Anyone have psoriatic arthritis ?

[Nocturne123]

Hi everyone , I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a few years ago . I'm 26 and have a 4 month old DD . The main problem is my knee which has flared up badly after giving birth. The arthritis has kindly spread to my ankles , an elbow and a wrist and it's getting quite hard to do normal things ! My symptoms pretty much disappeared during pregnancy so I was quite gutted when they came back !

I just wondered if anyone else has this and had any tips to loosen the joints ! I take Anti inflammatories and painkillers every day but they don't seem to do much !

Sorry to whinge I just feel bad moaning to my family , thought I'd give them a break :) feel free to tell me to man up !!

Me!!
I wish I could say it is fine but I am having a bad day.

I really feel for you!! I developed it in my 40s and have never had it treated as a holistic thing iykwim. It must be so hard with little one.

My son has ankylosing spondylitis and has cut back on painkillers through exercise building up core muscles. I know I should do the same but I have recently found I am exhausted so dr sending me to specialist. I think dr thinks anyone with PA and chronic sinusitis would feel tired but this is true exhaustion.

That was off the point sorry; I am feeling sorry for myself, my friend is here for tea and I am in bed while her and DP put the world to rights!!

I heard something about a new treatment for arthritis last week but can only see results for Mail and Express so am a bit doubtful!!

I will come back when I feel better!!

Are you under a rheumatologist?

Me as well!
I was diagnosed when I was 40, went on and had my DS at 41 and had a pain-free third trimester. It was bliss . Sadly it returned fairly soon after the birth and DH had to take the odd day off work as I couldn't lift DS or change nappies etc as I had it in my arm then wrist then knee! Got so bad had to have MIL to stay at one point!

Currently take Sulphasalazine and low-dose steroids (plus Vit D) as due to see Consultant in November to try another drug as Methotrexate didn't work. However my joints seem fine in between flare-ups (which generally only last a few days and I take Cocodomol at those times).

Do try and have a nap some days when DS does though, helps with exhaustion. Have you been referred to the OH at your hospital?

Hi. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. I'm 40 now.

My left knee was my first big issue - which led to my dx. Swelled up massively overnight. I also have PA in my fingers/hands - I know realise that this was the cause of aches and pains in them the 2 or 3 years before my knee swelled. I also have issues in my lower neck/upper spine, ad a couple of places on my left foot.

I also find the associated tiredness an issue.

I was referred to rheumatology and have appointments every 6 months. Had MRI scans and Xrays and so far the joints have no obvious damage. When my knee swells a lot I have steroid injections under the kneecap and have had general steroid injections to cover all pains when its been particularly flaring up. I also had a general referral to physio when my neck was particularly painful.

Daily I take DMARDs and Steroids. I also have painkillers and anti-inflammatories for as and when I feel I need them. The PA is currently reasonably under control. No big flare ups at the moment, more general aches and odd pains in those joints.

I always found that cold and damp weather makes it much worse. I even invested in some special pens to take the pressure of my hands when writing - I do a fair bit in my job in school.

I empathise entirely. It can be really tiresome - both mentally and physically. I am currently in a reasonably good period, it makes such a difference.

Thanks for all your replies ! Yes I've seen the rheumatologist who has injected my knee several times but the last time it didn't work . He tried to inject my ankle too but I chickened out ! He doesn't want to put me on methotrexate because of my age and I do want more children so i guess I'll see what it's like after I've decided to stop having children .

I just needed a vent as I am having a bad flare at the moment. My upper back and neck are also painful !

Earthymama - that's great that your son has had the will power to do that . I keep meaning to try and strengthen my muscles but it's so hard to get motivated when you're sore ! I have so much respect for him !

At least I am hopeful that another pregnancy will bring a pain free 9 months or so :)

It's so good to talk to people who understand

Not me but my husband. He had a massive flare up just around the time ds was born, it was awful, but it meant he got placed under a new consultant at MRI which has been the best thing for him, because she put him on sulfasalazine, which has really improved his quality of life - his previous consultant was just giving anti inflammatories and painkillers which weren't doing anything for him like you OP. can you speak to your doctor about getting on to a similar drug (called DMARDS - disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs) they're the only thing thats worked for him and my mum who has rheumatoid arthritis.

Hope things settle down for you soon x

Not me, but DH has this. He has been on medication now for about 10 years.

He is on Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquin. He has also had steroid injections into his hands in the pars to help. He was on Methotrexate for a while but did not get on with it.

They are still monitoring his liver levels and are trying to reduce his meds. He has not had a bad flare for years though.

Not me, but DH has this. He has been on medication now for about 10 years.

He is on Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquin. He has also had steroid injections into his hands in the pars to help. He was on Methotrexate for a while but did not get on with it.

They are still monitoring his liver levels and are trying to reduce his meds. He has not had a bad flare for years though.

Me too.

20 years after my initial diagnosis I have met 2 people IRL who have the same.

I have. Diagnosed 4 years ago. Sulfasazine has got it under control and, from what i have read, is pretty good in that there are no major health risks with it, unlike many of the other stronger drugs out there. In the early days, before i found a drug that worked, swimming helped a lot - the cold water eases the joints, acting like an anti inflammatory, and at the same time you are building your muscle strength up. I would massively recommend it.

Ageofgrandillusion - a few people hve mentioned that drug now , I'll have to ask my gp about it, my consultant was very against methotrexate until I had decided to stop having children ! Thanks everyone for the replies :)