Finally Got A Diagnosis!

[Boris' Slave 0]

I've got psoriatic arthritis.

The Rheumatologist examined me from head to toe and he was very thorough, and it was a painful examination too.

I've been prescribed 3 lots of medication, one lot I take 4 tablets once a week (methotrexate). That's not so bad!

Doctor said I can continue having a drink on the weekend but only 1 a day instead of my usual 2.

 

I asked him if these meds will mask my ailment or fix it and he said fix it. Exciting stuff! I am so happy that I may finally be able to going back to a "normal" life and be able to ditch my walking stick and be able to sit in a normal depth chair and bend my fingers - and write!

I know it's not going to happen straight away, according to the literature he gave me it'll take 6-12 weeks for the symptoms to start disappearing.

Also because of the nature of the medication I have to have a blood test every 3 weeks as the medication can further damage my liver. Apparently the psoriasis already would have caused some damage to my liver so the blood test is to make sure I'm okay.

 

Hopefully I'll be in a heck of alot less pain in a couple months! Can hardly wait to get back into the normal life I had before when I'd visit people's aviaries and stop for a cuppa. Miss going to barbies too!

 

[**KAZ** 0]

Thats sounds like a positive thing...great stuff Karen

[Guest DrNat]

Now they have a diagnosis, are they going to find out exactly what has caused this problem in the first place in order to cure you?

[Elly 0]

hugs, I hope you have some relief now, good to hear that they can help you out.

[Boris' Slave 0]

Yeah Nat, it was actually caused by Psoriasis which I developed about 13 years ago.

I just wish I wouldn't get heart palpatations after I take methotrexate (once a week drug). Horrible feeling. Been on the drugs just over 10 days, not feeling any benefits yet but that was told to me anyway.

I also discovered not to google the drugs you get prescribed - you'll scare the living daylights out of yourself with the possible side effects, like what I'm on it said basically I could drop dead!!! Mummy Bernadette said don't google! LOL :cake:

[Guest DrNat]

What caused the psoriasis?

[Boris' Slave 0]

Doctor believes I may be genetically predisposed to it.

My maternal grandmother had Raynauds - the more serious one. Although I don't have Raynauds I also exihibit some of the symptoms. Scleraderma was also a worry at one stage but quicky dispelled by the Rheumatologist when I saw him.