My PsA came on gradually for a lot of years…so I wrote it off–or, didn’t even really consider it being psoriatic arthritis. Because, I’m sure the older members will remember reading that psoriatic arthritis was really, really rare. I was never concerned I’d end up with it. Even when my doctor sent me to the rheumy, PsA didn’t come up at first.
I was telling someone (my youngest daughter (25) in fact) don’t wait to go to the doctor until the symptoms are horrible. Start telling your doctors now you have stiff hips–a 25-year old who hasn’t overdone anything physically but isn’t in terrible shape–should not have achy hips. Just the word “achy” doesn’t sit right with me. My lower back was achy off and on for years and stiff way before I got diagnosed.
Those little aches and pains you’re ignoring now could suddenly turn into something big. Not to scare you, but look what happened to Jen, she may or may not have ignored little aches and pains, but all of a sudden she was hit with some awful stuff.
Just be mindful of what’s going on and be sure to keep in close contact with your doctors about any changes.
I often wonder, if I had gone on Enbrel 6 years earlier, when I was diagnosed, would I be better off? But, hindsight is always 20/20. Do what you think is best for you–at least you have a good support group here to encourage you.
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Yep, I know what you mean Grandma J! Tell you what though, I feel blessed to have been hit with this disease in an era when most us have so many great treatment options, and more are being developed.
Long-term outlook is almost hard to tell at the moment, because the medications many of us use haven’t even been around long enough to see what we are like when someone like me (who got it in our thirties), hits 60.
I can say that from my point of view, the outlook for me is a lot rosier than 6 years ago when I had no treatment and was googling wheelchairs! Life isn’t perfect, but I’m headed down the park with my daughter on our bikes now 
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