Gutted, think I have psoriatic arthritis :(

[Icantstopeatinglol]

I've had psoriasis as long as I can remember and I'm now in my mid 30s. After so long having problems with different joints I've just read somewhere symptoms and its exactly what I'm experiencing. Totally gutted if it is but then at least I can get treatment cos I feel like a cripple and I've got small dc to look after. So upset.
Does anyone else have pa, if so how are you coping?

[LackaDAISYcal]

You need to see your GP and get a referral to a rheumatologist. I don't have psoriasis, but I do have lupus and associated joint inflammation. It's all manageable with the drugs available today.

I hope you get sorted soon

[sashh]

Hi, I was diagnosed at 26. You need to see a rhumatologist.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Thanks for your replies, I've had lots of problems over the years....golfers elbow, knee problems, plantar fasciitis and currently being treated for insertional achilles tendonitis which makes it so painful to walk at times. In the last few wks my shoulder feels like its seizing up and hurts so much to pick my dc up. I'm especially painful through the night and first thing and when you've got dc wanting you through the night and first thing it's becoming unbearable.
Think I'm going to phone the drs this morning.
I've had psoriasis for years which is bad enough but then I'm thinking at least if it is that there's a reason for it all and I'm not just falling apart! Kind of anyway....! :(

[mankyscotslass]

Dh has psoriasis, and has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis for over 10 years, since he was in his early 30s. With medication it is manageable, and doesn’t usually affect him on a day to day basis. He is on yearly review at the hospital, although he does need 3 monthly blood tests to monitor liver function due to the medication.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Thanks manky, I'm hoping medication will help as its so painful at the minute I can hardly lift my 2yr old.
I feel quite angry with the drs as I've mentioned it before and they've dismissed me and I now have irreversible damage to my heel.
I've had so many joint problems over the years and they've never referred me to a rheumatologist. Work have been great and I've had physio for numerous problems but feel like the physios were a bit stumped at times.
I'm phoning the drs this morning for a referral and I'm not taking no for an answer.

[Aftereightsarenolongermine]

I have PA & was diagnosed a few years ago more by luck really as I don't have psoriasis, but have sjogrens & antiphospholopid so luckily was already under a rheumatologist care.

You definitely need to be referred & hopefully they'll put you on the right medication to help you. It sometimes takes a while to get the meds right though & which can be frustrating.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Thanks aftereight, after years of trying to find the right treatment for my psoriasis I'm happy to try any treatment. I'm so worried about it getting worse as I currently struggle to get my daughter in and out of her car seat, I don't know what I'll do if it gets any worse!

[Aftereightsarenolongermine]

Being on the right meds will help. Some days it's more of a struggle than others & I take it easy on those days, but my dcs are older now which helps. It was hard when they were younger but I was never shy about asking for help from family & friends. I help out others whenever I can so as to 'buy' return favours IYSWIM

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Yea you're right, I do struggle to ask for help cos don't like putting on other people as most family are busy.....dh family are either too far away or don't bother (don't get me started on mil lol!).
Kids are at that stage of fighting over everything and dd is in the tantrum stage and its hard to pick her up which obviously isn't ideal!
Thank you.

[Aftereightsarenolongermine]

Just wondering how you are & if you managed to see your GP for a referral.

[ATouchOfStuffing]

Keep up with vit D supplements too. If you can relocate to a sunnier clime then do. I wish I could! Have psoriasis too and just been told have onset arthritis in lower back. Always having tendon probs with hands and wondered if it was linked! Only 31 here too :(

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Hi, sorry haven't replied (new on mumsnet!). Yea I've seen the rheumatologist twice now. He's diagnosed me with 'enthesopathy' which is good as should mean no joint damage but pain is bad. He planned to inject my heel and left shoulder on my 2nd appointment but by then I was having pain in a lot more joints and my back so he's now put me on Lodine (NSAIDS). Seemed to work first day or so but in just as much pain now 6days in. Having ultrasound on Monday to check for inflammation and inject steroids if necessary. Can't believe how quick it's came on! :(

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Atouchof, psoriasis is a right shitter to be honest. I hate it with a passion at the minute! Just feel like I'm falling to bits! My rheumatologist has said that the enthesopathy is possibly linked to my psoriasis. Hope you're doing ok :)