Newly diagnosed - Psoriatic Arthritis

Hi i have had psorasis since i was 27 i am now 51 just over a year ago i was diagnosed with Psoratic Arthritis after 2 years of going to the doctors they finally diagnosed it. I was started on Sulfasalazine and slowly built upto 6 a day, these have stopped working after year, so i have now been put on Methotrexate which i took the first lot on Tuesday so early days but hoping it works. At first i was unable to bend middle finger on my right hand but over the last two/three weeks it has progressed to my second and now my little finger, So i am now unable to hold very much in my hand at all now, and cutting food is almost impossible. I remain hopeful that this may be temporary, Like most i am getting depressed with my condition and i recently lost my job as a result of a recent flare up in my left Hand/wrist and Arm which was diagnosed as Tenosynovitis which by the time i got any treatment i had been out of work and not using my arm/hand it had gone down so i could not have steroid injections to control it. Currently i am unable to work which is not helping feeling depressed but i try to keep myself busy but my condition doesnt allow me to do very much. My knees keep swelling up which makes it hard to walk and i spend far to much time on the laptop. It has effected my social life as it is mostly riding a motorbike which at present i cant ride because of the grip issue. I have been reading tonight that Dactylitis (sausage finger/toe) can be caused by radiation but i am going to look into this more to get the facts straight. However if this is the case why are the hospital still using xray without informing us that it could have this effect on our joints especially fingers and toes. I totally understand where you are all coming from re depression this contion causes but i will not allow it to beat me. Hopefully sharing information might help us all understand the different medications that is out there and the side effects they have on us all. I hope you are all feeling some benefit from the medications your on. keep your chin and spirits up Rob 

Hi, I was diagnosed back in 2013 with psoriatic arthritis. Im currently on Sulfasalazine, colchicine, pregablin, paracetamol and diclofenic. I was first started on methotrexate but I didn't get on with it so got changed to sulfasalazine.

Have you seen a rheumatologist yet? If not then insist on a appointment as soon as possible then explain the methotrexate isn't helping and ask for an alternative (there are too many to list). I'd also recommend going on to arthritis care website, they have some really good tips for coping. You can buy some painkillers over the counter such as co-codamol 8/500mg if paracetamol and ibuprofen don't help.

Also I found going for a NHS prepayment certificate has helped no end, I pay £10.40 a month direct debit where as my monthly repeat alone comes to £60!

I hope this helps, it's a nasty condition and unfortunately it doesn't get any better so getting to grips with it early is essential. Rest as much as possible, talk to your employer and explain what you have. Learn to ask for help as well, talk to your GP of you feel low as they can help and recommend counselling. I get a lot of pain in my hands and I've found soaking them in warm water or wear gloves. Exercise is a great relief for me, I get most of my pain in my spine, shoulders, hands and feet so going to the gym and working out helps me no end!

Again, hope it helps, keep you chin up and make the most of life