Possible psoriatic arthritis

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mejooley4321
mejooley4321 Member Posts: 5
in Chat to our Helpline Team

Hi, I'm currently awaiting diagnostics but my doc finally thinks it's possible I have this immflamatory arthritis. Just wanted to know what the best tips from now till the appointment for keeping my spirits up and keeping myself comfortable.


Thank 😊

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  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,514
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    Hi @mejooley4321

    Thanks for your post to the Helpline. We are a supportive group and I hope that will be your experience too. You may also want to post on our other pages such as Living with arthritis — Versus Arthritis where I hope you will receive some helpful peer support from other members in similar situations.

    There are many arthritis conditions and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is just one. If you feel you display particular evidence of that condition, and this is something your GP has suggested it might also be worth taking photographs of episodes and keeping a symptom diary. 

    Because PsA may not always show up in all the blood tests Rheumatology do, it's normal practice to use images such as ultrasound of the worst affected joints to see evidence of active inflammation. It can be a worrying time whilst you are waiting for an appointment so I've included some links to general information on how you can manage your arthritis symptoms, hopefully you will find these useful.

    If you'd like some support, please do ring us here at the Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Mon to Fri 9am - 6pm as we will be able to talk through any questions you have in more detail.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/while-youre-waiting/
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/april/everyday-tips-for-living-with-arthritis/

    Best wishes

    Helen, Helpline Team

  • jamieA
    jamieA Member Posts: 719
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    Hi @mejooley4321

    I was diagnosed with PsA in 2020 after initially having a swollen left knee and then my hands and shoulders joined in. A significant factor in the diagnosis was the fact that I have psoriasis - even having family members with psoriasis is a significant flag according to the initial doctor I saw - he'd previously been a rheumatologist.

    From my experience I'd suggest keeping a diary of your symptoms - noting which joints are painful and when. I remember getting an ultrasound on my right wrist and the medics finding no inflammation when the week before it was significantly swollen.

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,514
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    Hi@mejooley4321

    Thanks for your post to the Helpline. I'm not sure how you are feeling on the arthritis side of things, so do get back to us if you'd like any support around pain or stiffness. I'm attaching our information about Psoriatic arthritis and it's perhaps helpful to know that there are similarities in many of the treatments which specialists offer for auto-immune inflammatory types of arthritis.

    In the run up to seeing Rheumatology you may find our information on keeping moving and healthy eating helpful. We have videos about moving and stretching on our YouTube also.

    Psoriatic arthritis | Psoriatic arthritis | Causes, symptoms, treatments (versusarthritis.org)

    I hope we can help further. All the best

    Guy - Helpline Team

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