Re: tmsflor@...

[Guest guest]

<< Hi, I just joined, I was wondering for those diagnosed with Psoriatic

Arthritis,

at what age was the earliest anyone has been diagnosed. I was diagnosed at

23, prior to that I was only told it was in my mind and nothing was (is)

wrong, How did you get over that, I still feel when I am not feeling well,

that the doctors and other people do not believe me, what do you all do to

get over that.

??????? >>

Hi yourself! I also am very new to this list. While I was not diagnosed

with PA until about 29, I was definitely suffering from it by 23. And yes, I

have such fond memories of those caring docs who did their best to convince

me that I was not only a hypochondriac but also a wimp who couldn't take a

little pain. ;-))

Unfortunately, I haven't found great answers to your questions. I'm 33 now

and have realized that even the most well-intentioned and caring folks

without PA or something similar just can't quite get a grasp on it. My best

solution so far and suggestion for you is to develop your own skills at

identifying your better or worse days and being adamant about what you

can/can't/should/shouldn't do from one day to the next. Don't let anyone

else make those decisions for you. But at the same time, do as much as you

can within your own limits. As I've heard from others on this list, it's

often just a matter of trial and error.

But it also helps to find a doc who understands what you're dealing with. In

addition to a rheumy, I've got a great PCP who works mainly with older people

and is therefore familiar with the effects of arthritis and is very

sympathetic and proactive - he thinks I'm too young to feel this bad and is

willing to work to help it. It's great to have a little validation now and

then.

Good Luck.