Hello.
I'm not really looking for specific help and advice, more just sounding off a bit and it's a long story so get comfy.
Before I begin, I don't have a diagnosis for PsA, but I think it's a strong likelihood.
I have had psoriasis in my scalp since about 20 years ago. About 15 years ago I went to an Army GP and he told me, it's probably psoriasis; use a coal tar shampoo twice a week and a gentle/baby shampoo the rest of the time. To be fair, that's pretty much kept the dandruff at bay and the itching is minimal.
I also injured my back quite badly in the Army, so I'm ruling that out of considerations at the moment (even though I'm aware that it could be related now).
For the last few years, I've also had psoriasis in my ears, on my cheeks and on my top lip. Again, I can keep that all under control with careful hygiene and creams. Most people I know have no idea about it.
I've always been fit and strong and rate fitness very highly as a priority, however, I've had to give up running in the last few months because of knee pain; although the GP has put that down to OsteoArthritis and I'm inclined to agree.
Now, here is where the concern comes. My knees are hurting around the tendon areas even though I'm not exercising, I'm getting a really bad elbow tendon problem and my neck aches a lot, along with crunching/grinding when I turn my head. Also, I've noticed that one of my fingers really hurts at the end joint when I do things like operating the indicators in the car, or catching it on something.
My joints are stiff when I wake, I have disturbed sleep every night and my knees and elbow ache and burn after exercise.
On top of all of that, I haven't spoken to him about it yet, but I've not long since reconciled with my father after 20 years only to find he has psoriasis and arthritis!
I went to see my GP, primarily about the elbow and he was a nightmare. Didn't listen at all, barely let me get a word in. He dismissed my knee problems as age related (I'm 39) and after poking and prodding told me to take ibuprofen for my elbow and come back in a year if it hasn't got any better. Oh, and apparently it's impossible to have arthritis in your elbow!
I insisted on seeing another GP and he at least gave me some exercises for the elbow and told me to come back in 2 weeks if it didn't improve. He also had a proper look around my knees before confirming it was probably wear and tear, although I didn't tell him about the tendon issues.
Anyway, that's it. If I do have PsA, it's either early or very mild and my doctor is a quack. He sees a relatively young, fit-looking man walk in and you can see in his face that he's thinking 'Stop wasting my time, I have ill people to deal with'.
I have printed out that report that talks about early treatment to take with me and I intend to insist on being referred to a Rheumatologist when I go back again, so that won't be an issue.
I am scared though, very scared. I want to get help with whatever is wrong, but I don't want to be told that I have PsA. I guess I'll be back on here with updates after I've got up the nerve to see the GP and demand a referral.
