I have a "working diagnosis" of.......
bluebell
Member Posts: 25
.......Psoriatic Arthritis
Just got back to work after my first rheumatology appointment, and it was great actually. I did a sheet (discussed on a different thread) with lots of summary info on, and a pain map, and a history of anything else I could think of, and he said it was brilliant, really useful. He asked a few questions about some of the things on there and a few things that weren't. did a physical exam and was basically lovely i.e. very human, and not scary at all.
he says he's pretty sure it's Psoriatic, and that I've probably had it since I was a teenager (25 years ago??). Also says that's good news, because if I've had it that long and have no sign of deformity in the joints then it's mild and I shouldn't expect to be limited too much as I get older. more blood tests of course and I have to go back for an ultrasound of a few joints, but just anti-inflammatories for now.
if/when my hands particularly swell/flare up next I have to call the helpline and see them straight away (so he can see it at it's worst I guess), or if he finds anything on the ultrasound he'll call me back in, other than that I go back routine in 6 months
he did tell me to pick up a leaflet about psoriatic arthritis on my way out, but I forgot
plenty of info here of course 
thanks all x
Just got back to work after my first rheumatology appointment, and it was great actually. I did a sheet (discussed on a different thread) with lots of summary info on, and a pain map, and a history of anything else I could think of, and he said it was brilliant, really useful. He asked a few questions about some of the things on there and a few things that weren't. did a physical exam and was basically lovely i.e. very human, and not scary at all.
he says he's pretty sure it's Psoriatic, and that I've probably had it since I was a teenager (25 years ago??). Also says that's good news, because if I've had it that long and have no sign of deformity in the joints then it's mild and I shouldn't expect to be limited too much as I get older. more blood tests of course and I have to go back for an ultrasound of a few joints, but just anti-inflammatories for now.
if/when my hands particularly swell/flare up next I have to call the helpline and see them straight away (so he can see it at it's worst I guess), or if he finds anything on the ultrasound he'll call me back in, other than that I go back routine in 6 months

he did tell me to pick up a leaflet about psoriatic arthritis on my way out, but I forgot


thanks all x
0
Comments
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Good
I think. Better not to have it but, given that something is clearly amiss, it's better to have a diagnosis. And a diagnosis of something mild is always good news.
I'd suggest that, if you do have any swelling in the interim you take photos. It could help.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0
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