Psoriatic Arthritis advise PLEASE!

NikNakz

Hi! I’m looking for advise on how to help my Aunt; she’s 65 and has OA in hip, IBS and varicose veins. Her GP has referred her for Psoriatic Arthritis as she has had most of the symptoms for for a few months & till then has been prescribed co-codamol (can’t take ibuprofen because of DVT risk). Skin creams have stopped working so her scaly patches are so red and cracked. She works full time as a carer which is getting harder as her pain gets worse and is always so tired. She can’t afford to give cut back work hours and has to move house soon. All her health and money worries have made her most recent flare up even worse and it’s all affecting her mental health. How long should a referral take? She rang hospital to ask but they said there’s a waiting list so she should just wait but until the PA is confirmed she can’t get proper help. I just don’t know how to help her and it’s awful knowing she’s suffering everyday. Thanks in advance 💜

jeddison1985

Hi @NikNakz firstly let me welcome you to the forum I hope you find the information and support you are after from our wonderful community.

I can see from your post that your Aunt has been having a really difficult time recently and struggling to get help about her potential Psoriatic Arthritis. I am really sorry to hear about her struggles and she is lucky to have your help and support. It is also clear that her other health conditions are contributing to the struggles.

The site is full of information and I wanted to signpost you to some information leaflets that could help you see some steps you can take to help whilst the referral to the specialists are completed. Below are some general links to information about Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA), including some user experiences and some things you can do to help ease the pains.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/january/all-about-psoriatic-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2019/october/psoriatic-arthritis-in-animation/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/january/adjusting-to-life-with-psoriatic-arthritis-has-been-a-journey/

Please feel free to search the forum for others with similar experiences and I am sure that some of our community will be able to help offer some useful suggestions.

We also have a helpline that you can contact for specific advice and guidance which can be reached at 08005200520, they may be able to also signpost to where mental health support can be found.

Take care and I hope your Aunt gets some relief and answers soon.

Thanks

Joe