Re: Skin & Joint Connestion

August 25, 2000

Thanks for all the info Gillian -

One thing you said stood out to me -

" If the psoriasis flares, it triggers

the arthritis.

That is why MTX is considered a treatment. "

Ok, so if my P is under control and not bothering me, should I in fact be

taking MTX? It's such a powerful drug with such bad side effects that I

don't want to take it if it's the wrong thing. Basically, I hardly have

psoriasis. Just the little spot on my wrist.

So do I really have PA? Maybe it's RA without P, but I test negative to that.

I test negative to lupus and all that other fun stuff so PA was sort of all

that was left. But if the MTX is to treat psoriasis, well, I don't really

have a problem with that.

I'm confused - why are RA patients on MTX then? Isn't it an immune

suppressant?

Awaiting answers from Doctor Gillian

August 26, 2000

Wow Gillian...I loved your fact filled email! I agree with what you've

outlined...that is basically how my Rheumatologist explained PA to me.. and

my rheumatoid factor was negative. PA is NOT RA. I got that clearly from

him...AND...it also helped me to be able to buy an AFLAC supplemental

disability policy...AFLAC will NOT cover you if you have RA, BUT...they do

not consider PA rheumatoid so I was able to get it! I wonder how long before

they " catch on " and change THAT one?

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