I am so happy to find that I am not alone. This has really been a life changer for me. First getting diagnosed and now finding this site. I still not sure I believe I have this. I am a 36 year old female that was diagnosed if February 2014 PSA. I have had psoriasis on my scalp since I was a kid and noticed in September 2013 that it had moved to my back and then my abdomen. I was never really treated for the psoriasis growing up so I had no idea that PSA existed. I have see one rheumatologist, which turned out to be a horrible expierience. But I was then started on Sulfasalazine amongst other things. I am currently doctoring with a general practioner until I can get into a Rheumatologist in June. I also have a referral to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in July. My symtoms seem to be everywhere and getting worse fast! Mostly started with neck/back pain and fatigue, then elbow pain, and progressed to swelling and redness of one ankle. Then boom...."flare". I have the tendon pain in my ankles, hips, knees, and rib cage, and shoulders. I have experienced the extreme fatigue and anxiety. I believed I must have been going nuts, as the pain kept moving around. I am not one to go to the doctor for every "little thing" but believe I have been dealing with this for a long time with it worsening in the last year to year and half. The Sulfasalazine does not appear to be working. The Norco, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are like bringing a knife to a gun-fight. The heating pad and ice packs are my new best friends and I have to push myself to go on walks that I used to look forward to. I thought it would be nice to read through others experiences to see if I can find some answers, ideas, and hope. I just keep wondering, how bad is it going to get before it stops? Will it stop? I read the "The Gap" and that was really helpful. So thanks for being here and I look forward to learning.
I am also new to this, we are here for you and also to learn from each other. There are so many things that can be said about this disease but the best thing about this site is the instant connection you feel when you get a response from someone who really does understand how you feel. We all have our stories, our first flare up, first breakdown, first breakthrough. Most importantly the support from members all over the world. Yes, indeed you are not alone:)
I always smile when I’m reminded of the feelings that I got when I first joined this group: not being alone, not being crazy, and (at last) having the company of those who understand.
I’m glad you liked The Gap piece. Thanks for making my day!
Welcome Wondering123, pretty new here myself. (Oct 2013) My story is not dissimilar to yours, except that I have had symptoms for about 10 years before I got a diagnosis and I am a few years older (sigh). Just know that there is hope out there. They don't have all the answers, but if you get onto a good Rheumy they will work with you to find what works best for you.
Good Luck
(Welcome back from your holidays Seenie!)
Hi Newbie and welcome ! This is a great site for information and support. You are just at the beginning starting your treatment - figuring out what works and what doesn't. It may take awhile to find the best treatment, there may be some ups and downs, but it will get better. Finding a rheumy that you like and will listen to you, I believe is very important. I'm on my 4th rheumy and he's great. I'm so glad I kept trying to find the right doc.