Date: 09.09.2010
From: Simon
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Subject: Psoriasis Arthritis & Fatigue
Hello, I am new to the forum and would like some help advice. I was diagnosed with PA at the age of 34. This was about 18 months ago after growing a sausage toe and severe pain in my left foot. Although looking back I now know there were symptoms preceeding this for 6-12 months including bad back & fatigue. I started Methotrexate in July 2009, which did wonders with regards the inflamation and pain, although this had to be stopped in March 2010 due to high enzyme levels. I have been off mxth since then although take naproxen and pain killers to manage pain on a daily basis. The PA has recently returned with a vengence but have been given the all clear to go back on Mxth. I am preparing for this as it is very intrusive, the main problem being is that the nature of my Job is to network & socialise and bring new business into the company. Although I never drink more than 24 units a week, drinking a soda water whilst everyone else has a few beers is annoying. Firstly they think you must have a drinking problem, than you feel you have to explain the situation which gets tiresome and fustrating because then they make you feel like a leper! Any ideas on how to cope with this would be great! The biggest problem I have is fatigue. Sometimes I get a few days when I dont have the energy to get out of bed. The front of my head constantly feels that i have a minor headache and if I closed my eyes I could be asleep in minutes. Sometimes I sneak off work to get a few hours sleep in the afternoon, then work later in the evening to compensate. When I speak to Rheumy & GP, they dont seem to fully understand how tired I feel. There only answer is to 'get some excersise'. Which I do as I have 3 dogs which I walk twice a day. I have been given Fluoxetine for depression to help counter some of the symptons. I am unfortunately going through a divorce which is not good for the old stress levels, (PA slightly to blame for this). Can anyone advise me with regards fatigue as I feel I am not getting any support from the specialists! Does anyone have similar issues in managing this and working?
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Date: 10.09.2010
From: J
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Subject: Re: Psoriasis Arthritis & Fatigue
welcome Simon Sorry to hear aboutyour health probs.....regards Fatigue, it is part ande parcel of Arhthrits etc... Know ya goiong baack on MTX, I now take MTX INjectioons, no side affects, trust me, I do get tired/fatigue stil, but not hiow u r suffereing, have u considered asking if U can go on The Ant TNF meds? Im on Enbrel......also I would demand a B12 Blood test.....that causes Horrific fatigue, I felt I was dying, the took my Bloods and it showed I ahve Pernicious Anemia.......GPs dont often do that blood test, for what ever reason, anyway ask if u can, that might be the cause...tc J
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