I think I have psoriatic arthritis and am worried.

rikimaru90
rikimaru90 Member Posts: 2
edited 29. Jun 2013, 09:23 in Young people's community
For about three months now I've been suffering from joint pain. It started with pain in my big toe when I moved it, then stiffness in my knee some time later. I went to my GP twice and he just prescribed me Ibuprofen both times.

Since then I had gotten worst. It hurts to lift my arms, kind of like DOMS is anyone has ever had it before, and my back hurts. But worst of all is my feet, they are in horrible pain. Like I can barely walk, especially in the mornings. I went to the same doctor again and he prescribed me slightly stronger Ibuprofen so I walked out and got a new GP. This one quickly made a possible connection to my Psoriasis, but also just gave me 600mg Ibuprofen for now. When will I be able to see a specialist?

I'm not going to lie, I'm worried. I'm guessing my pain will only get worse from here? Will I be able to continue work? Or will I need to change to a desk job? Will I eventually be unable to work at all?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi rikimaru90. I can understand your anxieties about the future but none of us can answer the questions in your last paragraph even if we could manage to diagnose whether or not you have PsA.

    I haven't heard of DOMS and had to look it up. I'm still not much wiser :roll: Several family members play a lot of sport and can get a bit stiff afterwards if they've overdone things but I presume you're talking about something more serious than this.

    If the ibuprophen isn't helping you clearly need to go back to your GP. You can ask to be referred to a rheumatologist. If you've already asked, and been refused, what were the reasons? Have any blood tests been done?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Kittkat
    Kittkat Member Posts: 309
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello
    I have psa(severe) too and I am really worried about my future. However the best advice I can give you is to get to see a rheumatologist.Go back to your gp and tell them you want to be refered. Try not to worry about the future. Get on some good treatment early and things can be good. Take things one step at a time This website can be really scary. Try not to get too bogged down in the doom and gloom of it.
    I hope you feel better soon.
    How am I gonna be an optimist about this?