New Member

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, I can't begin to express how fortunate I feel finding

this group. Actually my son found you for me,and I'll never stop

thanking him for being so thoughtful. I've never met anyone with

psoriatic arthritis, and know only one person with psoriasis. I have

both, niether of which has ever been less than severe. Right now, I'm

worse than I've ever been. I've always been a fighter, and try very

hard to be positive about everything. But it's become increasingly

difficult these last few months. I've had psoriasis,for about 20 yrs.

It's never really been unbearable, just something to hide when

possible, and the pain is tolerable most of the time. A few years

ago, I started losing control of my hands and lost all feeling in my

fingers. My doctor sent me to a Neurologist, who diagnosed the PA. At

that time, I couldn't seem to find out much about the condition,

other than what a handful of doctors were telling me.I heard

everything from I'd be in a wheelchair within 10 yrs. to that my

internal organs would eventually shut down.It was pretty frightening.

Like most people, I refused to except this. I then went to a

dermatologist, who told me nothing could be done. Then a

Rheumatologist who told me not enough was known about this condition,

other than to treat it like RA and hope for the best. They started

giving me Methotrexate injections every other week, pain meds, and

more meds to help me sleep. The side effects would range from

annoying to devastating, but since it did seem to help quite a bit,

it seemed well worth it. Last year things changed. Nothing seemed to

work anymore. The doctor upped the Methotrexate doses,and changed my

shots to every week. He gave me steroid creams,steroid pills,and 2

more creams on top of that.Nothing helped. He then decides I'm

depressed. Who wouldn't be? Constant pain, lack of sleep, and

frustration tend to do that to a person. So here come the

antidepressants, and stronger painkillers. I really don't like being

unable to function, so I did the big no-no and started questioning

the doctor about his choices of treatment and the long term effects

they're going to have on me. He then informs me that I've lost touch

with reality, and hands me a presription for an anti psycotic drug

and recommends Inhouse observation. Needless, to say I threw a huge

fit, and decided that I no longer have a doctor. So now with no

treatment at all I've landed on crutches to help me walk and bad days

have turned to worse days,and nightime is a real joy. But, I've

decided that this is a good thing after all, because I've started

looking for other options, instead of just relying on the doctors to

give me the answers. I can't do much right now, other than search the

internet.(when my hands are willing) And after reading the letters

from this group,and just finding out every bit of info I can, I'm

going to start over. I have an appt. set up with a highly recommended

dermatologist this week, and will be able to go in a little better

informed, and not afraid to ask any questions I feel neccesary. Sorry

I ended up writing a book for you all. I've never been able to do

anything like this before. I have a good family and some very good

friends, but when I do talk about it, they become very uncomfortable.

Except my mom, she knows what it's like, because she has RA. But she

has way too much going on, and we'll never be on that level with each

other anyway. I'm so happy to talk to people that know what this life

is like. Kind of bittersweet. I finally know I'm not alone, not

imagining these awful things, and someones there who really, really

understands. I would absolutely appreciate beyond belief any letters

or info, anyone might have for me. And hands willing, will respond

A.S.A.P. to all. I don't understand exactly how all this works yet.

Do all letters go through the group address, or personal address? Or

is it optional? I will still respond to all. Again I'm really sorry

for rambling on. Thank You though.

Blessed Be, T.