I'm a newly diagnosed PsA patient and am 43 years old. I've had psoriasis all my life, and I suspect that I've had PsA to a lesser degree for about 20 years, but I didn't know of its existence until a young doctor raised the possibility when I came in with my knees giving out coupled with a nasty eruption of the psoriasis rash. This was in August. Since then, the arthritic symptoms have worsened drastically in all of my joints, particularly feet, ankles, knees, back, fingers and toes. I'm dependent on NSAIDS for mobility, and the pain is constant. In Norway (where I live) the social medical system puts patients on a waiting list for treatment, and I'm due to get in within the next three months. I'm optimistic that when a specialist gets a good look at me, that I'll be on my way to wellness via all the treatments options available through the system here. I'm a professional guitarist and depend on the money I make to take care of my family (one three-year old boy and a disabled husband).
In other words, I'm going slightly mad as I wait for my treatment. I was very happy to find this site. I'm finding helpful information and tips while I play the waiting game. It's also comforting to read everyone's stories in here. I don't know anyone else with PsA, and I'm getting on my husband's nerves with my complaining. Thank you for being here! :)
Is it possible to get some Prednisone from a primary care provider while you wait to be seen by a specialist? It would help tamp down on some of your inflammation while you wait.
Hello, Gladiatrix! How nice to “meet” you. I’m Canadian, and our system has long waiting periods too, but like yours, when you finally get in, it can work pretty well. I agree with Marietta: your family doctor may be able to give you some prednisolone (or whatever it is called over there) and/or some pain medication or a sleep aid to get you through the waiting period. From experience I know what a difficult time this is.
While you are waiting, it’s a good time to educate yourself on this disease. There’s a lot of good information here on this site, but I usually suggest the book in “Book Reviews” (above). The Kindle version is a bargain. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download free Kindle software for your PC or your tablet, and be reading the book in a few minutes. You will find it an excellent reference book, and it will help you to make good treatment choices when you do get in to see your specialist.
Thank you all for your welcomes, replies and tips! I'm going to see my GP in a few hours. I'll be sure to ask him about prednisone, and find out if it's something for me. You guys seem like a great bunch of people, and I'm glad I found this forum! Cheers! :)
I saw in your post that you have a 3 year old. Many (most?) of us here are juggling kids and this disease. So feel free to ask for suggestions in that area as well
I saw in your post that you have a 3 year old. Many (most?) of us here are juggling kids and this disease. So feel free to ask for suggestions in that area as well :)
Just got back from my doc. Since he's a GP, he won't dare prescribe anything like prednisone. He probably doesn't want to take the chance/responsibility that it may mess too much with my system. I suppose that's okay. I Googled prednisone, and it appears to have some nasty potential side-effects I could do without. With all the colds going around this time of year, I'd probably just get sick all the time anyway. And I don't need that more than I need PsA. In the meantime, I guess I'll just keep waiting for my turn in line to see a specialist and keep on eating these trusty NSAIDs. At least the remaining pain will keep me from doing too much damage to my joints. And that's a good thing!
Gladiatrix, I was thinking that your GP might be very reluctant to prescribe prednisone. My Canadian doctor was as well, and only did so after I begged with tears in my eyes. He – and you – are right about the nasty effects of that drug. But some of us manage to get the occasional prescription to get us through a tight spot. Anyway, I guess you will just have to keep popping the NSAIDs and the acetaminophen. A handy hint about the acetaminophen: take it on a schedule. The pain relief is much more effective if you do. If you wait until the pain gets to you, the acetaminophen will net work well at all.
You mention damage and pain. Just because you are very sore doesn’t mean that damage is done or being done yet. It takes a long period of inflammation to do damage, so that shouldn’t be one of your worries at the moment. In my case, it was a good ten years between onset of symptoms and damage. (I can only say this in hindsight, looking back on when my symptoms seem to have started.It was another ten years after that before I was diagnosed.)
Gladiatrix, I’m glad you’ve joined us. Too bad, though, that you’ve had to.
Wow, thanks, Seenie! I figured pain=damage. It's very comforting to think that it is not necessarily so. I'm glad I joined you guys too. I'm learning a lot already! :)
So true, Marietta. Fortunately, most people aren’t that unlucky. (And I am one of the exceptions, as there were lots of symptoms of disease with me, but minimal pain. That’s one of the reasonss that my diagnosis took so long.)
Gladiatrix,
You have already gotten so much valuable advice from the post listed here that I won’t add my two cents. I just want to add my welcome to theirs and let you know that we’re here for you if you ever need anything. I’m glad you found this group, I have found it to be such a huge source of support for me with my disease and hope that you find the same.
