New to forum, I'm 23 and just been diagnosed with PsA, scared :(

[canyoufelix]

 I think the main thing for me is the unknown, to get it at such a young age and for my bones to be already fusing in certain areas and eroding in others is scary.

I think I just need to vent, I feel like I can't talk to anyone or it just seems like I'm being melodramatic. Am I right to be scared/worried? Or am I just seeing this as a much bigger deal than it is?

The more I read up on it/read stories about it the more I think that I've got a very hard road ahead of me and that I'm right to be upset about this.

Thoughts?

[Jamie..]

Hello and welcome along

There is nothing wrong with being scared.. and its good to vent what your thinking

I dont suffer with PA, but you'll find lots of other sufferers on here who can relate to how your feeling about PA and you will find much support and friendly people

Take care

[mrbrightside1986]

Hi canyoufelix

I've only just began posting on this forum as I am in the same boat as you, I'm slightly older at 25 and been diagnosed recently. Just started on a course of Methotrexate 10mg (weekly) 2 weeks ago coupled with Folic Acid 5mg (administered 4 days after the Methotrexate). Have you been given a treatment plan?

You're not alone mate, I know all too well about being down by it (as I suffer from depression too) so feel free to read my post and gimme a shout if needed!

 

[pinkangel]

hi,sorry to hear how you're feeling,i understand how you feel,i was a little bit younger than you[about 20-21]when i was diagnosed with arthritis mutilans[i'm now 34]i felt my world was crumbling around me,even the thought of being on medication probably forever scares the hell out of you.unfortunately as far as what the future holds,i'm afraid thats something none of us can foresee.i'm not going to make false promises that things will be fine but on the other hand i don't want to make you think the future will be bleak either.[even though at the moment thats exactly how you probably feel]all i can do is wish you the best and try to keep strong,but most importantly impart on you one very important piece of advice,you have to learn to fight[i don't mean the disease]and you have to talk,don't be fobbed off by doctors,consultants,specialists ect.take all the advice they offer and don't be afraid to try new medication,but at the same point if what you're taking is'nt working don't be afraid to speak up,and if you need help with mobility aids,benefits or care, you have to be prepared to fight for them and if they don't listen you have to try again and fight harder.i'm sorry that i can't promise things will be fine[i wish i could]but if you need any advice feel free to contact me,anything you want to know if i can help i will,try and be strong and take one day at a time,and try not to scare yourself by seeing the worst case scenarios.best wishes

[Beverley]

I havent got PA but welcome along x

[smose]

Hya Cany
I have moved your thread to the clinic which is the main area for PA so you may get more response here - I missed your post to start with cos it was in history!
I can apreciate how scared you are but on the positive side you are getting early support and treatment and all the research shows that this is the best way to prevent long term damage and complications.
Eeryones story is different but you will probably find you go through good and bad patches. I have only been diagnosed for about 3 years (45 now) but i have had joint problems for as long as i can remember. Started with a lot of hip pain in my teens and other episodes on a regular basis. Things really hit the fan about 3 1/2 years ago when I had a major flare now most of my joints are effected but I try to remain positive and active which i think helps.
Hopefully everything is going well

[sarah2000_leeds]

Welcome
I began suffering quite early but was only diagnosed last year. I'm in my early 30's now.  You've come to the right place to rant, I think we've all had a go but no-one will think any worse of you.  the people here are lovely and you'll find so much information and advice here.  For me it was just nice to talk to people who knew how I was feeling.  I didn't wanna feel like Iwas moaning to my fiance, family and friends all the time. 

Hope you start tofeel better soon

S x x

[niceman]

The more I read up on it/read stories about it the more I think that I've got a very hard road ahead of me and that I'm right to be upset about this.

Thoughts?

Hi and welcome from me too.  I would say that whilst a lot of people with PsA have a very tough time, there are many others with it who have an easier time, for want of a better word.  Reading up on people's experiences can give an unbalanced view cos many of the milder sufferers or those having no problems with their treatment tend not to feel the need to write/talk about it.  Anyhow, I really hope it is a smoother ride for you, but if it does get rough you'll always find top support and advice here.

[flower fairy]

Totally agree with Niceman, usually only on here when we are down a bit or looking for help with something, rest of the time we are often getting on well with life and keeping up with everyone else or trying to at least

[dopeykit]

Hi Canyoufelix,

So sorry to hear you are feeling a bit down about it all now but glad you have found this site, it really is a wonderful place to get advice and support from other people who know what you are going through and just 'get' it.

I got PA at about 19 but it took about 5 years and a hip op before I was properly diagnosed. Getting it young definitely doesn't mean you are going to crumble a way early, although sometimes it may feel like that. It's pretty unpredictable as a disease - it can be active for ages and then just fade into the background for a while. I honestly also think that the doctors make a real effort with young people, they seem extra determined to stop us getting joint damage. It may make your life bit different - but that won't always be a bad thing. I've met some great people and had some wonderful experiences partly because I have PA. Sometimes it will be totally rubbish, you miss out on stuff or get annoyed that it limits you but that's when you can come on here and have a good old rant. I totally agree with Niceman and FF that what we discuss on here is more the lows than the highs so don't let us worry you too much

I think it's ok to have some time feeling sorry for yourself and scared - it would be a bit more scary if you didn't. It took me a long time to accept I was ill and even longer to accept some of the help around. I found sharing some of the leaflets on PA with family, friends and work did help them understand a bit better and let me share my worries so maybe that's worth a try?

Hope some of that waffle is helpful and keep us posted on how you are getting on.