I am in my fifteenth year of this dross, I have developed OA to boot but what can I tell you that is positive? Ye gods, that is a challenge.

The only think I can think of is that your version of this willl be unique to you. No-one knows how fast it will develop or how many joints may end up being affected. We do know that now you have it, you have it for life, but they have started you very quickly on the meds (by the sound of things) and that can only be a good thing. The quicker the DMARDs are given the better the chance of slowing the progression of the disease and the joint damage that can be caused. I am currently on injected meth (and a shed load of other stuff too) and side effects are minimal for me. I hope the leflunomide does its stuff, we are all different in how we react to the drugs and what is a miracle for one is anathema for another. Don't check anything else on the net, or if you feel you have to then only use reputable sites, for crying out loud don't Wiki anything! Talk to us: we know our stuff, like quite a few on here I've been there and done it with most of the meds that are mentioned. I wish you well. DD

nikkinoo

it was my Rheumatologist who suggested I research on the net as he had not got any literature on it that he could give me. You'll be pleased to know I now see one of his colleagues who is a lovely lady who is probably about the same age as me and actually seemed to understand my pitiful anxieties (not being able to wear my favourite shoes etc)

I had my ups and downs with the meth, but I just wasn't getting any relief at all on 20mg a week.

I started developing PA in my foot in April last year, I actually thought I had broken my toe at the time and didn't get it checked as there is nothing they can usually do for toe breaks anyway. Then in September I woke up with a terribly swollen little finger which was stone cold and as swollen as anything. After being sent to three different a&e departments I was told it was a sprain and it would get better. It was only when I saw an new GP in February of this year that something started moving as she wasn't happy with the swelling and pain that I was in. So I guess compared to other people I've got a diagnosis quite quickly and it has helped explain issues that I have with my back and neck that they now think are probably related.

Now I just really want to know what happens next.. my rheumatologist suggested it could go into remission, has anyone had this relief?
Also, I'm 34 and haven't had any kids yet... is this something I should rule out?? I only ask because i'm referring back to all the scary stories I read when I was first diagnosed.

suzygirl

Hi and welcome, sorry to hear you have not been helped in a kind way by the rheumy.

Everyone expereinces athritis differently, it is difficult to compare. Some people expereience a flare up, take meds and it is sufficiently controlled for them to have normal lives. Others have significantly affected lives despite meds etc.

I beleive if you contact the helpline they would be able to send you some accurate info on your condition.

the peeps on here, will help in any way they can, try not to worry too much. As for children, it would need to be planned with your rheumy due to the meds, but I beleive it is still possible.

Take care

barbara12

Hi
And a very warm welcome to this lovely forum, sorry I cant help , I have OA...but you will get lots of support and make new friends on the way .

julie47

Hi and welcome to the forum from me too.

It is very very hard when you are first diagnosed both emotionally and physically I have Ra but.....
Hopefully when they get your pa under control by use of the right meds you should feel much better.

Take care
Juliepf x

nikkinoo

Thanks you all for you messages so far

xx

traluvie

Hi and welcome from me too..

As many have said each persons experiences of arthritis differs and what heklps one may not help someone else..
Here though you will meet plenty of people who can understand how you are feeling and are willing to answer any questionbs you may have..
Look forward to seeing you around and i hope you are feeling a bit better soon.