Hi!! I am newly diagnosed- like two days new … My hands and feet and knees are all affected. I have had some really scary days where walking was almost impossible. I am a mom of two young kids and a full time nurse. I’m struggling to keep a positive attitude, and it seems like most of my friends don’t get it. I have an amazing husband whi just wants the “me” back. so do i!! I just started humira and mtx. Just wanted to say I am happy to have found this group. Everything has been a huge adjustment, and reading this site has helped!!
Hi, Jess!
Welcome to our group! You’ve found a good place for info and support.
Attitude is everything, even on your worst days, you have to keep yourself positive. It’s really hard to do that sometimes, but it can be done. 
I wish you the best of luck with the Humira and MTX; I hope it kicks your psa’s butt! If you need anything, you can message me.
Claire
(GrumpyCat)
Hello, welcome! The support of your family is so important. Try to keep the humor and positive attitude, it really does make a difference.
Good luck with humira. You can message me if you want to chat or need anything!
Terri (nsanmom)
Welcome to the club. We all have PsA and a lot of us our nurses, Welcome,
the girl named Michael.
I wrote you an email, but I can’t send it from my iPad! I will try it again, but if it doesn’t work I’ll do it from the pc tomorrow.
Nsanmom said:
Hello, welcome! The support of your family is so important. Try to keep the humor and positive attitude, it really does make a difference.
Good luck with humira. You can message me if you want to chat or need anything!
Terri (nsanmom)
Hi Jess,
Welcome aboard! I'm fairly new too! I agree that keeping a positive attitude is going to be key for us....though not always easy, it has to become second nature or some days will threaten to damper your spirits to say the least. This is a GREAT site with very warm, knowledgeable, and informative people. It's a very positive place! I'm sorry that you've been feeling bad, but I hope your Humira/MTX mix works wonders for you!! Message me any time as well!
:-) Smile!
Hello Jess & welcome to the group. I am glad you have enjoyed being here so far. I too was scared when I first was diagnosed. I have countered my fear with knowledge & control of my treatment. Also once you get your PsA under control you will feel better as well. Knowing I wasn't "crazy" or "imagining" was a big relief as well. Once my PsA was under control I learned how to do things differently. How not to push myself when my body started to ache. How not to carry as many grocery bags from my car as I use to. All this has made a big difference. Give yourself time. Don't expect too much to fast. And most of all if you ever have questions or concerns feel free to post it here. You of course are always free to contact me as well. Best of luck on the Humira. Keep us updated on your progress.
Hello!
I am also newly diagnosed (like two days new lol) and am also scared... I am young (31) with a young daughter (3) and a professional career (also an RN). I am in graduate school as well. I've always been this "busy" kind of a person, holding down multiple jobs, etc. Its not new or extremely stressful to live this way for me. After having my daughter, I began having various joint pains, that never really went away or got any better with "normal" treatments (medication, rest, ice/heat, etc). At times, the pain is excruciating. It took two different PCPs, an Orthopedic DO and two rheumys to get an answer for me. Unfortunately, my care was poorly managed, and I was told that (among other things) I was basically too stressed out, the pain was mental, and to lessen up the workload.
Apparently stress causes pain, rashes, joint swelling, and psoriasis? Hmmm... I must have missed something in nursing school.
I take Tramadol which barely manages the pain. I have tried Cymbalta, Neurontin, etc. with no help at all. I reacted severely to Cymbalta.
Next step is increasing celebrex (which I have been on for two years), and then go on to a DMARD since its the only NSAID I can take ( I have reactions to all others).
Anyway, sorry about hijacking the threat - just realized it had an uncanny similarity to mine. I am also scared out of my mind, especially having a young daughter. I wonder what the future holds for me, and I need information on managing this disease as well as support.
I wonder why there are so many nurses with PsA? Coincidental?
Thanks for listening :D
Chrissy
I have also noticed a lot of nurses on here. I wondered if the report I read about long term strep infection that can kick start a genetic link (along with stress) has some validity and why so many nurses seam to get this. I have not had a strep infection that I know of since having my tonsils out at age 5. But I am curious to see if they do find some similar common link.