Thought I'd say 'hi' - another newbie

[jceeyore1975]

Thought I would introduce myself up here after posting in the folder about psoriatic arthritis and receiving some wonderful help and supportive messages. Thank you for those.

I have had psoriasis on my scalp and body for about 18 years now (I'm 34) Nothing major, just patches here and there. About 3 years ago I started having pain in 1 of my toes and to cut a long story short, I was diagnosed with a 'sausage toe' and thus psoriatic arthritis. It wasn't too painful so the rheumatologist decided just to leave it and I was to take pain killers if I needed then.

Move forward 3 years and I found myself back at the rheumatologist again having experienced for the past year increased nail pitting, several more sausage toes and a stiffness in my hands and feet and lower back. After having had almost every part of my body x-rayed, lots of blood tests it was decided I should start on methotrexate. I should be speaking with the support nurse to see about that next week.

I'm a little bit freaked by it all as the drugs sound pretty yucky but I guess if I can catch this thing now it might help in the future.

Anyway, that's my story 

JC.

[mosschops]

Hi JC

Welcome! I have just joined too & feel so much better reading that there are SO many people out there that know exactly how you feel!!!

You mentioned sausage toe??! Sounds like something I have but my 'medical encyclopedia mum' tells me its gout - swollen all the way down, will hardly bend etc & funny bluish colour?!

I have recently been given MTX too. Panicked after reading the leaflet about side effects but it was prescribed to me primarily to treat the PA but my derm nurse told me a few weeks ago that it should drastically improve my skin too so at the moment I'm up for trying it. Each to their own and I hope your support nurse gives you as much info as poss so you make a decision that will hopefully improve things for you 

Good luck

[Pieman]

hiya JC

welcome from me

I occasionally get locked fingers and my knuckles swell on both hands.
don't know if that's PA tho...need to see a rhuemy to confirm i think

just thought i'd say hi

[TJB]

Hi JC and welcome
my rheumy said my sausage toes gave him the idea i had PA, so i think its a common sign of it.
I have been on MTX for 5 months, nothing too bad at the mo, bit of nausea, headache and mouth ulcers.
You will get loads of help and advice here.
All the best
Tracey 

[Joan J]

Hello and welcome from me too. I only suffer P - not PA - but you will find a great deal of support on here - keep reading and posting
Joan

[JUDGE DREDD]

Hello & Welcome JC. 

[flecksable_flyer]

Hello! A wave all the way from the USA.

Enjoy your stay. You are among friends.

Sabra & Surrido

[weenic1986]

Hi and welcome JC

I have been suffering from a swollen and stiff knee for almost 2 years now but every time I go to my GP they give anti-inflammitaries.  I don't know if this is maybe psoriatic arthritis or just a dodgy knee 

Just wondering how your GP diagnosed you?  Are there any jags required?  (See I don't like needles lol)

Hope you get things sorted soon.

Nic

[RTFTAT]

 Hey JC...

Well this will be a first for me on this, I am 34years of age and I too am on metotrixate but its gotten to the point where I feel the side affects and long term affects are not worth it.
 
I've had psoriasis for almost 20years  , i have never shared this with anyone, my family just found out 5years ago, my friends still have no clue, therefore they call me the ice queen, because I've been single for so long, turning guys down when they ask me out to lunch or dinner. I tell them I'm not interested, I'm too busy, I'm married to my job... but now that I'm getting older my friends fell my excuses are getting ridiculous, and I agree with them (if only they knew :'( )....

I've been looking at other alternatives, natural remedies and psoriasis clinics, I have an appointment this Saturday with a clinic, its a bit pricey, just under or over, borderline $500  but I was guaranteed this will be the first and last time I spend any money on this illness

 I've been told that, I'm looking at a recovery period of 2months  .  It sounds too good to be true I know,  I have tried everything, from lighting treatment to steroid an now tablets, the medication has been government funded which is cheap, but if I had to compare almost 20years of affordable medz that not been affective to 2months of a one off payment that is natural, I'll take the chance

I'll keep you all informed with how things go and if i can rid myself from being dependant on this drug.. wish me luck....

WATCH THIS SPACE

MMMWAH!!
 

[Tangles (Donna)]

Gday from aussies in Scotland hope you find something on here that will help