Newly Diagnosed
Hello everyone,
I am RS and I believe my PsA began in childhood. I had injured my left ankle at eleven years of age. This injury led to me suffering from chronic pain in my ankle. I was referred to a pediatric orthopedic. Dr. G believed I had a case of JRA only in my ankle. He stated that he had seen cases of children having JRA in a single joint only. Dr. G had x-rays, a cat scan, and MRI with contrast done on my left ankle. None of the results were able to confirm his diagnosis of JRA.
Searching for answers
During my twenties, I saw several different orthopedics. The last orthopedic concluded that I suffer from CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). In other words, a term I use to describe my pain as being "all in my head." Now, I personally liked this doctor, however, I believed he ignored my pain in my other joints. I was discouraged and started to believe it "all was in my head." I decided not to mention my chronic pain again until recently. I had happened to be at a follow-up appointment with a different specialist. This specialist believed my discomfort in my chest was due to inflammation in the joints of my chest. Bingo, the lightbulb went off in my head! I asked him if he had a rheumatologist he would recommend, due to me experiencing chronic pain. I told him that due to my age, I felt doctors tended to act as though I was "being whiny." He encouraged me that it is always important to be my own advocate. A few days later, I was told to come in and do some labs. I went in as soon as I could. I was disappointed that no special labs were done other than my CBC count. I have a phobia of needles and wanted to avoid having to do labs one after the other.
My psoriatic arthritis diagnosis
I will confess, I was nervous sitting in the waiting room with my husband. All the other patients were most likely around my Grandma's age. I felt that I was going to be blown off immediately. My name was called and I walked with a limp to the clinic door. I was hoping that the nurse would notice my limp because then just maybe I'd be taken seriously. The rheumatologist came in and introduced himself. He asked me what had brought me in and patiently listened to me! The rheumatologist examined my hands and told me he believed that it is Psoriatic Arthritis! He informed me that they would have to due labs and x-rays that day. I was told that it is easier to seek out treatment options when the insurance company has evidence from medical tests to support a diagnose. He called me two weeks later confirming that I do have PsA. I am still relieved and sad to have this diagnose.
Symptoms, pain, and diet
I have lived with joint pain for the majority of my life. I find myself oddly morning walking long distances without limping, riding bicycles without pain, and being able to grip an object without pain. I feel as though PsA has robbed me of my childhood. I recall one of my siblings poking fun at the way I would limp sometimes. I can remember certain family members getting frustrated that I struggled to keep up on bike trails. I know I am fortunate due to others having it worse. I currently do not suffer from daily pain. I do suffer from pain a few times a week. Sometimes, I barely notice the pain. Other days, I visualize sawing off my left leg or right hand. I always tell myself that maybe I just have a low tolerance for pain. I am hoping that the dietary changes I began will prevent me from having to go on medications.
Thank you for reading!
RS
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