heres my story-looking for advice | Arthritis Information

HI

I am new to this forum but not new to the disease just thought I'd try chatting with people who are going through something similar and see if there was anything that has worked for you that I have not tried

so heres my story:

I am 24 now but was diagnosed with PA when I was 12 it started as an inflammation in in my left index finger, went through a ton of tests until I was finally referred to a rheumatologist and diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis it stayed pretty localized to that joint util I was 16, I was a gymnast all my life and when it started spreading I was devastated I have been on everything under the sun methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Predinasone Vioxx, Celebrex, and Naproxen, and a number of cortisone shots theres prolly more to speak of that I dont remember but about 4 years ago I started Enbrel which is an absolutely amazing drug and helped me so much I couldn't even lift my arm above my head before starting it, now I'm on Humira because just recently I noticed enbrel was not working as well as it used to I just had my first dose a week ago and am waiting to see if there is a difference. I take glucosamine chondroiton, and fish oil and am pretty active I do some yoga which I notice helping to strengthen my joints and muscles

If anyone has any advice on what has worked for you or made a difference in your life I would love to hear it, I have never really talked to anyone else with PA I really want to keep this under control so any advice would be much appreciated

thanksWell i have no advice for Im just beginning treatment. But IM 37 just diagnnosed but rhymy says ive most likely had this since i was a child do to my pain, bad knees, and so on. I hope you find some thing to help you get some relief. Hope fully someone with more experience can help you out GOOD LUCKLaura,

It started with a blow to the knee! Now I have lost my hands, and life isnt too good right now. Enbrel helped me for 4 years then side effects caused me to change treatment. I am on my way around the treatment circle again. I am going to my Dr. tommorow and don't expect any new changes since I am trying methotrexate again. I guess, I am trying to say that this could be a long journey! They say diet is a big part of it! Maybe u need to try a diet over haul and try a natural way of overcoming the progression. My disease is kicking my a-- right now. Sorry, but diet has nothing to do with PA. Although a healthy diet is always advisable.

My PsA became active after I was under a ton of stress and then exposed to a bacterial infecton. HIt my knee first. Later it would hit some fingers, lower back, ankles, toes.....

Am 16 years into diagnosis and what's worked for me is Methotrexate. I find the dose has to be upped 2.5 mg every other year. Celebrex is my NSAID. I can't take the newer biologics so I really rely on the MTX. I have also found that Kenalog [cortisone] injections into the flaring joints is a huge help.