Constant Pain & Exhaustion with Psoriatic Arthritis

By jribz

1 min read

I was diagnosed at 25 and I'm 41 now.

It started with pitting in my nails and skin lesions on my elbows, knees, and scalp. Then the pain began.

Pain and psoriatic arthritis

First in my shoulders. I figured it was just a bad mattress, tried changing sleeping habits. The pain, swelling, and stiffness moved to my hands, then hips, toes, and neck. My doctor sent me to a rheumatologist, he knew right away. Started me on a drug that just didn't work. My symptoms and pain kept getting worse.

Exhausted

My quality of life was getting worse. Everything hurt. I was exhausted. It took all of my energy to lift my arm up to put deodorant on in the morning. I almost lost my job due to sick time being used. The worst part is, nobody believed me. My doctor put me on a biologic that was a life changer for me. It worked awesome and my life drastically improved.

Relief from painful symptoms

Then through an insurance change at work, they would no longer cover the biological drugs. Through a miracle, I had the right levels of PA to be accepted into a drug study. Was on it for the past three years with good results. The study ended at the same time of me losing my job. Now I am untreated, cannot afford meds.

Community Poll

Does PsA also negatively impact your finances?

How do you manage the pain?

It hurts to move, hurts to sleep. I am exhausted again, in pain. I am taking life one day at a time. Doing the best that I can. I am not looking for sympathy, nor empathy.

Is anyone else dealing with this? My struggle is dealing with being in constant pain, exhaustion, and depression while maintaining a positive attitude.

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kamend1 Member
I am just having so much trouble with being tired all the time I have not been out of the house in a week I get so so tired this is so hard to deal with I just want to stop feeling so tired all the time
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3292806" username="kamend1"/> . I know you have no insurance, but can you afford a trip to the rheumatologist to get a prescription? Many drug companies will cover all of part of the cost of medications for people who can't afford them. In the meantime, you might be interested in this article from one of our advocates about natural treatments for PsA: <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/natural-pain-relief/?fbclid=IwAR3ugVOCbesKWoNfmw5icnoeI_BtMv5L9w9WnUIt98VeYR85NJ1fKx4JbzQ' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/natural-pain-relief/?fbclid=IwAR3ugVOCbesKWoNfmw5icnoeI_BtMv5L9w9WnUIt98VeYR85NJ1fKx4JbzQ</a>. Hugs! - Lori (Team Member)
2. KimW Member
 <inline-mention username="kamend1" user-id="3292806"/> The pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance that cover partial or full payment. You can discuss this with your doctor or pharmaceutical company directly. As far as pain management I rely on a biologic as well as prednisone, CBD and medical marijuana to get through the day.
bawdy Member
I find this story so sad, you have found something that gives you much better quality of life and because of circumstances it is unavailable to you. I hope somehow things will work out for you. Best of luck. Kay
bryan Member
I understand what your going through. I am in the same state. Just started Humira. Take my 4th dose Friday. I have fought pain for a long time. Still fighting. Don’t sleep. I am using some Tramadol now, but not sure for how long. If my job didn’t have a drug policy, I would be on medical marijuana. Pain is overwhelming like you have it’s worth a try. Keep me posted. Just laying in bed not sleeping sucks. Then off to work.
1. kb69 Member
 Hi, you mention medical marijuana ... is it any help, have you read about it?
2. CommunityMember344 Member
 <inline-mention username="kb69" user-id="3294260"/> THC doesn't work for me.....just makes me HIGH with pain.... I found that LEVORPHANOL works wonders for my chronic pain and fatigue. It's a synthetic opioid not available everywhere since only 2 companies still make it. If you see a pain management specialist ....ask for it....
kb69 Member
I am, it is horrendous. I only just got diagnosed. My brain is also muddled, I get my words muddled up, terribly and the pain and swelling is terrible. I feel your pain ..
ralphcook Member
My advice - adopt a vegan diet. If you eat meat, eggs or dairy products (especially cheese) there is a fair chance that you are unnecessarily raising the inflammation markers circulating in your blood stream - animal products promote inflammation - as does highly processed food. I have been vegan 42 years and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when I was 35 years old. I rarely experience arthritic pain (I did briefly last year following a bout of Covid so I have an idea as to what you are suffering); I rarely experience skin psoriasis (just twice in my life for a few months). I have lots of health problems associated with psoriatic arthritis but the lack of pain and only minor damage to my joints is a blessing. I am convinced by my experiences and my research into the condition that this is largely because I do not eat inflammation inducing animal products.
jribz Member
Sorry for taking so long to update. I have a doctor now, and am on Humira. Things were tough for a while but as a whole, I am doing a lot better. I still have good days and bad. But my quality of life has increased tremendously. I seriously appreciate all of your support and will continue to keep you all updated on my journey. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 How wonderful, <inline-mention username="jribz" user-id="3292030"/>! I love reading updates like this. I hope Humira continues to helps and that you have more good days than bad. Thanks for keeping us posted. Best of all wishes! - Lori (Team Member)

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