Help!

StephieJJJ888
StephieJJJ888 Member Posts: 2
edited 8. May 2013, 05:48 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and this is my first post. I wanted to request some advice. I have been living with what my GP thinks is osteoarthritis for several years now. I personally think that I have Psoriatic Arthritis as I developed patches of psoriasis but my GP remains unconvinced. I am feeling so discouraged as i have changed my diet drastically, exercise as much as i can manage and yet the arthritis continues to worsen. I don't know what to do anymore!

I have arthritis in my ankles, knees, spine and it's beginning to develop in my hips. It has worsened so much over the past year that I have major problems moving and am in pain virtually all the time. I know this is probably small fry compared to what others suffer but I feel like an 80 year old and I'm only 52! I try to put a brave face on it but am becoming depressed about my future and ability to enjoy life. I have just put in a claim for DLA as my mobility is affected so much so will wait to see what happens. Please somebody give me some words of encouragement to help me keep pushing forward! I am usually quite positive but feel pretty grotty and despondent at present. :(

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, it's nice to meet you and I hope we can help. I have psoriatic arthritis and that has led to OA but, as my husband has just come in (and I have to go and sort out dinner and then wash up) I cannot reply at length. I will be back tomorrow, all being well, and I hope others pop in tonight and will say 'hello' too. Stuff's burning, I have to go! Take care - you've found a good place to be, OK? I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Numptydumpty
    Numptydumpty Member Posts: 6,417
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, and welcome to the forum.
    Have you seen a Rheumatologist? If your doctor won't refer you, is there another doctor at the practice you could see?
    I have RA, fortunately for me I didn't have a problem getting diagnosed, as I had classic symptoms and bloods to match :wink: Controlling my RA is a different matter though!
    I wish you luck with your DLA claim.
    The forum is a little quiet at the moment, but I'm sure others will be along soon. They're a great bunch here, very supportive and caring.
    Take care,
    Numpty
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello again, I hope things are as well as they can be today.

    How long has this been going on with you? My PsA did not start in the classic fashion which delayed my treatment. I began with a swelling left knee but at the same time I had psoriasis on my scalp (although that was dismissed as some form of dermatitis). A holiday in Italy cleared that but not my fat left knee. It is possible to have psoriasis without the arthritis, and vice versa but a GP is not the one to rule this in or out. They know a litlle about a lot, given your skin trouble I think he should, at the very least, refer you to a rheumatologist as they know a lot about a little.

    PsA is an auto-immune form of arthritis, and like many of those types can be difficult to diagnose. Blood tests are the usual starting point but as it is what is termed a sero-negative form they may not be the best indicator. Are your affected joints hot and swollen? Does the pain ease at all when you are resting? Do you feel abnormally tired at times, or maybe all the time? Do you sleep OK but don't wake refreshed?

    I now have OA in some of my PsA affected joints and that is a very different beast. There's no heat or swelling but the pain is a deal sharper and 'hotter'. I take a few meds for the PsA but they don't help the OA. For that it is a matter of pain relief, an anti-inflammatory and exercise (which is not too easy thanks to the fact that my toes, ankles, knees, sacro-iliacs and one hip are affected). Life is challenging. :wink: My rheumatologist leaves the OA to my GP and my GP leaves the PsA to the rheumatologist. I get on with both of the arthritis (and the specialists) as best I can.

    Right, I have to shower and do an injection. I'll be back later. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I think you've got all the info from DD.
    I have OA.....but my question is have you been referred to a rheumy or a consultant in the local hospital....if not that is your next move.
    You've applied for DLA.....I wish you luck....I don't get that.
    Have you got a blue badge? You don't need DLA to get that. Even if you don't drive it is helpful to have to take with you if someone else is driving you somewhere
    Love
    hileena