feeling down - just been diagnosed with psorial arthritis - feel like I have hit mid 30s and falling apart! :(

[QwertyQueen]

so all my sore joints etc are realted to psoriasis.
When I though I had just "done something" to my wrist or ankle I was OK, but to know it is a condition and will probably only get worse is making me feel really down.
I know it is just because it is new and I will learn to live with it, like we all do with our problems, it just seems that this year has been a particularly bad one for me!
ANyone else have it?

psoriatic arthritis - yup I have it. Have they told you what form you have? the different forms have different likely paths they will take. What medication are you on?

Tis honestly not the end of the world. Important thing is to not over do things when you are having a flare. Be kind to yourself. I find that I'm weepier when its flaring.

no, not been told details, will have to go back...
not on any medication yet.
SHe told me I might have it, and then literally days later my ankle is all swollen and painful.
How often do you get flare ups, and how long do they last?

poor you

I don't have the same, but I have a form of arthritis which onset 3.5 years ago (age 27) and so know something of how you are feeling.

I would be lying to say it's easy, but you do get used to it. Only occasionally now do I feel as down about it all as I did on first diagnosis and in those first few weeks/months. Part of you is relieved there is a name for your sysmptoms and part of you is so scared for the future.

Things that helped me where finding support groups/forums to vent on, and get ideas from. Also being honest with the people that matter in my life about how it affects me - they aren't mind readers and they need to know that I'm not being lazy or rude but might be suffering with pain or fatigue. Keeping focused on the important things and making new hobbies e.g. I've taken up photography whereas my hobbies were all sports based previously. Get support networks in place as to how to handle things when times are tough - will you need help with your children and how can you get that help? I qualify for DLA and use that money for an au pair - it's put in place a safety net of childcare and also means I don't waste valuable energy doing much housework. Means on terrible days I don't have to worry how to meet my toddler's needs etc, whereas before that was a huge worry. If there are specific things around the house you struggle with ask for a community occupational therapist to come and assess you in your home - don't be proud, and see what they can offer even if just things like a banister on your stairs etc. They will know of things which exist to help which you'll never heard of.

Arthritic flare ups vary hugely from person to person in frequency and length and what triggers etc. In time you'll gradually learn what is good/bad for you. But my number one piece of advice would be don't be too proud to accept help - and talk, and keep talking. It's a lot to come to terms with. Even just getting the medication balance right for you can be a lengthy process.

Good luck.

I get flares each autumn that wax and wane through to spring time. But at the same time I don't get much swelling with it and although it slows me down loads when its bad it doesnt stop me. Everyone has a different pattern though. Some people (like me) have a non degenerative version which means that there is no bone damage and although anti-inflamms arent always enough for the pain I don't need the disease modifying drugs to prevent damage.

For me it always seems to coincide with a psoriasis flare (usually bought on by a virus in me)

Were you diagnosed by a gp or a rheumy? rheumy more useful for getting you on to the right medication.

DH has had this for several years. There is good medication available and as long as you are monitored carefully (he has six-monthly xrays, blood tests etc) they are often able to control it well. As others say, it will depend on which type you have, and also on where you are referred for care. Our biggest problem was life insurance - a nightmare when you have PA. Good luck with your appointment.

oh dear, hadn't even thought of life insurance etc, but why would that be a problem as it is not life threatening
Thank you for your replies, there is a lot to take in and it still doesn't seem as if it is happening to me yet.
Funny though, all the little aches and pains that I get from time to time are now obviously related - all in the wrist, fingers and ankles
I was a bit shell shocked when the GP told me she thought it is what I had, so I didn't ask any questions, think I will need to go back.
Trouble is I have just moved to a country with no equivalent of NHS, so have to pay for everything eeeek

My mum has had psoriatic arthritis since she was in her early 30's as well (she's mid 50's now). It was mainly in her hands and feet initially, but she does have problems with other joints now as well

She takes lots of medication but it does seem to be under control now

QQ the life insurance thing is a rating based on increased risk due to some medications but also a significantly increased risk of alcoholism.

Dh has PsA, was diagnosed in his early 30's. He is under the care of a consultant at the hospital, and at the moment its managable with his meds. It'snot the end of the world, he just made adjustments to how he did things. Although some of the meds have made him very ill....

My Dh has the same and he was advised to take Omega 3 rich fish oils. His has vastly improved with the fish oils.
When he flares he also takes anti inflammatory meds, pain killers and potions and lotions, unguents and cremes.

The fish oils stop him flaring.

good luck with it. Ask about the O3 fish oils, a clinical nutritionist recommended them to DH.

thanks so much for the suggestions...
still feeling really down about it and my ankle is in agony tonight.
It is really swollen, is that normal? I keep thinking it can't be.
I have just bought some Omega 3 actually, so hoping it works

Janinlondon, just re-read your post... do you mean there is a significantly increased chance of becoming an alcoholic due to this?!?
Or is that a seperate issue of your partners?

I have had a sore swollen ankle for a week now, is this normal?

QQ - I'd see your gp and show her the ankle - ask for a referral to the rheumatologist who will be able to sort you out properly.

Hi,
I have managed to get an appt with a rheumatologist on Thursday.
I so hope I do not have degenerative form either, although it has def got worse over the alst year

Wow thats fast well done I guess thats the upside to having to pay I suppose?!
They will be able to tell you loads more once they've done tests. Try not to fret too much for now.