So my MTX doesn’t seem to be preventing flares ups and I have developed dactylitis in another finger (as per my previous post). Since my last post I am more convinced now that it is a PSA problem. I have booked an extra appointment with my rheumy and this will happen in two weeks. (Thank you Sybil for encouraging me to do this).
I saw my GP last night expecting to be prescribed Naproxen but to my surprise he has given me a two week course of steroids. His main concern was to protect the joints as much as possible. This seems to make sense but no one wants to take steroids of course. I’m interested in your thoughts.
Based on my previous GP visits, I was expecting the familiar ‘let’s test you for gout’ routine. On this occasion the doctor was ready to accept my feeling that it is a flare up and barely examined my hand. So that makes a change. He also took me seriously when I asked about vitamin D levels and has organised a blood test.
Initially I was treated by my GP with various courses of steroids. Spent the better part of a year on them. They ensured functional ability that’s for sure and decreased swelling issues.
So glad you have your rheumy appointment so soon. Be aware though steroids will mask issues for your rheumatologist so make it harder for him or her to see. Please take photos of your fingers to show.
I did have gout issues in a big toe. It is a LOT different that PsA and hurts much more. My nephew gets gout in his hands and he has terrible pain. but it is easy enough to test for.
I had pred, makes my low back hurt terrible an puts weight on me.
@Poo_therapy makes a good point about taking photos in case the swelling goes down between now and your appointment.
Just thinking though, as that appointment could be so important for the approach to treatment, why not phone your rheumy to double check that steroids are the way to go? Nit-picking perhaps, but there’s a chance that they would prefer you to tough it out so they can see what’s happening for real. And if they do want you to hang on, double check with them that it’s safe to do so.
It would also be nice to know for sure that they’d be okay with photo ‘evidence’ if that is the case. I realise you need dexterity for your work and also if you have started the steroids, you cannot just stop them, but I’d be inclined to be super-cautious at this stage in the game, if possible.
If you are going to take the steroids, don’t worry. They are a great rescue remedy sometimes, most of us here have benefitted from short courses I’m sure. There’s a big difference between that and long-term use. And take photos even if you don’t do the steroids just in case the swelling miraculously subsides the day before the appointment as per Sod’s Law.
I’ve taken some photos. Thank you for the advice and for the reassurance in taking steroids. Less than 48 hours in, the swelling and pain have both reduced significantly. So it’s good that I have the evidence because at this rate there won’t be much (not that I’m complaining) but I get you’re point about toughing it out.
None if us are that keen on steroids but I guess it’s dependent on how much pain you are in. If you are in enough, you will use them. Taking pics is a good idea because PsA completely knows when there is a Rheumatologist in the room (or within a 50 mile radios) and you can be 100% sure that it will hide
What a timely email…I’m seeing my rheumatologist this afternoon. Two weeks of taking steroids have had a really positive effect but I did take some photos before starting that course of treatment. I’m feeling a lot better right now but still need to quiz the consultant on the longer term treatment and minimizing flare ups as much as possible.
