Just recently diagnosed with PsA… still going threw the depression part of it. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck getting their PsA into remission with diet change? And if so how long did the remission last? I’m really not wanting to try all these medications… Also how the heck do you get rid of a swollen toe… I’m taking diclofenac for swelling and it helps with the bottom of my feet a little, but not the swollen toe…
Hi, Vicki. Yours is a question that is often asked by newcomers to this website, and it’s a good one. We have a whole discussion section devoted to complementary therapies such as diet and other helpful treatments. You can find it by clicking on DISCUSSION in the green band above, and then scrolling down to Complementary Therapies. Please read the introduction carefully.
Many people do find that various diets or eliminating certain foods helps their PsA symptoms. The important thing, though, is that you don’t confuse symptom control with disease control. Here’s an article from our Newbies’ Guide:
http://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/forum/topics/symptom-control-vs-disease-control-1
If you scroll up to the very top of the page, on the right you will see a search bar where you can enter keywords to find past discussions. (It’s so tiny, that it is easy to miss.)
I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering the depression that often accompanies this disease. Many of us here have, or have had, it. Mine cleared up almost immediately when I went on Enbrel. The four DMARDs that I tried were no help at all. To be honest, depression was one of the symptoms that I found hardest to cope with.
Hope this helps. I’m glad that you found us, but sorry that you had to come looking!
Hi Vicki. PsA does make a person sad. I can honestly say from the time of my diagnosis until almost 6 years later I felt sicker every day and worried a good part of every day about what was happening to my body. I tried a lot of natural remedies. None of them slowed down the disease. Over the past 2 years the symptoms multiplied and increased in intensity. That's why I said sicker--because I felt sick all over and really didn't think I'd live past 70 (I'm 61 now)--actually I didn't want to live any longer than that with how I felt. If you knew my history in this support group, you'd know how dead set I was against taking meds--especially a biologic.
Well, I finally sucked it up and started Enbrel 4 1/2 months ago. I feel NORMAL now! Oh yeah, I have aches and pains from the damage PsA caused by delaying treatment for 6 years. But I don't feel sick anymore. The inflammation is gone. I didn't even know there was so much swelling in my hands and feet until it went away and they look skinnier again. Trust me, I'm a person who, 7 months ago, would never have thought I'd be telling of my great results with Enbrel! Seenie, Sybil, Grumpycat and tntlamb are a few of the reasons I'm on a biologic! :-)
Hi Vicki, I know how you are feeling. The initial shock of what PsA is and the effects is really difficult to deal with. I was depressed for a very long time. I'm sorry you are going through the same. It's a process we all have to muddle our way through. I'm very glad we have this site to turn to.
I personally was terrified of medications. I was the type of person who never took any type of medications. Now I feel I've been forced after having no luck finding an alternative. One thing I have managed to do is cut down the medications I take since I went on a biologic. The fact was that with all the meds, my liver was going to suffer. In the very least I'm saving myself from other possible medical problems but only time will tell.
I believe every one is different so don't let that discourage you. If it were simple then the same medication would work for everyone but that just isn't the case.
Some people use ice for swelling but I find it makes the pain worse for me and doesn't reduce the swelling. Hopefully it helps you. Maybe the Complimentary Therapies board can offer some help.