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Date: 13.02.2013
From: Anthony Fosh

Subject: psoriatic arthritis recent diagnosis.

Hi My name is Anthony, 49 years old, live in Northamptonshire. I have suffered with Psoriasis for 10 years on my joints, Elbows,knees, and hands the worst effected, have used various prescribed treatments to try to control the condition, which eventually i just learned to accept, as at first it had a bad Psychological effect,as it really knocked my confidence.

Anyway it was under reasonable control then About a year ago, i started to suffer stiffness in my legs in my leg joints, and aches and pains, at first i just put it down to getting older, but in July i started to get the fatigue symptoms as well, when we went to a yearly event that we always go to, the walking just become very difficult, and i was just physically finished, in fact we had to purchase a grandstand seat and stay seated for the day.

As a result i visited the GP, After repeated Blood tests revealed inflammation i eventually got a referral to a Rheumatologist for November, by which time i had experienced my first flare up in September, which was treated with Steroids, both Tablets and Depo-medrone injection. I had to take time of from work as a result and had to inform my employers that i suspected i had psoriatic arthritis, this was confirmed in November by the Rheumatologist.

Since then i have started Methotrexate injections, on my seventh week, but experienced a serious flare up in January which has left me in bad state, as regards Mobility and Fatigue, i had a fall as a result and have been of work since.

Its all so new to me, and iam finding it very difficult to come to terms with my physical and mental condition, even the most simple of tasks i used to take for granted and do as second nature, is now a major effort, like getting up from a chair, showering etc. I have been told i must persevere with the injections, which we do at home, but there seems to be no improvement, in fact the ESR has increased to 62.

Iam no longer on full pay at work only SSP, and there is no way iam capable of "performing my duties" my employer states, they have asked for a report from my GP on my long-term condition as regards my employment.

Positives, the pain is under control, with Codeine and Naproxen, i have been granted a blue badge, and have a occupational health nurse coming out to asses our home week, not sure why help is available? I have applied for DLA only found out about the difficulties obtaining it after i had applied, so wait and see.

The GP has not problem with the sick certificates, what are the long term effects, does the condition improve?

Thankyou for any advice help in advance Anthony.
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Date: 13.02.2013
From: Tara

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis recent diagnosis.

Hi Anthony
Well come to the forum
Unlike you I have ra but a lot of the symptoms seem to be the same
I was diagnosed last may so fairly new to me I was very panicked at the time but the great ppl on here kept me going
I am a 41 year old mother of 6 so some days are a struggle but I try and stay positive and look forward and rest when I can
Not much help to you but I just wanted to say hi
Take care
Tara
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Date: 13.02.2013
From: rhona

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis recent diagnosis.

Hi Anthony, Welcome to the forum. Like Tara i also have rhuematoid arthritis but i am sure others on here with p/a will come on and offer you some good advice.

It is very difficult coming to terms will it especially when you are still young. I was in for 40's when i was diagnosed and i took it very hard but as time goes on you will come to terms with it. I used to get so angry and upset with it but i think when you try and accept that you have a condition then things can become a little easier. It can take a while to get the right combination of drugs but when they kick in you should feel a lot better. I am now on one of the newer biologic drugs and it has made a difference. Try and stay positive as things will get better, i have some good days and some not so good days. Remember we are all here for you so do come on anytime.
Take care x
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Date: 13.02.2013
From: anthony

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis recent diagnosis.

Thanks Tara and Rhona for the welcome, I wish i had found this forum earlier, everyone offers such sound advice and are so supporting and friendly,i had no idea just how agressive and life changing this disease was before, its not just the physical condition but the Psychological effect it has on you as well.
I will stay positive,and hopefully things will improve with time, All the best Anthony.
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Date: 13.02.2013
From: Linda

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis recent diagnosis.

Hi Anthony. I have Lupus/RA. Psoriasis runs in my family and also, more strongly, in my husbands. So much so they were hostpitalised with it, although none of them went on to develop the arthritis. Incidently i also live in Northants.

Hope you get your DLA sorted. I got turned down the first time so don't be discouraged. Welcome and take care.
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Date: 13.02.2013
From: anthony

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis recent diagnosis.

Thanks Linda for the welcome, all the best to you both, Take care Anthony.
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