Hey, I was just diagnosed with PA and found this forum. Just wanted to share and ask for some advice. This started about two months ago with pain in my right hand and a diagnosis of tendinitis. Over that two months the pain worsened and spread to my left knee, both being swollen and limited in range of motion. The pain continued into my right shoulder, chest, back, and my right big toe swelling up as well. Three doctors and a trip to the emergency room because of crippling back muscle spasms, still no answer. Finally saw a fourth doctor when I could barely move without assistance and he admitted me to the hospital for tests. Here i finally saw the rheumatologist i had been trying to get an appointment with for three weeks and he diagnosed me in about five minutes. He loaded me up with prednisone and I could walk again. So now I am on methotrexate 5 pills a week 2.5mg but in the meantime I'm still in pain and over the weekend I had my other doctor up the prednisone and tell me to call the rheumy for an earlier appointment. No luck moving the appointment up but my prednisone is now 30mg a day and slowly decreasing over the next few weeks. I was given no information about this condition or my medications other than what I have found online. I can't seem to get in touch with my rheumy until my scheduled appointment May 9th and he is the only in the area so its not like I have a choice. Sorry for the long rambling but here are my questions. What are the benefits of folic acid supplements and should I just start them myself? Tramadol, Mobic, and anything else I have been given do nothing for pain and while the prednisone helps somewhat, there are days when the pain is so severe I can't function. I am a student and have had trouble getting to class because the pain keeps me from it at times. Also I have not been able to work in weeks because my hand is still swollen and almost useless not to mention when I do work it increases all the pain in my back, legs, and hips. I've "borrowed" hydrocodone from friends at times and that seems to get me by but so far all my doctors seem very hesitant to prescribed any pain medications. Any suggestions on what I can do or what I need to ask my doctor when I see him would be greatly appreciated. Also any suggestions for diet, exercise, or natural remedies that might be beneficial. I'm 33, in relative good health (considering) and really just want to get back to being myself again. I know this will all take time but I want to be as proactive about this as I can. Thanks everybody. (sorry this is such a long post)
Hi and welcome to the forum. I just checked in for a quick run through the posts, am off to a doctor's appt. but will get back to you this evening. Hang in there, it's hard and believe me I know how painful PsA can be, even more so than RA. I have both. LindyHi and welcome I am sorry you are not doing well. May I suggest to you to try Aleve. Instead of 1 pill in the morning and 1 at night take 2 in & night it will take a little time but it does help. Talk to your dr explain to him that you are exhausted you are not sleeping at night and that you are very uncomfortable and not able to function day to day. If the dr is still hesitant about it then go see another rhuemy, and get a second opinion. I know how you feel and my heart goes out to you. It took several years for me to get to finally see a rheumy. Don't give up there is help out and Lin is a great person for info too she is a real sweetie. Check with the Psoriasis website too they have info on Pa there too. One quick question do you have any psoriasis too?? Take care and please feel free to unload to us anytime we are here for each other. meme Thanks for the support. Got my doctor to prescribe some lortabs and I'm using them sparingly but it helps me get to class and get some other stuff done. Tried the Aleve before but it really wasn't working. I have mild psoriasis on my scalp and I'm pretty sure I've had it I've the years but was told when I was young it was eczema and never questioned it. Now I'm pretty sure they were wrong. For now everything is ok just trying to figure out how to get back to work. Can't afford to miss anymore but I'm not looking forward to waiting tables and bartending in a busy restaurant. Employer and coworkers are pretty understanding so maybe it won't be too bad. Thanks again everybody. [QUOTE=rickniggle] Hey, I was just diagnosed with PA and found this forum. Just wanted to share and ask for some advice. This started about two months ago with pain in my right hand and a diagnosis of tendinitis. Over that two months the pain worsened and spread to my left knee, both being swollen and limited in range of motion. The pain continued into my right shoulder, chest, back, and my right big toe swelling up as well. Three doctors and a trip to the emergency room because of crippling back muscle spasms, still no answer. Finally saw a fourth doctor when I could barely move without assistance and he admitted me to the hospital for tests. Here i finally saw the rheumatologist i had been trying to get an appointment with for three weeks and he diagnosed me in about five minutes. He loaded me up with prednisone and I could walk again. So now I am on methotrexate 5 pills a week 2.5mg but in the meantime I'm still in pain and over the weekend I had my other doctor up the prednisone and tell me to call the rheumy for an earlier appointment. No luck moving the appointment up but my prednisone is now 30mg a day and slowly decreasing over the next few weeks. I was given no information about this condition or my medications other than what I have found online. I can't seem to get in touch with my rheumy until my scheduled appointment May 9th and he is the only in the area so its not like I have a choice. Sorry for the long rambling but here are my questions. What are the benefits of folic acid supplements and should I just start them myself? Tramadol, Mobic, and anything else I have been given do nothing for pain and while the prednisone helps somewhat, there are days when the pain is so severe I can't function. I am a student and have had trouble getting to class because the pain keeps me from it at times. Also I have not been able to work in weeks because my hand is still swollen and almost useless not to mention when I do work it increases all the pain in my back, legs, and hips. I've "borrowed" hydrocodone from friends at times and that seems to get me by but so far all my doctors seem very hesitant to prescribed any pain medications. Any suggestions on what I can do or what I need to ask my doctor when I see him would be greatly appreciated. Also any suggestions for diet, exercise, or natural remedies that might be beneficial. I'm 33, in relative good health (considering) and really just want to get back to being myself again. I know this will all take time but I want to be as proactive about this as I can. Thanks everybody. (sorry this is such a long post)
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Hi! I too just found this site!
I hope to not come across as preaching, but if you are recently diagnosed, I would try the Dairy free approach, I am on the fence with the grain free one i am doing as well, But the DIARY is a huge factor in my Psa. It is an allergic reaction basically. Blocking natural anti inflammatory's. a few contributing factors, Grain fed cattle (not grass, Dried out vs GRASS) and the amount of filtration that is done.
YOGURT has no affect on me since it is a pure source of dairy (i am searching for a close RAW milk provider)
My scaling is less as well. I have been taking progression shots, i can post them when i am done my full 6 months of this detox.
As for diet. Buy the BEST Fish oil pills and take 1 4x a day, along with magnesium-calcium and glucosamine and D3. I take a bunch of others, but i would talk to your Dr. for other vitamins etc. That list there will help repair and maintain joint cartilage.
anywho i suggest the no dairy since you are so early into it, you may remiss your PSA quickly being so fresh! If you don't do dairy as it is, the grain free might be a thought. who knows
Good luck, and keep active.
CheersOh, and Careful with the Prednasone, I got somewhat addicted to it, I needed it to work. (Industrial Pipefitter) know side affects that can come down the road are serious. Catarackts being one major one!
I've been there, and I wish it on NO oneMy doc said that the prednisone can actually make pa worse over time. It made me feel great when I was first prescribed it, but it definitely didn't do me any favors over the long run. :(
Oh and the diagnosis - it's weird, but mine was almost the same. Doc, doc, doc, doc, all coming up with something or another and then finally the rheumatologist looked at me and said "Psorias arthrtis."
Not sure what advice I can give you for pain as mine is insane today. :(
Thanks for the advice. I see the doc on Monday and I'll add these to my list of questions. On a side note, today the pain is not that bad. More a sense of being very uncomfortable. Can't find a way to sit or stand or move that feels normal or right. And my legs feel like they lack the ability to support my weight. Really just exhausted and doing everything I can not to just go back to bed. Each step seems to require careful planning and effort followed by a short rest and then start all over again. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas how to battle the fatigue and malaise of days like this? I know I should be exercising but I'm not really sure what to do. Anything I did before seems impossible right now.Hang in there friend. I have been through the sleepless nights and exhaustion. Start with something mild like walking alternatively, watch some tai chi or yoga tapes so that you can begin by stretching to avoid injury.http://www.arthritisjointpaingone.com
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