It’s been awhile since I have been on, but I know I can count on everyone here for their great advice. I have had my PsA somewhat under control with a combination of Humira, methotrexate and prednisone, but have never been able to control the constant aches especially at night. When I went for my last rheumatology visit I brought this up. He did a pressure point test and I nearly hit the ceiling when he pushed my hips and inner knees. He threw his hands up in the air and said “Well, you have fibromyalgia too.” He gave me a prescription for gabapentin and assured me this would take care of the pain. Of course I was skeptical. It does, however, seem to help.
Since I know PsA and Fibromyalgia is a common occurrence, any advice or helpful hints would be appreciated. I am new to this and trying to get as much information as I can.
You are not alone. Back in Feb/March, I was in a severe flare-up and couldn't figure out why some of the pain was near but not at a joint. Almost like quarter-sized spots of pain. My doc also suspected fibro and prescribed Lyrica. Within a day I was feeling better.
Now Lyrica makes me sleepy, really sleepy so I haven't kept up with it. I was in a great remission phase and now flaring again. Boo!
My story is almost the same. I have been adjusting to life with PSA for the last few years but had never felt 100%. I take methotrexate and Enbrel. My last quarterly visit to rheumy he did the same test on me with the same results. I was told I have Fibromyalgia and PSA. He stated this is incredibly common with autoimmune diseases. News to me! He put me on Cymbalta which I have been taking for the last 3 months. The constant burning/aching has subsided tremendously - Especially at night. I hated that feeling and just could not sleep. I feel better than I have felt in a long time. I still have my 'off' days but those occur much less now. I wish I had words of magic for you but I take one day at a time and am very thankful for those days that I feel good. I have many more 'good' days now which makes me very happy! :)
Wow-sounds like we’re all going through the same thing. So sorry Lorrie that you’re flaring right now. I hope you’re feeling better real soon. The gabapentin I was prescribed made me very tired, but after a couple weeks I’m feeling a little less tired. It does give me pretty bad headaches though, so I’ve been taking a lot more ibuprofen. It’s ironic how you have to take medicine for the side effects of other medicine. I don’t want to go off the gabapentin because it does take the edge off the throbbing, and I have been sleeping better in the last couple weeks than I have in years.
Breckstar, I am so happy you’re feeling so much better. I think a positive attitude is half the battle when dealing with these issues. I hate to say this, but I think I was actually relieved when he told me about the fibromyalgia because I have hopes that maybe new meds can help deal with some of the pain. I had such a difficult time dealing with the PsA, both emotionally and physically. It took a long time for me to accept that this was now my life. I think it took even longer to figure out the right meds/dosages to somewhat control it!
I’m wondering though, how can we distinguish the PsA from the fibromyalgia? Besides the obvious swelling of the joints, how do we know which one is actually flaring?
Thanks so much for your replies. It’s so nice to talk to people in the same boat-even if our boats are much creakier and squeak more than most
I definitely experienced the same adjustment period to having PSA - still do struggle with it. In a weird way I was also relieved when the rheumy said I also had Fibro. All I knew is I felt horrible - had constant pain and burning - and could not sleep. At least I don't feel like I am totally crazy anymore. Nobody in their right mind would choose to have these diseases - I certainly wish I could wave my magic wand and they would be gone! haha.
I don't really know the answer to your question but I do know I still have joint pain but the constant burning has subsided dramatically. since Monday will be my first follow up with my rheumy since the fibro dx, I will ask him that question. Stay tuned.
P.S. thanks for helping me feel i am not in this boat alone. :)
