Arthritis Foundation Forum / Psoriatic Arthritis Board / Arthritis

How many of you have had PA since childhood?

CatP — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:29:31 GMT

My 2 1/2 yo daughter was recently diagnosed. It's not confirmed that it's PA since at this time she has no signs of psoriasis but she has dactylitis (sausage digits) so the doctor said it is probably PA. I'm worried about her future. I've done tons of research online and haven't found much info on the prognosis when diagnosed at such a young age. At this time hers is asymmetric with 4 joints involved.

I'm trying to find out how other adult childhood PA sufferers are doing to try to get an idea of her future outlook since the doctor is unable to tell us. Any info anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

psoriatic arthritis specialist

carol bauer — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:44:42 GMT

Looking to find a specialisst for psoriatic arthritis. Has anyone been to Mayo Clinic? I'm getting desperate, no relief and getting worse.

Frustration

Ruth Murphy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:29:59 GMT

Hi, My name is Ruth. I just joined the site. I've had PA since I was 30, I'm now 44. Most of my friends know about my arthritis as do my co-workers. But I still get frustrated when people expect me to be able to do the same physical activities as they can. For instance, I tire easily, I can't walk far due to the arthritis in my ankles, or carry heavy objects. They'll say "it's not that far to walk" or "it's not that heavy". Most of my friends, family and co-workers know about my illness but they still do these things. I guess it's hard for someone to understand arthritis. But it gets frustrating when you have to constantly remind people, sorry I can't do that. It makes me feel like I'm complaining and saying "oh, poor me" which is exactly the opposite of what I want to do. Do any of you share this experience?

Ruth

new to Remicade/infusion therapies

mindyt — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:17:04 GMT

Newly diagnosed with psA and will start Remicade within the next 2 weeks. Anyone with Remicade/infusion therapies: would you please share your experiences to help me prepare?

Psoriatic Arthritis Flares

TammyRN — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:26:46 GMT

Hello everyone. I'm new to this site, and really hope to get to talk to someone who really gets that I HAVE PAINFUL ARTHRITIS! No I don't have gout, or spurs or...... At this moment in time, I'm really sick. I'm off my Enbrel, I don't have a rheumatologist, my husband isn't being supportive, my kids are expecting too much from me, ....... I know I need to eat better, reduce my stress levels, lose weight, and exercise. What I don't know is how am I supposed to do all this when I can barely walk?? Please, somebody out there in arthritis world give me a word of hope and how to.

Anyone here have PsA and RA?

Liz M — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:14:09 GMT

I have had psoriasis for about 8 years and started having chronic worsening back and neck pain a few years ago. I also have intestinal issues, eye issues, bladder issues, etc., etc. I had a friend who was dx with ankylosing spondylitis and thought her symptoms and those of PsA seemed to fit me, so last year I went to the Rheumy. No damage seen on x-rays at the time and I was also seropositive (not sure about anti-CCP's or ANA), which I know usually rules out PsA, but he said I could have both PsA and RA. Anyway, I got a huge flare about 4 months ago - complete with fatigue, joint, muscle and bone pain. I present symmetrically, which I know is more typical of RA. I now show damage on u/s in my wrist (and God knows where else - I have felt pain in EVERY joint this flare). Have an MRI to schedule on my spine/neck. I am currently having another flare, but I haven't started meds yet (MTX soon).

So, does anyone on here have both PsA or AK and RA? Or anyone know about this? Thoughts?

Can you develop arthritis from having Psoriasis in the past?

Roxy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:26:07 GMT

Hi everyone,
My name is Roxana and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have had Psoriasis since I was an infant. When I was 15 yrs. old I was diagnosed with RA. No one in my entire family from either side has RA. One doctor suggested that I might have developed the RA due to the Psoriasis. It sounds outreagous but has anyone heard of this? I am 28 now and had been on remission from the Psoriasis when I was diagnosed with the RA.

Psoraitic Arthritis meds

Pennie — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:01:06 GMT

Ihave been on mtx for 23 years and am considering switching to one of the biologic meds due to kidney problems. I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with the biologics. I took Enbrel for 1 yr and it caused me to get renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and I lost my right kidney to it in 2005. I now have to decide which of two evils I will take from this point forward: continus mtx and develope severe kidney problems with the 1 kidney I have left, or switch to a different biologic and risk getting cancer again. What a choice!!!! I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sulfasalazine ??

J9 — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:33:05 GMT

For years I had been keeping things under control with Naprosin, But recently I have had a bad spell, and my doctor put me on Sulfasalazine. I have been on it for a couple of days and the pain is worse than ever. Does it generally take time for this to work?

WHEAT ALLERGIES!!

Brittany15 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:48:48 GMT

Hello everyone, I use to come on here all the time right after i was first diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, because i had no idea what was going on with my body and I needed help! That was about 3 years ago when i was diagnosed. I was taking everything from enbrel to methotrexate, and scared to death about gettin side effects from them. I was only 19! Then i started on homeopathic medication, which helped a little, but still had alot of pain and inflamation. My grandmother owns a bed and breakfast, and she told me about two young women who stayed the night there, and they had psoriatic also. They told my grandmother that they found out they had wheat allergies, and soon as they stopped eating it there arthritis and psoriasis went away. I was very skeptical about but hey i would have given any thing a shot at the point. So i started on it while drinking alot of water to flush my system out, and two weeks later i was feeling alot better. And then a month went by and there was no more inflamation on any of my fingers! And best of all there was absolutely no pain any more! I eat wheat sometimes because it is very hard to avoid, but the next day i usually regret it. I just wanted to let everyone know that not eating something helped me alot more than all the medication! I hope some of you will give it a try and see if you feel any better!

Brittany

Splenda

Smiling in DC — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:49:23 GMT

I had a large dose of Splenda last night with some fruit and felt terrible today. I also had lots of itching and inflammation. I did a web search on Splenda and there are problems with it. I'm not going to use it anymore. Has anyone noticed reactions to Splenda? Thanks-

Symptoms Anyone...?

Crystal20 — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:03:00 GMT

Hi all,

I'm a 35 year old female with a history of odd medical occurrences that never seemed to make much sense until recently. I won't get into listing everything at the moment, but at the age of 14 I had my first flare in one of my wrists. I tested positive for RA, but once the flare ended I didn't. They told me it was probably just a sign of things to come. Since then I've had intermittent flares in various joints, along with the other odd events.

During the past 4 years we've been trying to figure out exactly what type of arthritis I have, because I also have terrible back pain. At first I thought AS was very suspiciously familiar, but the rheumy I was seeing was very black and white about things, and just kept telling me I was fine. I don't see him anymore, of course!

Well, I have an appointment coming up with an orthopedic surgeon, regarding my back pain because it's somewhat of a mystery, and is causing some real problems. Earlier this week I was at an appointment with my Psychotherapist (I've always been the caretaker and had to learn to talk about myself!!), and we were discussing my health. He's also a regular doctor, so he has a pretty good knowledge of many areas. Until the other day I hadn't mentioned to him that I've had a patch of psoriasis appear on the palm of my hand for 5 months now (it's owie!). I've also had a little bit off and on, on my scalp. When I told him this he just looked at me very shocked and said, "well, this is a whole different ball game then!" As far as he's concerned, I have PA. I've read up on arthritis quite a bit, but breezed over PA because I had only had that little bit on my scalp.

Reading about PA the past couple of days, I'm now realizing that he's probably right! I think the pain in my lower back in the tendons and other tissue, and everything else seems to fit much better than the other A's. I'm quite stunned, and somewhat relieved!

Anyhow, sorry for this epic post, but there are a couple of other symptoms that I have and do experience. I'm wondering if any of you do, or know if they are related to PA?

One very strange occurrence happened when I was about 25. I woke up feeling not so great one morning, and throughout the day started feeling more and more like I had the flu. By that evening I was unconscious and in the hospital with a kidney infection. They were quite confused because I hadn't been sick, and they weren't under the impression that I had an auto-immune disease. Does anyone know if this is related to PA? I know it can do this with other organs, but I've only seen one fleeting mention of kidneys.

The other symptom has been going on for a few years. I go through phases when I'm just exhausted, but often I'm having a very uncomfortable ache in my body. It almost feels like when you get the flu and have a fever - that horrible ache in your body. I usually have it through my neck and the top half of my back, but it sometimes occurs in other areas. Anyone know of this?

Sorry this ended up being such a long post! I really appreciate any comments you all have!

Crystal

CAN YOU QUIT TAKING ENBREL?

doug zenz — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:01:14 GMT

I've been on enbrel now for over 4yrs. My dermatologist prescribed it for my skin problem psorias. About a month ago I had 2 epideral injections in my back and my psorias went away leaving my skin smooth. I decided to try and wean myself off the drug especially since it started to make me feel like I could not live without it. A day or so before my 50mg injection was do, I would feel VERY tired, and have cold symptoms usually clearing a conjested head by coughing all the time which gets annoying to my friends,family, and coworkers. So trying to wean myself off of enbrel I get the symptoms but not as much since I give myself only HALF the shot. Can I keep weaning myself off this drug or are there consequences that ly ahead for me? Thank You Very Much for Your Responses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enbrel can it make you weaker?

Amber12 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:40:32 GMT

Enbrel can it make you weaker?
Message: I was wondering if anyone has gotten weaker on enbrel? because my strength in my hands is gone I have some but it cause pain to open bottles or pick up a cup or even closing my hands hurts. and i was also wondering if anyone has gotten bruise on there body not from a shot or a fall but just appeared out of the blue. like I have one on my knee that hurts like it's broken or chipped. And the color is bright purple. I would real appreciate or comments or suggestions.

just joined

Rick8 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:37:14 GMT

i am w/m 54, from central ohio. was diagnosed w/ psoriasis around age 5. i have had a symmetrical inverted case of skin lesions, which was manageable. i was diagnosed w/ PA in 2000. i was a cop for 24 yrs, active in martial arts, motorcycles, gardening and wood working. i am married. all joints and tissues are affected from my jaws down to my feet. my hands are useless. all has or will come to an end if i can't figure out my future. besides the issues about which you all have written about, i have issues not mentioned. we lost one of our daughters to breast cancer in 2005. she had no health insurance, so me and my wife liquidated everything for cash to pay for treatments. we lost our home,and due to the depression, my wife lost her job. I tried to keep on working in security to turn things around, but this year, PA kicked me in the butt big time. i have become not much more than an invalid. i cannot work, and am waiting for disability but won't start paying till Sept. if i get it the first time. my wife fell last year, and now we are 1/4 million dollars in debt for an operation that our health insurance co. at the time refused to pay on a "technicality". my wife is back to work, but making less than she was with no health coverage. we have tried some state and federal resources, but we keep getting lost in the red tape. i have had to stop taking all medication including pain meds due to no money and our diet is bad due to lack of same. i handled pain in the martial arts, but after 7 years, my threshold has been surpassed. my future seems dim and useless, i've become a drain on my other kids and my mother. my marriage is at the breaking point, and i dwell on death to stop the pain and trouble i'm causing. i guess i am reaching out one last time for some encouragement(or just getting it all off my chest since me and the wife can't seem to come to terms about this). i guess i really don't expect anything, but thank you for listening. Rick

Psoriasis drug pulled from market..Raptiva

pat59 — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:13:09 GMT

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Psoriasis Drug
Pulled From Market
Drugmaker Genentech is pulling their psoriasis drug Raptiva from the
market because of the risk of developing PML, a potentially fatal
brain infection.
• More on Raptiva's Withdrawal

Seronegative possible PsA

John Bowden — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:47:46 GMT

Hello everybody,

I've been searching these forums for a few days now hoping to find the answers I'm looking for, but I realized that I really should introduce myself. My name is John, and I have been diagnosed with Seronegative arthritis. My symptoms started as increasing pain in both knees and both ankles, and now there is swelling and stiffness to the point that it is difficult to walk, not to mention extremely painful. I have had countless blood tests, x-rays, a bone scan, and an MRI. Over the years my doctors have told me that it was only growing pains and they would go away. More recently, I was told that I was out of shape and the pain was from me actually using my muscles for once.... then I told the doc that I am a letter carrier and walk for 5+ hours every day- so much for that theory!

I finally pushed the doc to keep searching because something was definetely wrong, and he finally agreed to book me for an MRI, although he did tell me that it was a waste of time and the hospital staff would be mad because of it. The results came back- arthritis. My symptoms started in my early to mid teens and have gotten progressively worse. Now I am 27 and can't continue working as a letter carrier. I suspect a diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis is forthcoming because I have a family history and some of my cousins are coping with similar symptoms. They have yet to find a treatment that works, and one of them was hospitalized because the treatment he was on was also an immuno-suppressant which caused him to become very ill.

Truthfully, I was skeptical of my diagnosis and sought a second opinion, but the new Rheumatologist came up with the same diagnosis. I have tried several different prescription strength NSAIDS, tylenol 3's, and tramacet. None of these have had any appreciable effect. I find myself looking to a future of decreased movement and increasing pain and I am at a total loss of what to do next or even how to cope.

When I went to get my prescription for Tramacet filled, the pharmacist asked me what it was for. When I said "arthritis" he replied "jes-- chr---, you're in for a lifetime of pain aren't ya?" I don't have anything to come back with....

I find myself struggling with similar issues to many of the people on this board, so I wanted to introduce myself and offer any help I can, even if just a friendly person to talk to. I hope to get a definite diagnosis soon, and a treatment that is at least somewhat effective, but I also hope that anyone reading this is able to find the same.

in denial??

IsabellesMommy — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:38:46 GMT

I am newly diagnosed with PSA. My Rheumy says this could change to RA and I just have psoriasis,also. My sed rate is high, but RF is neg. No lupus. I am on 6 methotrexate once a week. I started with 4 and still had swelling. I guess my deal is, I don't hurt all the time and when I do, it is only in my hands, wrists, and knees. So, reading your posts, I am wondering if this is really what I have, since there are some pretty good days. I have some bad ones, too, where my fingers swell and are stiff and painful, but mostly when the weather is bad. Anyone else in my boat? My Grandma has severe RA since she was 12. I know it hurts and is hard to cope, so I do realize the pain you are going through. I hope I don't get to that point. Any thoughts? Could the Dr be wrong?

Just Diagnosed...Help

Tammy0 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 11:36:26 GMT

I have recently been diagnosed with what seems to be Psoriatic arthritis.....but on my paperwork it says rheumatoid arthritis. I asked the rheumatologist which one it was and she looked at me and said they're treated the same. I have inflammation, reduced space in between joints or joint damage in every area I've had x-rays....hands, wrists, lower back, hips knees. They also found carpel tunnel in my wrists and bursitis in my hips (starting to sound like Dr. Suess!). I am getting weekly methotrexate shots, taking two volteran, 4 skelaxin and 4 darvocet a day.....and I still hurt!
How long does it take til the meds really start to help? I am on my fourth anti-imflamatory since the others didn;t work. I'm only 36 and I teach special ed and I'm having a rough time doing everything I used to in my classroom. Will it get better from the meds or should I start making changes in my life like looking for a less physical teaching job, moving out my the townhouse I rent and into a one story and sell the motorcycle I bought hoping that I could ride? The dr's are so quick when you go I never get a change to ask everything I want to and I'd like to hear from people that actually are going from the same thing.

Responses

Ruth Murphy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:22:24 GMT

I thought this was a forum where people can look for support and friends. I've noticed that the topics get viewed but not many people respond to them. Is there anyone out there looking to talk to others suffering from the same disease who would like to share their thoughts and experiences? Please let me know.

Thanks, Ruth :)

Market Research Study

Accurate Data Marketing — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:32:56 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I am an employee at Accurate Data Marketing in Glenview, IL where we pay people cash for their input on certain subjects. We are currently looking to speak with people who have Psoriatic Arthritis and are paying $125 for 1 hour of your time in our office. We will have to ask everyone a series of questions over the phone in order to ensure you qualify for our study. But once you do qualify you will be invited to participate on either Wednesday December 17th or Thursday the 18th, for 1 hour and we will pay $125 in cash when the discussion is over.

I want to stress again that this is strictly for market research purposes only and all information provided will be kept confidential. There is absolute no solicitation whatsoever with this project.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions please contact Shyrlene at 847-390-7777 and refer to the Psoriatic Arthritis study.

Thanks and have a great holiday season!

Humira and infection

Cathy2 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:16:22 GMT

I have been on Humira for a year with great results. Suddenly, in early June, I developed a fever and abdominal pain. I stopped taking Humira as a precaution. The first dr. thought it was a virus. Then in late June the abdominal pain was so bad that I was hospitalized. They found that it was complicated diverticulitis with an abcess that perforated and the infection was everywhere, even damaging my left kidney. I had emergency surgery, and they put a stent in my urinary tract, removed a foot of my colon and gave me an ileostomy. I am i the middle of a difficult 4 month recovery after being in the hospital for a month. My surgeon said that it is possible that the Humira could have suppressed my immune system to the point where the infection was much worse than it should have been. I am really shaken by all of this. Is it possible? I got off the Humira as soon as I suspected an infection......Thanks for letting me talk about this...... Cathy

Possible PA

Oisin1 — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:47:32 GMT

Hi,

I am trying to determine if my symptoms could be PA. About 4 weeks ago when doing Yoga I found that my knee felt very stiff when kneeling down. The following morning the leg still felt stiff and swollen so I wore a knee support cycling to work. The swelling got worse so I assumed I had done some injury and so stopped cycling. After about a week of resting, using ice and rubbing in Arnica ointment the swelling had decreased significantly, so I thought going on a short walk (less than 2 miles) would not do any harm, I was wrong however and the knee swelled right back up. So now I'm trying to determine what is wrong with it. I have had psoriasis for about 15 years and many of my toenails are discolored and thickened (I had always assumed this was a fungal nail infection) but my finger nails are flawless. I've been to my doctor and he did blood tests and an X-ray and suggested it could be gout or PA. What I'm particularly interested in is the pain aspect of PA. Most of the arthritis info I have found on the web says it involves pain. In my case this is absent, the primary symptom is swelling. This swelling reduces the range of motion of the knee and causes me to walk differently which can cause pain in the heel of the opposite leg or make the knee very stiff but there is no immediate pain on weight-bearing for instance. Basically in the morning after a nights rest my swelling will have gone down but if I then spend an hour on my feet it will swell up worse and get more stiff but even when it is quite swollen I would not say that there is significant pain in the joint itself. So I'm wondering, is pain always present with PA ? Or when you develop it initially can it be relatively painless, with pain only developing when you have had it for a while ? Or is it always painless provided you can rest the affected joint ?

Thanks,

Oisín.

as and poratic arthritis

brandy2 — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:35:03 GMT

where can i find a book on both subjects?

help!

Kathleen26 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:19:49 GMT

I have a 6 year old with very itchy palms and feet. There is no reddness or scalyness. But she has been itching like crazy for about a month now. I read that strep throat can trigger psoriasis. She had that two months ago. I took her to her ped. and she said no to psoriasis. And put her on an antihistamine to clear the itch. She said she just had an itch that won't go away. Of course I don't believe that. Her sister who is 7 1/2 has juvenile arthritis and their two great aunts have psoriasis and RA. I am kind of freaking out that my 6 year old might have psorasis. But I know nothing about it. Probably will take her to the dermatologist soon. After her strep throat she has been fine and healthy other than her palms and soles of her feet itching badly. Good thing is that she has not lost sleep over it.
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Kathleen

psoriatic arthritis/orencia

verte0 — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:27:59 GMT

I have failed humira, embrel, and remicade (was taking mtx injections along with each) and failed these. P/A was still active. Now RA Dr is trying to see if insurance company will approve orencia for pa, as she has used it for some of the more stubborn pa patients and has had success. Orencia is not making any trials for pa suffers and I wonder why. Seems to me they would want to help psoriatic arthritis suffers also. Hmmmm... (I am new to this board.) Why do companies only target RA, and have any of you used Orencia, or have heard of anyone using Orencia for P/A? Thank You.

PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Buslady — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:19:45 GMT

Hi, I have had PA since 1980. I have tried 3 doctors so far and am on my 4th doctor right now. To make it short,I was on Gold shots, Remicade and medicine and nothing is helping.
I will let you know what my 4th doctor is going to do for me. I had bloodwork done and also ex rays and bones are being eaten away and arthritis is still active. Remicade gave me Ovarian Cancer..don't want to go there again. Afraid to try other things like Remicade.
Why can't they come up with something for this disease?
Thank God, I can still do stuff around the house, but its alittle tough somedays.
Just thought I would state my situation. Thanks, Sharon

Looking for Doctor in Florida

LaRita6 — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:18:59 GMT

Hi all-
I've had PA for about 8 years and just moved to the Tampa/St. Petersburg area of Floida. I really hate to leae my rheumatologist but 800 miles is kinda far for a Dr. visit. LOL

Any advice on a good doctor for my area of Florida?

All comments appreciated!
La

Enbrel Side Effect

Luke89 — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 03:51:50 GMT

I have Psoriatic Arthritis and have been injecting Enbrel for a month and a half now. I injected the top of my left leg (I do rotate each time) a day ago and now the area is slightly raised and a little pink. It is not sore at all, I have heard injection site reactions can be common, but how common? Is there anything I can do, how long does this tend to last before I should call a doc'? Common experiences? Other suggestions would be helpfull. thanks

8 (almost 9yo) New to PA

Abigail4 — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:48:04 GMT

My daughter was just diagnoised. In June she started with knee pain. She has progressed to not even walking hardly feeding herself at this point. We have just started a Med cocktail and the steroid seems to be making her feel better. She has made it to 1.5 days of school so far this year, they started August 15th. School is going to start homebound soon. I am trying to find anything I can on this disease.

Any infomation you can pass on would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Lynn

PA & Relapsing Polychondritis

Penny07 — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:38:13 GMT

I have been diagnosed with PA for 8 years or so, based on odd rashes, blisters on soles of both feet, sausage digits on hands and one foot.
Sjogren's Syndrome was diagnosed a couple of years ago due to dry mouth, dry everything! And now I seem to have developed swollen lymph nodes in neck and in armpits which form red painful knots. Constant sinus problems, frequent bouts with eye infections, sensitivity to light and pain after focusing eyes for any length of time on anything like reading, sewing, computer, TV, etc. In one message board I saw a mention of PA being associated with Relapsing Polychondritis, but there is no information on this syndrome or disease on this website. I need to find some answers, so that I can manage my health better. I have been off work for almost a year now. If anyone has any information or suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.

remicade

Penny11 — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:01:33 GMT

I have been on Embrel and now Humara and MTX. I have been using it about 8 weeks. Is that long enough to know if it is going to work. My doctor Remicade is next. Has anybody tried it?

questions about PA

Annette442 — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:40:32 GMT

I was diagnosed with PA and OA 18 months ago. I no longer have insurance because I could no longer do the job I was doing. I have PA really bad in my ankles and my swelling makes my ankles feel like it is causing my arches to fall in my feet. I have another job now and I am on my feet alot and it has gotten to the point where it is all I can do to walk when I get off work plus my ankles are starting to give out on me and making my OA in my knee hip act up. I was just wondering if anyone else has come acrossed any of these problems? and if so what can help?

Diet and Distilled Water

truebluejenn — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 19:46:40 GMT

Several friends have had a total remission by drinking only distilled water and changing diet. Eliminate all wheat, all dairy, all corn, all citrus fruits, all nightshades. Gluten Free, Casen(sp?) free diet is required. Eliminate all cold drinks - no ice. Drink water at room temperature or herbal tea warm or hot.

Take our survey

AFChick — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:11:05 GMT

Please take this survey so we can know how you feel about this site and we can make improvements to better help you.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=47E8ol_2fgwCPT_2bYREtEh_2b3g_3d_3d

Thanks.
Sara

Advice & Support needed please

Jared5 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 04:15:26 GMT

I've been living with PA for over 12 years now. My original diagnoses was in 1995 and I endured a year of "trial and error" with my Rheumatologist as he fed me prescription after prescription trying to find the right medication that worked. After exhausting the "common" medications, he decided to go with Methotrexate. Which, at that time, was considered experimental. Although the Methotrexate worked wonderfully, the side effects were horrible.

Taking the medication turned into a serious psychological issue for me. And being that I was restricted to what benefits I had available to me via the HMO I was a patient of...I was not able to see a psychologist. My mental state quickly turned bad and the taking the Methotrexate began having a physical effect on me. Basically, I would become violently ill due to fact I knew I was poisoning myself every time I took the stuff. So, I stopped.

I've been living with PA for 10 years without treatment. And it's become an issue. I'm having trouble brushing my teeth as only one finger actually functions well enough to do anything on my right hand. I've yet to learn how to brush with my other hand, it seems to have a mind of it's own.

I need to try and save the remaining functionality I have left in this body of mine. With that in mind, I'm thinking about going to see a Rheumatologist again. Something I've been avoiding for 10 years now. It was a traumatic experience for me my first time through and I'm really not looking forward to it again. Regardless, I absolutely must do something before I lose anymore abilities to do basic self care.

I'm looking for advice, opinions, suggestions and any support anyone can offer me. I live next door to my mother and grandmother in Los Angeles, they do what they can to help me. But I cannot continue to burden them.

Appt coming up

Glenda11 — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:00:38 GMT

Well, so far, the PsA seems to be getting a little better since I started on the Enbrel again. They've got me on a lower dose than my dermatologist had me on, so it seems it's working a little slower this time. I've got an appointment w/my family dr on Fri to see whether or not he thinks that I've got fibromyalgia. My rheumatologist's ARPN thought I might possibly have it. I'm a little nervous about it, but I do think I need a little more help w/the pain. I've been having more muscle spasms lately. I understand they have some pretty good treatments for that. I just hope it won't affect my use of the Enbrel if I have the fibromyalgia as well. I've also got an appointment w/my rheumatologist next Tues. At least, if I need to, I'll be able to discuss the medication effects w/him too.

Update

Keli in Florida — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:09:31 GMT

Hi Everyone,
It's me again been kind of stressed lately as we all are. I see the urologist on Thursday the 2nd. Also I have a job interview tomorrow so hoping everything goes well with that. I really need some changes to be made. I am way too stressed out right now. So that's all I have for now. Hope everyone is doing well. I will update when I know more.

newly diagnosed with PsA

Cindylee5 — Sat, 26 May 2007 12:50:01 GMT

I'm 56, and newly diagnosed with PsA this week.
Only two months ago, I learned I had sero-neg RA, and thought it meant this would be easily treated. (my thoughts not the doctors)

He said he was expanding my diagnosis out to include PsA.
My understanding is they're treated pretty much the same.

I've been on plaquenil since Nov from a previous rheumatologist
In March I saw a new rheumatologist who started methotrexate. It's now at 20mg, and given by injections to help with the nausea. It works. :)

If in two months my symptoms are no better or worsen, he's planning on starting Humira.
My fatigue is better, but the synovitis has worsened, my joint count is up, and there's more swelling in the original ones he saw. --esp in my hands and wrists.
He had me stop physical therapy, and told me to rest my hands more. I don't work, so that's not a factor.
My fatigue has lessened alot since starting MTX,
I have a lot of enthesitis (where the tendons attach to the bone) esp in my feet, so my feet are really swollen and red, esp where the toes join the foot; and also a lot of tenosynovitis in my hands. (palm side).
Are these more common with PsA?
I've starting having loosening of the tendons in the figures too.

I have the patch on my knee, about palm size, that is going away on mtx, and have a couple of small patches oh the knuckles of my big toes.
I always pictured them being on elbows on the scalp like my husband had. (his have been doing better)
Does stress play a big part in worsening the skin issues?

I'd appreciate any hints as to how to live with this, since it seems the skin signs are increasing. My husband just lived with his for years, and never saw a doctor for it. Even though he was loosing hair from small patches on his scalp.
Thanks~

Back Pain and PA

susaninthegarden — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:19:36 GMT

On the RA board some mentioned that PA often includes back pain.
Anyone know more about that? I don't remember seeing anything on that before.