Psoriatic Arthritis

Debkay26

Hi I am newly dx with PA. Im seeing the rheumatologist next week for second visit. I’m wondering if anyone else has had some of these symptoms I have had. I had 2 neck surgeries last year and since then I’ve had unexplainable pain, pressure and swelling on the right side of my neck radiating to the back of my neck and into shoulder. All my Mri’s,ct scans and X-rays are normal. No one can find a reason why this is happening and it’s getting worse to the point it’s difficult to swallow and talk. I have joint swelling in hands. My Psorasis is bad on my head and burns so very much. I also had spinal surgery last Nov and after that psoriasis broke out very badly. I feel crazy dealing with this neck, shoulder issue only thing that helps for a few hours is an Ativan. And I hate taking any meds. I appreciate any insights or experiences anyone has had dealing with this. ❤️ Deborah

Shell_H

Hi @Debkay26 - welcome to the online community!

You have Psoriatic Arthritis, with a new diagnosis. This seems to have been a severe reaction to some surgeries you have had recently in your neck, and the pain is all on one side of your neck, going to the back of your head and your shoulder. However, despite having had many scans, you haven't been given a reason as to why this is happening, and the pain is getting worse.

If the Ativan works then use it! Don't worry too much about taking medications, if they help then you should use them. Yes, they can have side effects, but if you keep in close touch with your doctor they can change the medication if your side effects are too much or find a way to mitigate them. Sadly those of us with long term, painful conditions don't always have the luxury of saying that we don't want to take medications, as without them our lives are more constrained than they need to be.

I've found heat can help me with my pain, but since you've stated that your neck has swelling then maybe a cold therapy (gel, spray, ice pack etc) may help more. Cold therapy tends to help best when there is swelling or inflammation, whereas heat can help when there is pain without this. Have a look at the information below and see if anything there can help you:

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/neck-pain/

Do have a look around the community and join in anything which seems interesting - everyone is very friendly.

Lovely to meet you!

Shell

Shell_H

Some other discussions which may of help to you:

• Has anyone heard of arthritis in the neck ? — Versus Arthritis
• Newbie with arthritis in neck — Versus Arthritis
• Osteoarthtitis of neck — Versus Arthritis

I've also personally had success using Deep Heat's ibuprofen gel, but some people have found different gels have helped, so try a few and see if any of them work for you. You may also find the below page interesting:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/what-are-complementary-and-alternative-treatments/

I hope this helps!