Diagnosed in 1992

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheryl

The diagnosis of PA can take time!

Unlike other forms of arthritis their is no specific blood factor, or

protein located in the blood.

I was diagnosed with PA back in 1992, joined a support group, but realised

WE had nothing in common.

For example most patients with PA find the psoriasis will flare before the

joint pain sets in. My psoriasis is stable, it does not flare, it does not

go into remission, it is just their. However my joints will swell, become

hot red and swollen, while the skin remains stable.

We are individuals, some people have a high tolerance of pain, while other

crumble at any ache. Pain as such cannot be measured, although on a scale of

one to ten, I am stable at eight. Now if my pain hits ten, then is the time

to head for the doctor. The last time it hit ten, I did not go to the

doctor, because I decided to readjust my scale, one to twelve!

I believe the worst part of my condition, was in my failure to accept that I

had it. I recall my initial trip to the Clinic, my Mom came with me and we

were surrounded by elderly patients. One man said to me, " It is a terrible

disease Arthritis, has YOUR MOM had it long? " I replied, " No she is doing

rather well really! " I could not face telling this man the truth, " Mom is

not the patient I am! "

Once I accepted that I have PA, I stopped fighting myself. Before it was 'I

will run ten miles today' and gave no thought to my health. Now it is, 'I

will walk three miles today, providing I have no increase in pain'.

It is unusual for arthritis to go away on its own accord, although some

medical records do exist. What normally happens is that is goes into

remission, but for how long, or why, no one knows.

I sometimes wish MORE medical information was KNOWN, but I reckon we have a

long way to go, too understand the disease triggers yet! Because we are

individuals, made up from diverse genetic pictures, what works for one

patients, may not work for another. Without knowing the triggers, what

starts the arthritic process, they cannot even dream of a cure. However I am

positive that one day they will have a cure.

If you are happy with your own situation, can deal with the pain and the

psoriasis is going of its own accord, I would just take it one day at a

time. It could be that you had a small flare and have now gone or are going

into remission.

Love and God Bless

Gillian