Psoriatic Arthritis: How do you manage PA and flares?

Posted by lemdjm @lemdjm, Feb 27, 2017

I am a 74 year old female who has had psoriasis for over 40 years. The psoriasis was present on my scalp and ears in flares from time to time. I never experienced joint swelling and joint pain until recently. About one month ago I experienced an abrupt onset of severe joint swelling in my hands wrists, feet, and neck with severe pain. At first I suspected that it might have been related to my oncology medication, Arimedex that I began taking approximately 4 months before my sudden joint problems began. Testing ruled out Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. My oncologist did not think that the joint issues could be related to the Arimedex, however, he recommended that I suspend taking the cancer medication for 4 weeks while I was given oral Prednisone for 23 days (referred to as Pulse and taper). I am on day 22 of the Prednisone and the joint swelling and pain is no longer present. My oncologist wants me to resume the Arimedex, however, I am afraid that the severe joint pain will return. I am hopeful that additional diagnostic testing will determine the underlying cause of my joint swelling. If anyone reading this has had similar problems or any information related to my situation I would be interested in your comments. Thank you.
lemdjm

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djfd | @djfd | Jul 19, 2017

In reply to @fransav "Hi! I've had PsA for many years, I am now 70. Been on Methotrexate, Azulfadine, &..." + (show)

Sorry, allergic to ibuprophen and aspirin, can't even touch it, so I don't have option, so don't talk about you do not know!!!

peach414144 | @peach414144 | Jul 19, 2017

In reply to @fransav "Hi! I've had PsA for many years, I am now 70. Been on Methotrexate, Azulfadine, &..." + (show)

my response was not to hurt so i am sorry for you. but, please do not try to hurt me. we really are in the same boat. and i will still send you a life jacket. sometimes i use humor to relieve stress.

djfd | @djfd | Jul 19, 2017

In reply to @fransav "Hi! I've had PsA for many years, I am now 70. Been on Methotrexate, Azulfadine, &..." + (show)

What you said was NOT humorous, it was hirtfull

blindeyepug | @blindeyepug | Jul 20, 2017

In reply to @djfd "I after more than 25 years was diagnosed finally with psoriatic arthritis. It started out as..." + (show)

@djfd

I after more than 25 years was diagnosed finally with psoriatic arthritis. It started out as me having rash on face and ER doctor said it it was classic book lupus and sent me to an internal med at the clinic I was in. She said on no (without any testing) it was just fibromyalgia. I just kept getting worse and she just increased pain meds, that did not help and refused to send me to a rhemotologist ( sorry about spelling). She sent me to a neologist that did MRI of head and said everything was normal, even though I had a large Tumor in my nasal cavity, he said nothing about it.
Finally she retired and new PC sent me to rhemotologist and I spent six hours in her office and within two weeks was given the diagnosis of PSA with lupus tendonsies. Was put on methotrexate but had to stop because it was causing liver issues. Finally got approved for Otezla and am on started pack. Can't take humeral or the similar stuff because of skin cancer. All delayed treatment has caused me to have chronic iritis in both eyes and might go blind. Can't do anything that I loved to do even cook a holiday meal, I used to make totally homemade Rubens for my husband's b-day because his b-day is on Saint Patties day. I have now also developed an adrenal Tumor and adrenal indofitionsy, plus have heart issues and am only fifty. My husband helps me as much as he can but he has back and neck issues that the VA won't help him with (he is ex-navy). Plus I still have issues that have not been diagnosed. It seems that if you are not rich nobody cares.

I feel for you and hope you are with a team of doctors that will work together and that you trust. We just moved to east TX because we lost our jobs running a ranch because of our medical problems even though they knew about it nine years ago when they hired us and this is all we could afford. It needs a lot of work that we can't do or afford but brought us closer to Houston where we are hoping to get better medical càre. A new pair of glasses only last me about a month and a half and insurance only covers one pair a year. They just put me on a cane, wear braces on both wrists and have to use hearing aids.

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@djfd. So very sorry you are having such problems, and at such a young age. It must be very scary and frustrating. I have several conditions also. It all started about 17 years ago for me. I totally understand where you're coming from when you state that unless you have money, no one seems to care! In addition to my own health issues, I care for my mother who has Alzheimer's. Many government agencies I have contacted to try to get some help make me feel like the old and ill are just a waste of money and should just hurry up and die. But my act of defiance is to keep on living the best life I can and helping my mom do the same! I know it is difficult, but keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are important. You are special. Your life matters! I am on antidepressants and find they really help. I also do water exercises two to three times a week. The buoyancy in the water is so helpful, and I bet it could really help you and your husband. I also listen to up beat music, remind myself each day of at least five things for which I am thankful (in this hot weather, air conditioning is way up near the top of my daily list), and try to keep moving. By the way, welcome to Texas. I pray you are able to find some really good doctors in Houston or Dallas or wherever is closest to you. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. Keep up the good fight!

peach414144 | @peach414144 | Jul 20, 2017

In reply to @fransav "Hi! I've had PsA for many years, I am now 70. Been on Methotrexate, Azulfadine, &..." + (show)

to reply to you will just continue your vendetta. you should not hurt others to make yourself feel better. think i am wasting my time but i think everybody is worth another try.. don't you think so?

djfd | @djfd | Jul 20, 2017

In reply to @fransav "Hi! I've had PsA for many years, I am now 70. Been on Methotrexate, Azulfadine, &..." + (show)

Give it up, you are not helping anyone with anything you posted. Others that seem to know what they are talking about , do help as they know what is going on.

asf1234 | @asf1234 | Jul 20, 2017

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis almost 4 years ago now and I'm about to turn 55. I was also diagnosed with Fibromaylgia and a plethora of auto immune diseases AND structural issues. I have been in pain since I was very small but didn't know anything. I only saw the right type of doctor 4 years ago. I must admit, I have wonderful doctors. I call them "Team Andrea" and you better be good if you wanna be on "The Team." The only bad dr. experiences I've had is with pain mgmt dr's. I've burned thru 4 practices and finally found the right human being for me. I just want too say, we are one of the strongest groups of human beings I've ever encountered. I love us but I hate the disease. <3

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 20, 2017

In reply to @fransav "Hi! I've had PsA for many years, I am now 70. Been on Methotrexate, Azulfadine, &..." + (show)

Good morning @peach414144 and @djfd,
It looks like this discussion is going a bit off the rails. Connect is built on respect and support. Please exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own. Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.

Please see our Community Guidelines here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/
Thank you for helping us keep Connect a safe and welcoming place where people can ask questions and get support and information from fellow patients.

If you have any questions or concerns, please send me a private message or use this contact form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

Kindly,
Colleen Young
Community Directory
Mayo Clinic Connect

djfd | @djfd | Jul 20, 2017

In reply to @asf1234 "I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis almost 4 years ago now and I'm about to turn..." + (show)

Pain management doctors can be a joke. I am on fourth referral, first three called day of appointment, cancelled and said they don't treat my condition. No one seems to know anything about psoriatic arthritis, nor do they seem interested in finding out. They just let us suffer

asf1234 | @asf1234 | Jul 20, 2017

Mine won't let me suffer...I'm just so tired of trying things that don't work via injection. The back injections didn't work but I did have about 10 neck injections on Tuesday and it's REALLY helping. I'm in NYC so I have an endless supply of doctors here. I wish you did too! @djfd

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