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Date: 12.07.2013
From: Mel

Subject: psoriatic arthritis just diagnosed

Hi I am mel. I got a diagnosis yesterday and have been worried. I have not discussed this with anyone as my family will also be worried. I have had pain and swelling for some time now. The rheumatologist has said that the diagnosis is definite through x rays blood tests symptoms and sacroilitis. He told me not to be frightened as we can deal with things now that we know what it is. My questions are what did he look for to diagnose? I did not like to ask, and will I always have to take medication? I would be very grateful for any advice regarding this condition and I think this advice would be best from people who have to live with it. Also, have I done something to cause it? Thankyou to anyone who can help me.
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Date: 12.07.2013
From: Julie

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis just diagnosed

Hi Mel, I am new aswell, I have RA, I like you keep looking for answers but have found this forum very good and I am sure that someone will come along soon to help you. Sorry I cant be of any help but just wanted to let you know people do read the posts and to say Hi.
Take Care
xx
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Date: 12.07.2013
From: Mel

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis just diagnosed

Thanks Julie. Have been reading through some of the posts and already finding the forum helpful. Hope we both find answers! You take care too x
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Date: 16.07.2013
From: Christine

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis just diagnosed

Hi Mel, sorry to hear that you are worried about your condition. I too was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, in April last year. I suffered with psoriasis as a teen and then started with back pain in my twenties. Then in my early thirties started with other joint pains and finally diagnosed at the age of 36. My ESR rate (inflammation) was high and my fingers were like sausages and that's what my rheumatology doctor used to diagnose and the fact that I had suffered with Psoriasis. I think it is hereditary, my mum suffers also. I dont think anything specific causes this condition. I was started on methotrexate and folic acid, and just take over the counter pain killers. The methotrexate made me feel quite ill after taking it, nausea and lethargy, but I would take it in the evening and shortly after I would go to bed. I t seemed to work straight away for my fingers which were very swollen and painful, but not so much for my other joints. Over a year later I am now 2 weeks into taking sulfasalzine as well as the MTX to see if that helps. I am not feeling any side effects from them thankfully, just generally very tired.
What medication are you on or going to be put on?
I hope you find my story helpful and wish you well xx
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Date: 16.07.2013
From: mel

Subject: Re: psoriatic arthritis just diagnosed

Thanks for your response Christine. I have been prescribed naproxen. I had been taking diclofenac for four weeks previously. Other than these I just take an over the counter pain killer cocodamol. I do get skin rashes but have never been diagnosed with psoriasis. My joints in my hands feet and knees swelled badly at the beginning of june and I had to go to hospital on advice of GP because I couldn't walk.It was very painful. The swelling has gone down lots but I am still experiencing pain.In the morning I am very stiff and this may sound odd but both of my thumbs seem to keep locking it feels really strange! I have been prescribed folic acid also. I had back pain two years ago which has continued on and off and this was diagnosed as sacroilitis. I think I am lucky to have been able to see a rheumatologist. I am sorry you have had this for so long because you are only young. I am nearly fifty two. My parents both had a type of arthritis. Thanks again for responding. I did feel a bit isolated so I am very grateful. I wish you well also xx
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