Hi, I am new so please bear with me! I have psoriatic arthritis and I am in the middle of a terrible flare up. It has gone into my feet and I am largely immobile. So far I have had to take 3 weeks off work. I am relatively young and have 2 young children and I feel desperate. I am taking all my drugs and doing everything I can. I suppose my question is, is this how it is? Do I just have to ride it out? Or should I be doing something else. My consultant is now going to see me in his clinic with a surgeon and I am unsure about this. I am at a loss and stuck. Sorry this is a bit garbled!
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Having arthritis and young children is a difficult combination even when not flaring. I remember it well. Flares mean different things to different people. Some talk of flaring for just a few days. To me, being bad for a few days here and there isn't a flare: it's just arthritis. You say you've been in a bad way for weeks. That does sound like a flare to me though I can't see you being 'largely immobile' with young children
It sounds as if you've done exactly the right thing by contacting your rheumatology department and making an appointment to see your consultant. As DD says, it might simply mean a few more tablets. However, if a surgeon is involved then perhaps surgery is being considered.
How long have you had PsA and have you always been on DMARDS?
I wonder why you're unsure about the appointment? No-one will force you into surgery you don't want. The choice will always be yours.
Do take someone with you if possible. Two sets of ears are better than one
The only surgery I have had has been three synovectomies (two open on my left knee, one closed on my right) to remove inflammation (at its biggest my left knee was 27" in circumference, all above the knee cap) but as Sticky says you can refuse any surgery that is offered: for all you know the ortho may be just to learn more about those with an auto-immune arthritis because they are more familiar with osteo people so try not to fret too much about that. Please let us know how things progress and yes, stress does not help: arthritis feeds on stress. Are you very tired at the moment too? DD
If your flare up is really bad maybe you can have a steroid IV ? They can be pretty good if you are desperate?
I found changing my diet helped me a lot once my meds had settled down the initial 2 year flare :roll: - but everyone is different. Anti inflammatory foods like cabbage and celery are great - and cutting out meat helped immensely for me too - I am veggie now. I found that I have trigger foods that make me sore - anything processed, tomatoes and oranges mainly but it's all trial and error. One lady at my clinic avoids dairy as that makes her joints painful.
This disease needs to be treated by meds tho (until I find a natural cure
I hope you feel better soon
Best wishes,
Charleeh x
I have two young children too and have been flaring badly recently so I feel your pain! My rheumy nurse wisely told me that whilst the disease was at its worst you can do minimal parenting using books, tv (although that doesn't work for my two as they have no interest), tins of beans and spaghetti and peanut butter on toast. I followed her advice at my lowest points and it at least alleviated the work load a little.
I hope your rheumatologist can help and as Sticky says, don't be afraid, you make all the choices and can always say you will go away and think about your options before you give the go ahead to surgery or any other treatment.