Newly diagnosed: Tired, Hurting, and Confused
Hi,
I was diagnosed with PsA 3 weeks ago. Just started cosentyx. This comes as quite a shock since I previously was diagnosed with RA.
My story started 7 years ago with bilateral hand pain. I saw a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with seronegative erosive RA. I have been on
cimzia (didn’t work), methotrexate (caused confusion), humira (worked great but after 3 years caused an MS-like reaction) and xeljanz (didn’t really help much except with fatigue).
My psoriatic arthritis diagnosis
Recently, I developed hip pain. The MRI found severe enthesopathy in all the tendons connecting my hip joint. Saw another rheumatologist and he said I did not have RA and that it was PsA. I have never had psoriasis but my daughter does. I was told one can have the arthritis form prior to the rashes. I was started on the cosentyx and lauflumide and on a slow prednisone taper. With the prednisone, I still can’t stand or walk for more than 5 min without severe pain. I started using crutches but then my hands flared.
Feeling scared and alone
From what I understand, with treatment, I will get a 20% improvement. Are you kidding? Is that all they have for us? I’m struggling at work. I’m only 46 and seriously considering applying for disability. I am so hopeful that this will improve more than that. If it worsens, I’ll be in a wheelchair. I thought RA was bad but now this. I don’t understand how it can just keep getting worse. I’m so scared and so alone. I don’t want to admit how scared I am to my family as I am the main provider.
Oh geez. I’m rambling. Thanks for allowing me to vent on here.
Trying to find the...
“Sunny side”
Community Poll
When it comes to living with multiple health conditions, I've found my:
Join the conversation