Possible psoriatic arthritis

BeyondTheLimits

Hi, I've posted this in the helpline board, but been advised to post it here too

I've had severe joint pain in my wrists and knee since my second child was born, accompanied by a major flare up of my psoriasis. My GP has diagnosed possible Psoriatic Arthritis, and referred me to see a dermatologist (apparently you need to see a dermatologist for this before a rheumatologist?) i've been warned there is a long wait and given naproxen to take daily for now. My GP said he is wary of officially diagnosing it himself because of the "hardcore" drugs that it will involve prescribing.

I struggle a lot with day to day tasks (with it affecting my wrists it is hard to wash my hair, wash me, dry and cook, and I rely on my husband doing near enough everything if he is around) so it has been suggested that I apply for DLA (I dont know anything about the benefits system myself), as without a disability register nowerdays, it is hard to "prove" you are disabled without this.

Do I have to have the official diagnosis (that could take quite a while) to apply for DLA? And what will claiming involve? If I need to, how I am supposed to prove that I'm in pain? And is there anything I can do to speed the process of diagnosis up? Is it worth doing it privately?

stickywicket

Hello BeyondTheLimits and welcome to the forum. I'm afraid I can't help with the DLA side of things but, if you enter it in the forums' search engine, I'm sure lots of stuff will come up as it's a perennial topic here.

As for the psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, mine's RA but they are both auto-immune versions and both treated essentially the same. It's fairly common for auto-immune arthritis to first arrive after a pregnancy. I'd already had mine for some time but it flared afterwards on both occasions.

I'm fairly sure that your GP doesn't have to refer you to a dermatologist before a rheumatologist. Dermatologists always have long waiting lists and, if yours is PsA, the sooner you are on the correct meds the better for your long term prospects. GPs can only prescribe anti-inflams and pain relief, not the disease modifying meds which PsA requires so, in your situation, I'd respectfully ask my GP to get me a rheumatology appointment asap and, if you think he won't like that, try a different doc.

There are lots of ways round the day-to-day tasks and we are an inventive lot. I suggest you look through the 'Simple Ideas.....' thread higher up this page. Also, a look at an online disability aids shop will give you an idea of some of the things on offer that help, though often it can just be a matter of doing things differently.

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you and I'm glad you have found us.

My PsA began in 1997 but was not accurately labelled until 2006 when my skin helpfully obliged with a bout of P. Only then was I referred (by rheumatology) to dermatology in January 2007 (and that was the only time I've seen 'em!) I agree with Sticky about this, you need to see a rheumatologist - you and your GP know it's psoriasis so dermatology won't be able to tell you anything new, and certainly not if it's arthritis.

As for DLA I know it comes in two parts, mobility and care. I currently have higher-rate mobility as I'm not very mobile but I have never tried to claim for the care part as I can just about manage with washing, dressing, cooking and cleaning. I would have thought that having an official diagnosis would help support your claim but it is a benefit that is becoming harder to gain. I think you can download the application forms etc from a website (I have no idea which one but it must be a government-related one) so at least you can see a form and the questions. If you do apply base your answers on a bad day, that's the only advice I can offer on that. DD

barbara12

Hello and its good to meet you
The others have said it all really but I just want to add my support, and hope you get the help you need very soon xx

dreamdaisy

Hello, how are things today? I hope you are feeling as well as possible and that you are able to see a rheumatologist soon - please ask your GP to refer you. When I am referred to various hospital departments I always let them know I can take a cancellation - I am very lucky in that I live a three minute drive from the it so I can get there quickly. Take care and please keep in touch to let us know how you are getting on. DD

BeyondTheLimits

Hi

I will query the doctor about the rheumatologist referral, think I'll have to wait a little bit for an appointment though as I've practically lived at my doctors the last few weeks (also waiting to see a gynae consultant and a psychiatrist! I'm falling apart)
I've seen two of the three doctors previously, so think I'll try the third and ask if he is aware of a reason I havent had a rheum referral? Worried that with the other problems, they think I'm just being a hypochondriac (though my psoriasis is visably awful and the gynae problem is, ahem, tangible too, and if anyone looked at it they'd see how swollen my wrists are?) I guess the MH problem is skewing my thought though...?
In a lot of pain today not helped by my 2yo jumping headfirst off the toilet so I went to catch him and did with my particularly bad wrist! Ouch!
Thanks for all the help so far, sorry if I've missed any questions, my memory is a nightmare at the mo!

BeyondTheLimits

Ps, i will call the hospital and let them know im available short notice- good idea!

dreamdaisy

You have a deal going on at the moment, don't you? You poor thing, I hope you can get someone to help you with the possible arthritis - bad skin supports your case and tell the GP you need that referral as it's only a rheumatologist who can help. GPs know a little about a lot - you need someone who knows a lot about a little. DD

Ldyalb

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/dla1a_adult_print.pdf

Form can be found here. My advice is as follows:

1) Ring the DWP DLA helpline and request they send you the forms. If you are given an award then they have to back-date it to the day you rang, provided you send it off within a certain timeframe (last year I requested forms on 25 Nov, had to be back by 6 Jan)

2) Fill in the PDF form online, print off and send with first page of the hard copy of the forms to ensure the back-payment. It's much easier to fill in as a PDF, esp if you struggle with hand writing.

3) You don't need a diagnosis, you have to explain how you are affected and just state that it's most likely Psoriatic Arthritis and you're awaiting formal confirmation

4) Send as much evidence as possible about your condition, get your GP on board as they will have to back your claim. Send them info on autoimmune arthritis generally and PsA specifically.

5) There's plenty of info online about filling in the form and you can also get help from places like the CAB. This is worth doing as it increases your chances of success.

DLA is a hard benefit to get, many are turned down first time but are able to successfully appeal - the DWP hope to save money by turning people down, hoping they won't bother to appeal. Always appeal!

It's always worth applying though as an award can make life much easier, especially if you're incurring extra costs due to your disability such as buying pre chopped veg, having to take taxis due to reduced mobility etc.