Psoriatic Arthritis

[MooMum]

I have just been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I have had psoriasis for 19 years. I have been put on methotrexate which I had previously taken for the psoriasis and never wanted to take again due to the seriousness of the possible side effects.

I am extremely upset atm. But considering the pain I am currently in and the fact that without the methotrexate I could end up loosing the function of my hand I have no choice. It has also started affecting other joints.

Does anyone else suffer with PA and can you tell me how you cope with the condition.

I plan to arm myself with all the knowledge I can find and eat better and exercise more. I will pull myself together but the initial diagnosis has been quite upsetting, I am beginning to realise what an impact this is going to have on my life and the life of my family.

TIA.

[SammiAnn]

Awww honey, I'm so sorry you've been struggling with this :hugs:. I am on the phone to my very best friend in the whole world as your story sounds very familiar. She has the same issue as you! She has just had her second bub and is due to go back to her rheumotologist (sp?) next week and will be starting the methotrexate after her appointment. She doesn't suffer from the ps but her joint pain is getting increasingly worse.

She is more than happy to exchange emails if you'd like, please PM me, she said it would be interesting to talk to someone with similar problems.

Sam :flowerz:

[Marygrace]

Not going to go into it in depth...but have you ever been tested for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
My uncle has same prob as you and almost completely recovered on a strict gluten free diet AFTER being fully tested from all angles for gluten sensitivities and celiac disease :thumbsup:
Trick is finding a decent doctor who will explore this avenue seriously and knows what exactly to test for.
Just an idea.
Good luck :)

[JabberJaw]

Oh gee i have never hearof anyone else with PA. Yep i have it, in my hip and kness, wrist and fingers and it gets worse when i am cold. If i am having a bad day i take neuofen with codeine but it merely rakes the edge off really. I am breastfeeding so thats about the strongest thing i can have but i have had some sucess with high dose fish oil but i have to take it like clockwork for it to work best. I am now on 3x1000mg 3 times a day. My eczema has improved, my psoriasis has improved and my joint pain has improved. I also take a small amount of flaxseed on my food which is also high in omegas. It really does help, but you have to give it time to work and not forget to take it. Good Luck.

[MooMum]

Thank you for the replies.

Sammi have pm'd you :hugs:

Bellhaze I have not been tested for these things but will most definitely discuss it with my GP this week :yes:

JabberJaw I am so sorry you suffer with this also, but it is good to hear what works for you. I have started taking the fish oil and that seems to be helping. I have also started with calcium and glucosamine. I am also looking into a complete diet overhaul so will be sure to include flaxseed. I bought a book the other day on natural treatments for arthritis so I'm going to start at A and work through to Z. Can I ask how long you've had it and how you cope when it is bad? I'm fearful of ending up crippled and unable to look after my boys.:no:

Thank you again for your replies.:hugs: