New diagnosed w psoriatic arthritis

lola916

I’m 43 and just newly diagnosed w psoriatic arthritis. I’m depressed. Haven’t started medication.

Naomi33

Morning @lola916 and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear about you new diagnosis with psoriatic arthritis.

I am sure others with this condition will connect with you soon.

The following link maybe of interest to you….

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

If you need to speak to someone please

Call 0800 5200 520 for free today (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm)

Best wishes @Naomi33

Weeyin

Hi Naomi, I've had PsA 27 years, now 51. The best advice l can give is take all the help available from your local Rheumatology. The Rheumatology at QEUH, Glasgow have been fantastic. Ive been on biological treatment for 15 years. What a difference. You probably won't be offered this at the beginning, but will try various other medication. I was worried l would end up in a wheelchair when diagnosed. I'm still going to gigs, can dance (badly) 💃 & work 32 hours per week. Yes it will be a struggle but you learn what works best to manage pain, listen to your body. What may work 1 day may not work the next, so its trial & error. Depending on which joints are affected l use a variety of finger & wrist splints, TENs machine (fantastic for back) heated massage mat, (work admin- roller ball mouse & standing desk), shakti mat, deep tissue massage, tramadol, massager from Primark £1.50!!! (attached, fab for hip/back pain). If you have any questions just ask as the community come up with loads of great ideas. If applying for PIP take tips from community. Good luck, Maria, wonky joints x

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Arciere

Hi @lola916

We are around the same age. I was diagnosed abruptly in 2023. Like @Weeyin, I am now taking a biologic medication which is mostly helping the stiffness and pain.

It’s quite a shock isn’t it. I think it’s completely normal to feel depressed about it - I certainly was. You are not the first and won’t be the last. If it helps, I’ll say that it will get better and your mindset towards it will change. This might not happen tomorrow, or next week, but reflecting on the last two years, I am certainly in a better place. So the passage of time and medication from your Rheumatology department will help you.

In my personal journey, I am finding some success with a different approach to diet. This is completely personal and arbitrary - but worth a Google.

Do consider contacting your GP or Rheumatologist if you feel overwhelmed or are in pain - when connected with the right healthcare professionals they can really help ( just not all should be working in healthcare I think. So fight to see someone else if the ones you get connected with aren’t helpful).

Candyguk

Hi Lola,

I also got diagnosed with PSA in June. I have good days and bad days, but have been very tearful which is unusual for me.

I should have started on Methotrexate today, but chickened out. I don't feel like my mind is in the right place to take the meds. I've tried some steroid injections in my hand and toes, but they haven't fully worked. Feel a bit lost.

Moira

I would try the Methotrexate. It made a difference to me. Yes. there can be side effects, but any medication has side effects. Go by what the Rhumatology Clinic says.

Good luck.