Feeling Overwhelmed... | Arthritis Information

Hi everyone. Like many who post here I am newly diagnosed with PA. I'm a 28 year old male and I've been on meds for about three weeks now. I can't yet tell a huge difference and in fact I am at home from work today because of the pain and inability to walk/use my hands. I am a teacher and average being out of work about one day a week. It is SOO frustrating and I feel very guilty every time that I miss work. However, my job is so demanding and full of long hours and stress and it completely wears me out. It used to be that I would push myself to my very limits of physical well being for my profession but now that is not even possible.
I am very frustrated about my current inabililty to live a balanced life. I can't keep up with the normal exercise, work, and social routine that I have always had. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with these feelings? How has PA affected your career and workplace? Are your co-workers and bosses understanding? I feel as if very few people 'get' how hard this disease is....
~JPjohnboy,

I don't have your disease but do have some advise. Treat yourself and your disease and limitations the same way you would treat your mom or your daughter if they had your disease, with tender loving care and understanding. You certainly wouldn't be uncaring or unsypathetic if it were your loved one, would you? Of course not. treat yourself the same way you would treat any other loved one. And give the medicines and doctors time to work their magic. Good luck and be good to yourself.

LEV

I'm sure not all of us have the same story. I was diagnosed about 15 years ago. One of the things I learned early on was to pace myself in all that I do. I still get tired easily - that will never go away - but I've learned how to deal with it. A huge amount of success is in your ability to manage the stress and the projects you are working on. Having an A-1 rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon are imperative.

Is it possible you can job-share?

Hi Johnboy and welcome. I think we all echo your feelings and frustrations with this disease. The only thing that's saved me is pacing myself. It took me a long time to learn this. I pace myself, projects, work and I don't feel guilty any longer. My case is a little different because I have RA along with PsA. I have a double whammy with damage done over the last 20 years.

What meds are you taking? Be patient with your meds; it may take them as long as 4-8 weeks to start working. I feel the same as Sam, make sure you have the best RD that can be found. That's half the battle. Keep us posted on your status. Lindy

Having an A-1 rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon are imperative.

I hate to even ask why there's a need for an orthopedic surgeon.....but why?

Hi, Clint,

Synovitis tends to pop up with various forms of arthritis [and incidentally, I've got OA, PsA, and CPPD]. In MY case - and I only speak for me - the synovitis has a tendency to shread the meniscus [cartilage] in one knee. As such, I have to go in as an outpatient to have my orthopedic surgeon trim the cartilage orthoscopically. It's really a piece of cake.

Orthopedic surgeons give the best cortisone shots in the joints. I've been told that RD's do, too. Some years ago I had the kind of insurance that requires you to see a PCP first. This internist figured it was no big deal to give me a cortisone shot. It was the most terrible pain I've ever had in my life......because he didn't know how to do it. Few do - and few have experience with this kind of shot in the joint [which reduces inflammation]. My orth surgeons are so great at giving this injection and frankly, I don't know what I would do without them.

You may never have a need for a cortisone shot or any arthroscopic surgery. But lots of PsA patients do.

Again - it's all in getting the best docs. You may have to "fire" a few in the beginning. Be your own advocate.

Sam12342009-11-19 11:00:14I was diagnosed over 9 years ago, and while in pain of vaying degrees, am able to carry on with my life quite well. It started with swollen feet/ankles and hand pain, then progressed to swelling in hands and knees and then pain in shoulders and legs. As soon as the rhuematologist diagnosed me (after seeing three docs) he gave me a cortisone shot in each shoulder. I had almost immediate relief of about 40% all over. I was also put on meds - methotrexate, plaquinel and an NSAID. They took a few months to start to reduce the symptons further and I still take them after 9 years. I've had periods of time where I've really felt pretty good - good energy, little pain. Other times, not so good, but they pass. I'm not a fan of cortisone (or any med), but those two doses sure helped me, as have the other meds. Most important of all the advice you'll receive is to keep moving. Walk, swim, do pool exercises, even bike. Try to do as much as you did before as possible, even pushing yourself a bit, if neccessary. Sure, rest is very important, but once you stop moving you just get stiffer and stiffer.

Have patience with the meds and don't despair.