I went to my GP for a knuckle that had been swollen for months. He ran a battery of tests, concluded I "probably" have psoriatic arthritis and prescribed Ibuprofen. I'd been taking it before for several months (at a lower dose) and have been on the prescribed dose for four weeks now.
It's cut the pain in half but hasn't touched the inflammation. In fact, the swelling has appeared in another knuckle in the past two weeks and is threatening to start in a third joint. The GP says the pain reduction is good enough and he's unwilling to try something stronger.
Is this outcome actually the target I should be aiming for? A lot of things are still painful or even impossible, and I (think I) understand the goal of treatment is to get rid of inflammation to avoid joint damage. The first knuckle is the one between my palm and index finger on my dominant hand, so I really don't want that joint deteriorating. I'm 37 as well, so I assume this will be around for a few decades. Then again, it is just two (possibly three) small joints.
I'm trying to decide whether to push harder for treatment to eliminate the inflammation, possibly requesting a referral to a rheumatologist, or to just consider it all an inconvenience and find ways to work around it. I can't find information on the range of severity so I really have no way to judge where I am, but the GP is just nonchalant (seemingly lumping PA in with hay fever and trick backs) and that seems like an under-reaction.
I'd appreciate your input. Your own initial experiences with the disease would be helpful, too, I think -- just to give me perspective.
Thanks much,
Grey
I would ask for a referall to a rhymatolagist. Im sure they would do way more for you. From what ive read no pain and alot of sweeling still isnt good and can still cause joint damage. They have other anti inflamitory drugs like mobic celibrex and so on that might help more. Also the PA can bounce around the joints in your body so an early agresive treatment is the best from what ive read. IM new to this so ive been doing alot of research on the internet and have asked my rhymy alot of quetions. Hope you get a doc to listen.
I am sorry for your pain! My suggestion is to try a enbrel and see if it stops the progression of the joint inflammation. I was on it for 4 years and while on it this it stopped all destruction in it's tracks. I have lost all of my fingers and thumbs to arthur! Always remember the drug may not be a long term fix. it lasted for 4 years before I started with side effects, which caused me great pain and discomfort.Hi, you are definitely being under treated right now. As others have said you need a referral to a Rheumatologist. For the current swelling and pain, you might be able to get a slightly better prescription NSAID such as diclofenac to ease pain and swelling or inflammation.