I’m newly diagnosed PsA and I’m feeling very alone. Today I giving my notice at the place I’ve worked for 8 years because doing hair and working through the pain is no longer an option. I just feel like no one understands everything I’m going through mentally and physically, including my husband. I’m in pain everyday and work has been a struggle for years now. After being told from a hand specialist 2 years ago that he was and I quote “mystified” as to what was wrong with me I let it go and assumed I was just over reacting and that all of te pain I felt was just because I am a hairstylist. It’s been years of feeling like a hypochondriac and now that I have an answer a whole new round of emotions have come up. I have to quit my career that I love, I’m in pain everyday and still waiting for insurance approval to start enbrel, and I’ve had trouble conceiving since a miscarriage last year. Needless to say I am so grateful to have an outlet for my feelings and to be part of a group who knows what I’m going through.
Aw, Erikazb, I'm glad you found this support group, and so sorry to hear you had to quit the job you love. I take it you're young and having such pain and disability at a young age must be so heartbreaking. And, unfortunately, people who don't have this disease sometimes just don't understand. Everybody here is your friend and ally! You will feel a lot better when you get some support and encouragement!
I'm glad to hear you're starting Enbrel. I started it last July and it worked really well right away! My hands felt horrible before I started it--I didn't need to quit my job, but I draw portraits on the side as a hobby and I had lost interest in that for a couple years due to the achiness and stiffness in my hands. I've just recently got back into it, but I'm really cautious not to overdo anything--it doesn't take much to bring on the symptoms. It seems as if there are ups and downs for some of us, even on a biologic. But, overall, I would say my psoriasis and PsA are 80% improved.
I hope you get good results from Enbrel, too--you actually can feel normal again!
Thank you grandma j for the encouraging words. I cannot wait to feel normal again! Part of my diagnosis was doing a “prednisone test” to see how I responded to it. I felt like a new person and it scared me to think of the pain I’ve been living with and ignoring for years. I had no idea since being in pain has been my normal for too long. Fingers crossed enbrel helps! Thank u again, being 29 and forced to quit my career for health reasons makes for some ups and downs that I’m learning to navigate and appreciate the support.
Oh my gosh--29!! :-( I have kids around your age (23, 30, 33, 35)--I worry so much any of them could come down with PsA--so far none of them has psoriasis (not diagnosed anyway) and my PsA came on slowly and didn't really bother me until my mid-50s. (That's my wedding picture 42 years ago.)
There are some really nice people in this group around your age who can help you, especially to help you know you're not alone as a young person dealing with all of this and give you some advice and hope for the future.
Oh yes--prednisone made made me feel like I was walking on air! If only we could take it all the time! But I guess it's not safe to take it long term. Enbrel is very safe! If you can get it 2 times a week for starters (my dermatologist ordered the first 3 months 50mg 2x/week). I use the sure click auto-injectors and into my stomach fat--it's very important it goes into fat, not muscle (my nurse daughters told me that). I get no side effects from Enbrel. So happy for you your doctors figured out what you have and are taking steps to improve your health.
Hi Erikazb,
So sorry to hear that you had to leave the job you love... The most horrible part of this disease is that it makes you rethink and sometimes reshape your future like in your case, and it is scary! Especially when/if you're young... I am 27, and I haven't even had the chance to begin the career of my dreams yet!
So... you're not alone... And also, blogs don't usually get much response... So if you are looking for feedback and support I recommend you to post a discussion :)
So sorry you had to leave your job! I do understand I also had to leave mine. My last work day was May 10, 2013. We are on new journey now in our lives!......I am on the Enbrel, for me it is a good medication. I still have pain, some days are worse than others. These are just the stepping stones of my life, with this disease. Stay strong!
Thank you all for the kind words and support! I’m already realizing what a roller coaster this disease can be so I’m grateful to have a place to vent and connect with others while I navigate my new normal.
Unfortunately, not a fun roller coaster! :(
I had no idea what I had for such s long time, now it’s all clear that i have this dreadful disease, no one really understands as they are not experiencing the pain that you are in all the time, I’m very luck to have a job with my son in law, all I do is answer the phone and do the accounts … 2 days a week , I think they gave me the job to get me out of the house really !!!
I completely understand! I am myself dealing with the depression, I am glad I can keep my job but now children are completely off the list for me. I am still in the gap. 4th month on methotrexate and not feeling any different other than now I am also anemic 
feel free to send me a private msg if you ever want to talk to someone!