New here, newly diagnosed
Hi everyone😀
I was recently diagnosed, but have been experiencing various problems for a few years prior that I mostly attributed to standing at work and maybe some osteoarthritis and who knows what. I suffered through painful and strange attacks in different parts of my body but didn't always go to the Dr because I was shopping around for a new one, and because I figured l can take pain meds until it goes away. Wrong! Nothing ever completely goes away anymore. Fatigue and malaise became a daily thing. I finally went to the Dr again and asked to check for rheumatoid markers. I had high inflammatory markers but not rheumatoid. She recommended a rheumatologist. The few in my area had bad reviews so I chose one at a notable university hospital 1 1/2 hours away. I really like her! So I'm on methotrexate and a low dose of prednisone. I've only had 2 doses of the methotrexate so far. I've been very scared of taking the drugs needed for this disease to the point I considered not taking them. I've also been afraid of having a lowered immune system due to the drugs. How does one get through life at work etc with a low immune system? But the pain and disability made me realize I have to try the drugs, fearful or not, and be grateful they are there to help me! I think I probably sound odd, just worried about all this new stuff in my life...
One thing, I haven't told my boss about my diagnosis, not sure if I should.
Thanks for listening and happy to have found you!
Maria
Hey
! Thank you for sharing your story with us all. I can completely relate to a lot of what you have shared, especially being scared of the medications. I was prescribed methotrexate about a year ago now and I didn't start it for a month or so because I was just petrified. I was also struggling to accept that I need it (still am!). When I started it it was actually okay and it has made a difference for me I think. Although we are all different... How are you finding it so far?
Do your PsA symptoms affect your job/ability to work in any way? I was unable to work for some time, but when I was able to work a couple of casual jobs I always had to tell my bosses because they wanted me to do full days or so many days in a row, which was just not feasible for me... Thankfully they were very understanding and flexible! I'm curious to hear about others' thoughts and experiences on this.
Oh, and you don't sound odd!!! 😀 Glad you found us too <3
-Catherine, Community Moderator
Getting up and ready in the mornings is another work challenge for me as is being cheerful on those harder days, since I work in the hospitality field.
I hope that your methotrexate increase this week goes smoothly, Maria!! I just moved up to 15mg per week myself - the arthritis has been pretty good on 10mg, but my psoriasis has been quite angry lately so my doctor thought we'd see what happens if I increase it.
It sounds like work can be difficult 🙁 You must be exhausted when you get home. And the situation with your boss sounds stressful!! Does your work have an HR department? We actually just published an article which may be useful for when/if you decide to tell your work: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/workplace-accommodations-disability/ I hope that is of some help...
It can get pretty overwhelming dealing with all of this extra stuff on top of the actual disease ! We're always here if you need someone to chat to! 😀
Hi Maria,
Glad you are here! Don't worry we all struggle with the same things that you do!
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for the welcome! Reading other people's experiences here does make me feel less alone in this process!
