Date: 13.02.2013
From: Anthony Fosh
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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: anthony
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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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