So glad to read this article

By mich54

1 min read

I’m so glad to read this article about people not understanding. If you say you have psoriatic arthritis people say, "oh yeah I have arthritis too." Or, "that’s what happens when we get old." It’s sooo frustrating!

I started with the body issues when I was in my early 30s and they have progressively gotten worse. I am 68 now. I don’t have a lot of psoriasis, thank God. I have some on my scalp, but not very often. But if I don’t use clobetasol, it itches a lot.

But my blood levels never show inflammation which is also frustrating. So even the rheumatologists don’t give me much satisfaction. The last PA I saw told me she didn’t think I have it because none of the meds worked on me. I have tried about 4 biologics. Some prednisone. I can’t take Nsaids because I take a blood thinner due to a stent in my heart. So it’s like I just have to live with all this pain and stiffness. It’s very discouraging.

Do you have a story about living with psoriatic arthritis to share too?

Submit my personal story

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Lori.Foster Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="mich54" user-id="3300588"/> . It's hard enough to have PsA, but dealing with a health professional who doubts your diagnosis can double that struggle. Have you considered finding someone else or is there someone else in the practice you can see? As I am sure you know, biologics don't help everyone. I wish there was more you could do for relief. Here is an article about some natural methods for PsA pain relief that I thought you might appreciate: <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/natural-pain-relief?fbclid=IwAR3ugVOCbesKWoNfmw5icnoeI_BtMv5L9w9WnUIt98VeYR85NJ1fKx4JbzQ&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=organic' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/natural-pain-relief?fbclid=IwAR3ugVOCbesKWoNfmw5icnoeI_BtMv5L9w9WnUIt98VeYR85NJ1fKx4JbzQ&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=organic</a>. Sending the warmest of wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member) 
1. mich54 Member
 <inline-mention username="Lori.Foster" user-id="3297576"/> thanks Lori. I have tried a few different rheumatologists or PAs. There really seems to be no answer. Except maybe try more biologics.
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="mich54" user-id="3300588"/> , I feel your struggles. I started having PsA symptoms at the age of 25. I am now in my 60's. It took me 25 years to get a diagnosis. I lost count of the remarks that were said to me. My biggest frustration was the medical community. They would all say that the pain I was having was all in my head. I know it's frustrating but hang in there. As <inline-mention username="Lori.Foster" user-id="3297576"/> said biologics don't work for everyone. I believe I am on number 8. You hang in there and remember you are not alone. Diane (Team Member)
mich54 Member
Thanks so much Diane. I appreciate the response. Is number 8 working at all for you? 
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mich54" user-id="3300588"/> I am just wondering if you have tried Otezla which is not a biologic? It is a pill. It hasn't been approved that long for PsA. Vickie W., Team Member
2. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mich54" user-id="3300588"/> It's working better. Thanks for asking. Diane (Team Member)
mich54 Member
No I haven’t tried it. I am going to my rheumatologist in august. I will ask about it.
Lori.Foster Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="mich54" user-id="3300588"/> . I see that you had a doctor's appointment in August. I wanted to check in and see how that went, whether your doctor agreed to prescribe something new. I hope you are getting some relief finally. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
mich54 Member
Thanks Lori. She did prescribe otezla. However I am afraid to take it because it says it could cause depression and I have been trying to get help for depression and anxiety due to going through divorce. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="mich54" user-id="3300588"/>. I can see why you would be nervous about taking it. It must be awfully stressful going through a divorce and trying to stabilize your PsA at the same time. My heart goes out to you. Know that we are here for you whenever you need a little extra support or a safe place to vent. - Lori (Team Member)

Community Poll

When it comes to living with multiple health conditions, I've found my: