Guest guest Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 Kathy, it took me several months(10) before I got a correct diagnosis! Im now on Embrel and Ive just taken my 3rd shot. I'm hopeing it helps as I have trouble sleeping also. People dont understand what this feels like! Good luck, wish you the best of luck. " Bill " <middleton.bill@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hi, ask your doctor to test you for Dermatomyositis or Sjoegren Syndrom, that cause very dry skin too. Eva Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 Kathy: I just discovered 8 months ago that I had PA and I was 69 at the time - much older than you but in pretty good shape for my age. I have had a problem with anti-inflammatory meds too and now cannot take them because I developed ulcerative colitis a few months after the PA was diagnosed. Don't worry, though; there are great meds out there that can help, particularly the biologics (Remidade is likely the one your cousin is on - I use Enbrel). This group will really be helpful with the practical, day to day stuff but you need to go on line yourself and do some research. There is a lot out there and - in particular - the national association that works of psoriasis related issues has great stuff. Sorry I can't remember their exact name at the moment but you'll recognize it when you see it. You owe it to yourself to be a well-informed patient and will have a step up on me because you know pretty much what your disease is right now and will be able to come up with a list of questions for your first visit. I went in cold, only knowing that something was causing a systemic kind of inflammation in my body - had never even heard of PA when I was suddenly told I had it and my doctor wanted to put me on Enbrel. Didn't know what that was, either, and all she said was " it has a 3% risk of causing lymphoma " ; but all the drugs have problems and I think this one is best for you. She also worked with my insurance company to go thru the approval process and make sure they would cover it. Joanna Hoelscher 630-833-7361 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hi Kathy, Your symptoms sound familar, it COULD be Psoriatic Arthritis. Your " bumps/rash " could be psoriasis. The X-ray did NOT diagnos PA, It simply showed that your joint has already suffered damage that could be due to PA. Many of us here have normal sed rates. I'm not sure what type of doctor you are seeing or what type of specialist you are being sent to, But I hope that means your Primary care Physician is sending you to a Rheumatologist. If so, great!! If not, be wary, It very much sounds like your next stop should be to a Rheumatologist. PA is usually diagnosed by eliminating all other factors and can commonly be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. You might also benefit by seeing a dermatologist to see what those " bumps " are. If Psoriasis, it would aid in your diagnosis. Unfortunately for you, NSAIDS are usually the first line of defense in helping to make you more comfortable. Hopefully there are options you can tolerate. BUT all NSAIDS simply treat the symptoms of PA. They do NOT treat the cause. Once you are diagnosed, you will need to learn about all the options for treating your disease. Stay Well, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Kathy - Many people are allergic to certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds but not to others. So check it out carefully. One may work for you. Aspirin has cardiac benefits and is cheap. So if it works for you, go for it. I usually use Aleve or Advil - the expensive, Rx drugs weren't any better. I mostly diagnosed myself. I knew a lot about autoimmune diseases at the time I had my first major flare, and I had had psoriasis when I was a kid. By the time I got to the rheumy's office, I had figured it out. During my exam, I asked the doc many pointed questions. So he finally asked me about my background and what it was I did for a living. After I told he he said that, if I was so smart, what did I think I had? So I said psoriatic arthritis, and he told me I was right. Cool comfort for passing the test, but at least it explained all my health mysteries from the previous 3 decades. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Thanks so much, Bill, I picked up the copy of my x-ray report yesterday and it says the differential diagnosis for these findings is psoriatic arthritis, though consider less likely. So, I guess I will have to wait to see the specialist to find out exactly what is going on. Maybe I just have severe degenerative osteoarthritis. Good luck with your treatment. I hope I have an answer soon. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Hi All, I really appreciate all of your kind thoughts and advice. I got the approval to see a Rheum. today and my apt is set for April 18th. I go to the dermatologist tomorrow. I had 2 skin biopsies done by my primary care Dr that showed atypical cells so he referred to the dermatologist. I will mention to him what else is going on in my life right now and have him check for any signs of psoriasis. Maybe that is what the rash is that I get from time to time. Thanks, again, for taking the time to respond. Stay well.......Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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