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Hi Everyone,

I don't know if this is the way to start........but here goes!

My name is Barbie. I've had psoriasis for 30 years (expressed itself during my pregnancy .)

I've had remissions of the disease, but also very bad flares.

Until recently I would only get "flares" of PA, which usually would last for 4-6 weeks in one of my joints somewhere in my body. I don't know if this is typical, but I have had it affect everything from toes and fingers to shoulders and wrists.

Fortunately, in the past though, it would dissapear as oddly as it had appeared.

The flares have usually occurred after trauma or stress. This time it was the passing of my little Yorkie. I took it really hard. I then developed PA in some of my fingers and one toe in my left foot. I sought out a Rheumy and he fixed up the fingers with cortisone injections. They have been fine since October. He wanted to start me on ARAVA, but I declined at present...I am sensitive to so many medications. Celebrex and Vioxx both gave me reactions. My Derm has had me on MTX in the past....the pills made me extremely nauseous, and I also developed some swollen lymph nodes that were considered an adverse affect.

The Rhemy ended up injecting my "sausage toe" five different times....with never any relief...I kept telling him although the toe was painful, the REAL pain was in the front of the foot leading up to the toe and also on the bottom of my foot every time I would take a step. He never would treat this area. He said he "only does joints."

After not being able to walk at all without severe pain, and not being able to wear a shoe, I got on the net and did some research.

Found out that in PA the tendons leading up to the toes/fingers can sometimes become very inflammed. I sought out a Podiatrist and I can now walk again and am pain-free at present. He injected the area in front of the toe. It was quite painful, but well worth it. Time will tell as far as how long it will last. He also wrapped my foot in a special bandage and had me wear this ugly shoe for a week...but there is no more swelling or discoloration now....and being able to walk again is priceless. He also suggested purchasing an arch support for the entire foot to protect it from flaring in the future. It will enable the toes to not receive as much pressure as you walk.

Hope all of this will help any of you who have "sausage toes." I found that Rhemy's can't treat everything!

Sincerely,

Barbie