Psoriatic Arthritis- advice on supporting my partner and natural route

There may be "natural" "herbal" things that may help him feel a bit better when used alongside mainstream medicine - but there are none that will stop the progress of inflammatory arthritis effectively on their own whatever you may read on the internet. And consider - natural or not, if something is strong enough to have an effect, it is still a chemical. At least pharmaceuticals are exactly what it says on the tin - they are subject to very strict controls and monitoring. Supplements are not and frequently have things in them that are downright dangerous but not declared on the label - especially items purchased over the internet. And if you are on any sort of medication, prescription, OTC or supplements of any sort - they can all interfere with one another so never take anything you haven't checked out thoroughly for interactions with a pharmacist (not counter staff in a chemist or health food store) or doctor.

As for the dealy in the injection appointment, it probably sounds harsh to say it - but it is nearly Christmas which takes the best part of 2 weeks out of the clinic sessions, that partly accounts for the wait for an injection that is (I assume) into the joint? Everyone will be in similar states - winter pressures in the NHS are worse this year than ever before. But I won't get into a political discussion, this isn't the place. While it hurts a lot - it isn't life-threatening. 

Sulphasalazine is the first line drug usually - if it doesn't work/he can't tolerate it it will probably be changed once a trial period is over. Often the body protests to start with but then gets used to the drug over time. It isn't uncommon to stop DMARDs (Disease Modifying AntiRheumatic Drugs) if the patient develops an infection because they suppress the immune system and that then allows the immune system to fight the infection better. It isn't permanently, just until the infection is past. 

Do you mean southwest London or do you mean the southwest?

Not a good idea to go down the alternative  route when on DMARDS such as sulphasalazine. There are unpredictable interactions. There is no proven medically evidenced alternative medicine to take, alas! Those who do to the exclusion of the tried and tested meds always regret it. It wastes time when the disease shouldbe treated aggressively at an early stage!  There is evidence that rosehip or Gopo can help with infammation. I found it interferred with painkillers though.

Sounds as if your finance is attending a smaller hospital where staffing is an issue. I would suggest Southampton General as a teaching hospital where they have experience. I attend this hospital having left London hopsitals behind. Your GP can refer you for a second opinion. But in the circumstances they should be chasing your rheumatologist quite hard for an answer! 

I cannot conceal from you that the process of treatment for PsA is a slow and wearisome process. It can be temporarily helped with body cortisone  shots but you cant have too many of those.

And yes, alas treatment on the NHS can be very slow! Sometimes you can speed things up by ringing and say you'll take a last minute cancellation.

Unfortunately it can take up to 3 months to determine whether any DMARD  is working or not. I suggest you read up on the Arthritis Research UK site on psoriatic arthritis NB spelling! 

Good luck

Later (do this before asking for a second opinion) There should be a rheumatology nurse in the rheumatology department? You could try contacting them? Or if the consultant fails to respond at all  go to PALS ( patient advice and liason service) and tell them what has happened. I've always had good responses from them when needed but some are better than others!

Hi Amy,

I've had Psoriatic Arthritis since I was 12 years old and like your boyfriend only had a small patch of psoriasis as a child.  I've also been on Thyroxine for most of my life.  I can't help you with medical help available in the US as I'm in Australia.    

Steroid injections are pretty routine and can help with inflamation.  It's the inflamation that does the damage to your joints.  His body is fighting against itself. To keep that at a minimal level they will try several different drugs to find the one that works.  It can be really difficult through that stage. I've had both my hips and knee joints replaced when I was in my 20s - but that is very rare.  You sound like you are already doing a great job supporting him and he will have good and bad days.  Chronic long term pain can be hard to deal with.  I did try Sulfasalazine at one stage but found I was allergic to sulphur - the main ingredient.  

As far as "natural" therapies go - I'm a realist.  I want to know what I'm putting in my body and that my medicine has been throughly tested and works.  Most "herbal cures" do not disclose their content or whether they work or not.  There is no "natural" form of thyroxine and it's really important to take it as directed. People try to be nice with what worked for their Gran but they don't realise that there are 150 different types of arthritis - what works for osteoarthritis doesn't work for the other types.  I did try the "herbal" route in the early days and it made no difference except to my wallet. I also get angry when people imply my doctors just want to get rich - not help me get better.  If there was a "natural cure" any drug company would be happy to test it and take it to market.  Just see medicinal honey and using silver in wounds - both "natural" and both now used in mainstream medicine.  Gold was also used to treat some types of arthritis.

I really hope you can find a good rheumatologist and a GP.  If you need any other information - I'm happy to help.

vagas stimulators, DEMARDS., MTX , or Humira biomdrugs.

psa can cause severe damage to the joints if not caught ang controlled early. I have it in THR pip joints in my fingers and apremilast had helped mwe after trying many of the above meds. 

Chechnwith th a rhumytologist to find what helps you.

everone is different any natural treatment for PSA has not been recommended. TNF factor is the issue with PSA and I hope you fine what helps give you relief every one is different. So not know what other meds you are on or health history. Best is to see a rhumey ASAP, THEYBAREVwell trained in manyntypes of mrthritis and medications .

Sorry to hear about the problems your fiance is experiencing, I had one of 2 injections in to my finger earlier this year but i refused the second due to the pain from the first. saying that it was 11 months from diagnois to getting the injection. 

I would be getting on to Hillingdon Hospital and write a letter of complaint to the senior management due to the lack of correspondence from the rheumatologist and the department, I am lucky my Rhumetology dept get back to me the same day when I leave any messages. 

I have the problem of fingers swelling with increased to having a swan neck finger. I am on Sulfasalazine, Methatrexate, Tramadol, Co codomol Ibruphen and about to start on Cimzia. 

There is some that think Tumeric helps with PSA.