30th April 2004
I was searching & searching for a post about Psoriatic Arthritis. I am 24 years old and have had Psoriasis since I was about 10 years old - atleast thats when I was diagnosed with it. At first it appeared only on my scalp, but has since moved to my ears, elbows, abdomen, thighs & my butt! They're only little patches, some barely visible, but I know about them. It has totally diminished any self esteem I had and it makes it near impossible to be intimate with someone - especially during a flare up! Two years ago I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. This was only after going to my primary physician & seeing a physicians assistant about 10 times. Her excuse was my job - sitting in front of a computer all day. She recommended exercises & some anti-inflammatory meds like Vioxx & Celebrex but they never came close to suppressing the pain. I knew & had a big hunch it was Psoriatic Arthritis. When I was about 10 years old I had pain in my left knee & went to a specialist who at that time told me I had Juvenile or Adolescent Arthritis - I can't remember exactly since it's been so long ago. Well, it was bothersome, but not that much of a hindrance. It eventually went away - I don't have pain in that knee to this day. But - two years ago, being the clumsy person I am, always falling UP the stairs, or sometimes even down, slipping & falling or just stubbing my toes would cause the most excrutiating pain I had ever felt! Nothing would take the pain away but eventually I made it to a Rheumatologist and he confirmed it. I was first on Mobic with no luck and now I have been taking Arthrotec for over a year & it's helped TREMENDOUSLY! I had the same symptoms as you - pain in finger joints, toes, elbow, lower back/butt - I have to be VERY careful, b/c I know that anything I do to damage a joint can cause repercussions - meaning, I will definitely be feeling it later. I just wish there was something that could halt the damage - instead of something happening & ending up with PA, I would just want to heal & not live with pain forever. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when I'm older if it's already this bad & I'm only 24! I get so frustrated some days b/c even buttoning a shirt is hard to do. And trying to open pop cans or anything in a glass container?? Forget about it! I will try & try & try until I can eventually get it open, but not without frustration & getting a little hot headed!! I am in need of seeing my doctor, b/c I haven't actually been in over a year b/c things have been going good. The only problems I have with Arthrotec is my insurance co-pay - $40 is a little steep, especially every month! I'm glad to see there are others dealing with this & that I'm not alone! I know there are remedies out there, it just takes time & probably more frustration & pain than anything!