How Rain, Snow, and Seasonal Changes Impact Psoriatic Arthritis

Have you noticed the weather making a difference in your PsA? Since being diagnosed with PsO in 2007 and later PsA in 2013, I've noticed different things.

Navigating seasonal changes and psoriatic arthritis

At first, my psoriasis was better in the summer than in the winter. In the winter came massive flares.

Snow? Look out. I would become so dry you could literally light a match off any part of my body. Summer? You would never know I had an issue. Then, just before the PsA reared its ugly head, I couldn't stay clear even in the summer.

So once I saw that I had crooked fingers and knew what it was, I was in a hurry for a diagnosis. I quickly got on a biologic as that will slow the progression.

The biologic I chose has proven not to do a lot for PsA, but I don't see myself getting worse, except for my knees. Maybe that's just osteoarthritis? I don't know.

I am thinking it's time to find another rheumatologist and get a newer, fresher opinion. I have had 4 rheumatologists in the past 11 years. I really wish I could find a good one who stays on for a few years.

A search for answers

I've noticed on cold rainy days, or just plain cold days, like when there's a cold snap, I'm in pain. Sore fingers, sore legs, knees, and sometimes a migraine to top it all. Lovely, huh?

Does the weather affect you as well? How? I would love to know.

As I'm gearing up to find a new rheumatologist, I want some answers from my community that I can use when I meet this doctor. A little ammunition, so to speak.

I have had rheumatologists tell me to take a pain pill (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, also known as NSAIDs) every day twice a day, and I've had them tell me not to do that because it's bad for the liver.

Hmm, I can be in pain and save my liver, let my joints fall apart, or what? I don't know what to do. What are your thoughts on that as well?

Looking for solutions and support

This was the first year I didn't get shots for my knees in the fall; walking upstairs, I wince a little, and coming downstairs, I sometimes scream. I mean it when I say that it really hurts, like a knife into the kneecap. I don't know how much more I can take.

Why didn't I get the shots? Simply said, I was laid off and having insurance issues; by the time I finally got my Cobra straightened out, I found another job and now have new insurance, so we need to jump through hoops to get this going.

On top of that, I moved, so I need to either find new doctors or drive 1 hr one way to see the other ones. Are the new doctors covered under my plan? Will they be as good in my care as the old ones? Can you spell stress? I am waiting for your comments below.