I have psoriasis and joint pain/ swellings. I am due to see the specialist re possible diagnosis of arthritis psoriatic. What should I highlight to help specialist.
Hi Serge
I started with PalmoPlanter Pustulosis (PPP) 17 years ago, it's a ttype of psoriasis which is limited to the palms of hands and soles of feet. It is notoriously difficult to treat. I received various topical treatments and Puva. It eventually cleared after 2 years or so. I have always had a small patch remaining but not a full outbreak. It Is very painful to walk or use my hands when it is active. 5 years ago I developed intense swelling and pain in my left knee. It was hoped it was a mono arthritis but sadly over 12 month period other joints were affected - fingers, toes, both knees mostly. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was diagnoseddin Oct 2011. The rheumatologist carried out a number of tests to reach the diagnosis - blood tests (to measure the inflammatory indicators and rule out rheumatoid), X rays, MRI scan and the scan they use to look a babies (sorry - I'm having a mental block! Can't remember the correct words). Non rheumatoid arthritis is Called seronegative. Treatment received - steroid injections, I had the fluid drained off my knees on more than one occasion 'aspirated', lots of painkillers, anti inflammatory drugs. Then I was prescribed a number of disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and in June 2013 I was prescribed biological treatments - anti TNF. NB Iif you want to know anything about treatments, please private message me. I have had a numberof problems with DMARDs but I don'tdwant to scare anyone! Suffice tosay I developed some pretty horrific side effects. In June 2013 the PPP returned with a vengeance, the flare up has persisted for 21 months so yet another drug may be added. Please be assured your rheumatologist will be very thorough just tell them which joints are affected and how this is impacting on your daily life. The sooner PsA is identified and treatment commenced the less damage will be done to your joints and less distortion, no knarly hands hopefully. Good luck, let me know how the appointment goes
Hi serge79137
I have Psoriasis for 35 yrs and was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthrits in 2001. They will look to see if you have any nail changes like yellow colour nails usually at the side of the nail. You can get swollen fingers one of mine bent, but had a splint made to keep my finger straight when relaxing and sleeping its still straight after all these yrs. My feet would burn and had to wear trainers as it was painful wearing hard shoes. But sadly 2 of my toes bent and have to wear trainers permantly until the summer. They started me on sulphasulazine but my white blood cells were knocked down to borderline so had to come off it, that medication made me feel soooo good though.
But on a good note its been in remission for yrs i dont take any meds im so lucky, it could come back one day im hoping not.
Try and keep your diet as healthy as pos, i still drink alcohol im not giving that up for anything, but in moderation, and i walk a lot you must exercise but dont over do it. dont know what else to say but hope you get sorted soon x
Thanks for your commments. Due to start metho so who knows. I am having a good day slept all yesterday serge x
Hi cabernet61 due to start metho and had steroid injection which seemed to make a difference after 2 weeks. Some trepidation about metho side effects but only time will tell serge x