I have suffered with psoriatic arthritis for many years but was not diagnosed until 2010. I have problems with my knees and with my hip joints and I am 45 years old. I also found out that same year that I have fibromyalgia in my shoulders.
When it is cold I have a hard time getting around and can barely walk. On my good days I can walk for maybe 1/2 mile then have to sit and rest for an hour or so. If there is anyone out there who is suffering the same and can recommend some treatment please let me know.
Patricia
Texas
Submitted 10-16-11
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
I’m so sorry to read about your health problems. I am 50 and have had PA since I was a teenager, but was not diagnosed until I was about 25. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 35. I have tried everything and can tell you what works for me, but everyone is different.
For the psoriatic arthritis, PA, I have been on biologics and methotrexate for about 10 yrs, it is the only thing that works for both the inflammation and psoriasis. The spice turmeric is supposed to help with inflammation. Avoid taking prednsione unless you’re getting no relief from anything else, it carries way too many side effects that cause other health condtions.
For the fibromyalgia, FM, there are many different things. You’re doing well to exercise, it helps with the pain as long as you don’t overdo it, and it also increases endorphins, which help with pain, and serotonin, which helps with depression. One thing you need to understand is that depression is a symptom of FM, and can make things seem worse than they are. There are 2 antidepressants that were developed specifically for FM, Cymbalta and Savella. A drug called Lyrica works very well on the Pain in your shoulders if it is that burning kind of pain.
I have found that a combination of calcium and magnesium also helps with the pain from FM. You may have to expeirment to find a combination that works, but you need to take twice as much calcium as magnesium. I take calcium orotate and magnesium orotate, I order them online from pureformulas.com, the brand is Priority One. Another supplement that works well for some people is Co-enzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short.
For the fatigue, there are not many options. Exercise can help as long as you don’t over do it. It can make you even more tired if you’re not careful/ There are 2 drugs that were initially used for people with narcolepsy, called Provigl and Nuvigil. They work well, bit over time become less effective. The same is true of sleeping pills. The CoQ10 can help with insomnia, as well as the antidepressants.
I would suggest that you find a good support group on fb, I know of a great one, called Fibromyalgia Life Support: There’s More To Our Lives Than Fibromyalgia. You’ll find many people going thru the same things, and also lots of sharing of information, articles, drugs that work, etc. There are some natural methods of pain control; massage therapy, acupuncture – which I have found very effective – warm water therapy. There are some things that will cause your body to produce endorphins; chocolate!, spicy foods, exercise and sex!
Unfortunately, other than the times you are in remission, you’re going to have to deal with some level of pain, the trick is to find a balance of meds, therapies and supplements that will help you function as well as possible with the least amount of side effects. I wish you the best, Linda
My husband has PA and I have OA. We take 2 Tablespoons of Black Cherry Extract in 8 ounces of water every day. It is not a cure all, but it does help a lot. His meds were compromising his liver function, so we looked for a natural course of medication. We are very happy with the results we are getting. Have to take it for a month or so before you feel the difference. We have been doing this for two years.
I have been to three doctors in the last five years regarding severe pain in the small joints in my fingertips and some of my toes are swollen and hurt too much to be touched. The undersides of my feet really hurt in the morning and none of my shoes are comfortable any more. My entire hands hurt but two of my finger tips, for the last 2-3 years, feel like they are broken. Every day I have pain like I’ve broken my fingers but each doc says it’s osteoarthritis and tells me to take advil or volaren cream which I have not noticed does anything. This past weekend, over Thanksgiving, I peeled, chopped, etc, like everyone else but my pain was just shy of excruciating on Friday morning and today is Sunday and the burning starts when I wake up to the time I go to bed. I am a spry 55 year old…I am lean, I like to dress trendy and wear boots, own a vintage jewelry shop, etc, but this pain has brought me to tears a lot lately. I am not a crier, or a sissy, but it’s having a real emotional effect on me. Or which came first? I’m also becoming clumsy. I am tripping; my feet/shoes hurt. I feel like I am falling through the cracks, not just in the medical world but even my friends are starting to get tired of hearing me whine about it. They look at my like I’m complaining about a splinter. None of them could deal with this pain I am sure. The other day I felt a large scab on my scalp, about the size of an egg (1″x2″). that was creepy but I bought some dandruff shampoo and thought nothing of it. I felt it again a week or so later. Then I was reading about a golfer who has psoriatic arthritis and I starting wondering…Now I’m googling it and the internet talks about the importance of “early detection”. Well, THAT IS TOO LATE FOR ME if this is indeed the disease I have. Would please SOMEBODY WRITE TO ME and tell me your thoughts. Is it possible?Do the symptoms sound right? Also, since we’re all friends here:), one of my sister in laws gave me 4 lyrica tablets. I am getting ready to take one even tho I don’t have a script. Please don’t judge. Please understand that I don’t care. I am suffering and what if I find relief? That would be so exciting. Have any of you found relief taking lyrica? I actually just want relief at this moment and a definite diagnosis soon. Thanks for allowing me to vent and wish me luck.