Not sure what this means

rubyrude
rubyrude Member Posts: 14
edited 15. Jan 2009, 16:07 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi I got a diagnosis of pssoriac (cant spell!) arthritis in November and I am on Methotrexate, I have had issues with knees, fingers, wrist, hand, and back, pelvis for about 5 years but never had an explanation of what was wrong, just excersises and diclofenac, so this has been a relief to know what has been causing all the problems. But now its sinking in this is quite serious..... does anyone have pa, how bad might it get?? I work full time and have only had 2 days off in the past 2 years relating to joint pain and am worried this could get worse, usually I just refuse to give in and struggle, now I am told I should be resting when in pain?? I just want someone whose on the same journey to let me know what I can expect and do.
Also my liver function test came back high so they won't increase my drugs, has anyone had that before, is it a worry?? :?

Comments

  • marie48
    marie48 Member Posts: 189
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Do you suffer from psoriasis, a skin disease? I know it can cause psoriasis arthritis. My mum used to have it in her fingers. I know it was very painful and her fingers were swollen like sauages. Sorry I cannot remember a lot about her condition as I left my country to come in UK 40 yrs ago. As far as I can remember, she never used to complain a lot.
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ruby,

    Can't help you with your queries on PA becuase I have RA :roll: but I wanted to say 'Hello' and welcome you to the forum. There are lots of people on here with PA and I'm sure you'll get some sound advise very soon. :D

    Luv Legs :)
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • poppy30
    poppy30 Member Posts: 67
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ruby,

    I have Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis (like to think of them as a 2 for 1 deal :x !!!). Was in a similar situation as you as I was getting a lot of joint pain but no one seemed to be able to explain why. Eventually I was referred to a rheumatologist, got diagnosed and then started the complicated process of working out which meds would work for me. I was very fortunate as I was put on Mtx and Humira really quickly and this combination worked for me - very little pain or swelling whilst on the meds and able to live a "normal" and active life! :lol: Recently I stopped taking the meds to try for a family and it's a bit of a struggle..... making me appreciate how much the meds were helping me!!!! :lol:
    I know it's a worry when you first get diagnosed and you start thinking about the long term effects of your condition and the impact on your ability to work...... all I can say is gather as much info as you can, especially about the medication options (from reputable sources!), pop by this forum as often as you can (it's a great source of support :D ) and unless your joints are severely inflamed I've always found that keeping moving is better than resting.

    Keep us posted on how you're getting on and feel free to ask any Qs.

    Poppy x
  • Shell
    Shell Member Posts: 45
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ruby
    I too have PA was diagnosed after alot of visits to gp long story but i am also on mtx (20mg) tied all the usual declofenic sulfa but didnt work so was put on mtx. Mine has gradually got worsed i suffer with joint pain in hips ankles fingers back etc all the usual but in Oct i was diagnosed with fibro as well so at the mo i am stil coming to terms with that as well and working out what effects me more PA or fibro, but all i can say is take each day as it comes because as with me i can be ok one day and in teribble pain everywhere the nxt. I work part time with children (nursery teacher) and struggle some days but i wont let it beat me and try to continue i hate to take time off work but i had to do it for a few days in oct (when i was diagnosed with fibro) as i just could not carry on was in agony.
    Just take each day as it comes and find out as much info as you can there are some good sites on the internet regarding PA.
    As the others have posted ask questions on here they are very friendly and help ful.
    Michelle
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,087
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ruby
    WELCOME!!!
    Sorry to hear that you have the PA diagnosis, but glad you have found this forum :)
    I do not have PA myself, but wanted to say if you go back through the older threads there are loads of PA ones, which will be usesful to you.
    I beleive the treatment for PA is similar to RA so lots of us will have info and advice for you which is relevant :)
    Take care and look after yourself
    Toni x
  • scarlett
    scarlett Member Posts: 28
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi RUby

    I'm 40 years old and have been diagnosed with PA for about 8 years but think I had it before then to be honest. I've been in some pretty bad places in my mind and body through the experiences of this disease but if it's any help to you I'm on a good regime of medication and seem to be quite stable at the moment. I have tried a lot of things but am steady on celebrex, methotrexate injection and painkillers. I did have a lifestyle change and changed my job and reduced my stress which helped tremendously and now I have a healthy diet and take regular exercise which helps too. It really is a case of trial and error and there will be a lot of ups and downs on the way.

    The hard thing for me is getting it into my head that I have to ask for help sometimes instead of being able to do things myself, but other people are really good it's just something you have to get used too.

    I really hope you get some relief, I've never had to have a course of steroids but have had lots of joints injected and have found that really helpful.
  • rubyrude
    rubyrude Member Posts: 14
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone, its good to hear people have an understanding because they are going through it themselves. I am not going to let this take over my life, my nurse I think finds me a struggle, she keeps saying rest and I tell her I work full time as a senior manager in the local council, I have 4 kids and a busy social life. I told her at 35 I am not ready to put my heels and dancing days behind me. I was lectured about my tattoo's and piercings as well.
    Interestingly my sister has the same condition and was diagnosed at the same age as me, she after 5 year on mthx came off it and is better than ever, she puts the change in her health down to selling her business and meeting a new partner so her well being is great. Anyone else have sisters and brothers with the same condition is this something I am going to share with my kids???
    Great to meet everyonex
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My sister has Lupus (who is a relation of arthur! :wink: ) but I have three brothers who are fine. From what I understand we have a faulty gene so your children may not get arthritis as it takes certain factors to set it off - but that's only from my limited knowledge.
    :roll:
    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,087
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    WHAT?!
    Who lectured you about your tats ans peircings? What's that got top do with the price of chickens?!
    Toni xx
  • rubyrude
    rubyrude Member Posts: 14
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    frogmorton wrote:
    WHAT?!
    Who lectured you about your tats ans peircings? What's that got top do with the price of chickens?!
    Toni xx

    they said I was possibily putting myself at risk of inefection, good job my hubby wasn't with me as he is my tattoist, I think its that judgement thing, they see someone who looks a certain way and assumptions do get made sadly!
  • jools22
    jools22 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hiya Forum !!!! Hope you all had a good holiday, I've ben reading your post (as usual) an I am intriged about PA. what is it? can any one let me know? I've been quite bad with my knees, I think the ligaments are knackered again, my knees are like a Rubic cube ( those we used to play with few years ago. clac clac clac at every movement!) i am on diclofenac, omeprazole ( for protecting the stomach) and two massive capsules of co-codamol belive me, is like taking smarties... I believe that I have an injury however my GP is quite sympathetic I blew my opportunity with the consultant because I stated to cry when he asked me about "my problem" result. fibro diagnosed, also depression and believe me "obesity"
    I am cuddly buy far from obese.!!! I am nor on a starvation diet/regime to show them.... is everyone that is not size 6 obese now? I can barely walk, and I am using the trleys at the super as a "dignified" walking frame, and cannot even lift my leg to get into the car !!! and they want me to go for walks and to the Gym !!!!
    Had my rant.. love to all.
    Jools XXX
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jools22 wrote:
    Hiya Forum !!!! Hope you all had a good holiday, I've ben reading your post (as usual) an I am intriged about PA. what is it? can any one let me know? ...........................Had my rant.. love to all.
    Jools XXX

    Hi Jools,

    PA is Psoriatic Arthritis - people who suffer with linked Psoriasis (skin disease) and Arthritis. The people who have will fill you in better than I can.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • jools22
    jools22 Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lindalegs wrote:
    jools22 wrote:
    Hiya Forum !!!! Hope you all had a good holiday, I've ben reading your post (as usual) an I am intriged about PA. what is it? can any one let me know? ...........................Had my rant.. love to all.
    Jools XXX

    Hi Jools,

    PA is Psoriatic Arthritis - people who suffer with linked Psoriasis (skin disease) and Arthritis. The people who have will fill you in better than I can.

    Luv Legs :D

    Hi Luv Legs
    thanks for your replay, Sorry that Arthur also shows himself in that way. I did not know ...I've see psoryasis before but I did not know the connection. my Heart goes to them....
    Love Jools

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