Just been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis

Hi it took years for me to find out, after going back and forth complaing about my hands. As soon as i had a correct diagnose it was full steam ahead. I found this hard to accept and still do sometimes. I was told last August, in some was it was great cos i could tell people that i was ill, at long last I had a reason for my pain and fatigue.  Good luck, let me know if  can answer any worries x

Hi I know how You feel it took me twenty years to get near a diagnosis and its still not confirmed. After my rumatologist appointment I had to have lung X-rays hand x rays the a full spinal MRI. I don't know what they are looking for I'm still waiting for my follow up appointment, although the pain clinic rung me for a phone consultation and they seemed to think the rumatologist  had put on my notes psoriatic arthritis. At least you have a diagnosis so you can move on with treatment fingers crossed they can help . 

It's 6 weeks now since my 21 year old son got diagnosed - we knew it was something but having it confirmed as a blow to him that this is a life changing condition. He has been ill since March and only when admitted to hospital things moved rapidly. He started on sulfasalazine but is off it due to a reaction waiting to go on methotrexate when the infection clears up I hope your treatment works x

Hi I was diagnosed about 18 months ago and I still sway between both of these feeling. It is a life long condition and sometimes your body gets used to the meds. I start on meds straight away and on each vist the sulfasalazine was increased, ( need blood test to check liver and kidneys) after a year they needed to add another drug methotrexate to my treatment. I admit this did knock me for six as I had been careful to follow advice give and to find out it was not working  was not great . Then I had a word with myself and decided to take control, the best advice I can give is to be pro active, ask about everything, get as much information as you can, but remember the condition does flare up and to keep a record to pass on to GP and rheumatology  Good luck with treatment

Hi Rachel

I was diagnosed several years ago after seeing numerous people. Like you, it felt good to get a diagnosis but depressing to discover it was something that would not go away. I have it in feet and hands. I have now reached the stage of "just get on with it" and live my life as well as I can. You may find some things difficult and some things you have to give up. Learn your limitations and take it from there. It doesn't have to change your life but some "adjustments" will be necessary. One down side which can be frustrating is that, as there is nothing that can be seen, some people will be sceptical as to whether there is really anything wrong with you. Don't worry though, your true friends will understand and be there for you, no matter what. I wasn't happy taking all the drugs at first but they really help and, if you become resistant to one and it stops working, tell your consultant as there are lots more to try. Nothing gets rid of the pain totally but it becomes "tolerable". Don't suffer unduly if you don't have to. There are no prizes to be gained from suffering. Take whatever helps you! 

Good luck my friend.

kind regards, Denise

 

Hi Rachy 

Although i have had Psoaris since i was 27 i am now 51 and was diagnosed with Psoratic Arthritis in Jan 2014. I was not aware that there was a condition related to Psoaris so it was a bit of a shock, now knowing what i do i think that doctors should advise every one that they can develop Arthritis. Education is a must. I have suffered because my GP didnt pickup early enough that i had it which i am not happy about. The earlier it is diagnosed the better chance you have of less damage will be done