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looking to share my story and gain opinions from other sufferers

Hello

My name is Katie - I'm a 32 year old working mother of 2 young kids. I've had psoriasis since I was about 12 and psoriatic arthritis symptoms worsening probably over the last 5 years but only diagnosed 2 months ago.
I recently tried methotrexate as per the rheumatologist (10mg per week then up to 20mg) and I found the side effects dreadful (nausea, increase abdo pain and bloating, fatigue)and leaving me unable to do what I needed for my family. I stopped it and was told to wait until my next appointment 2 months away.
I've tried removing all refined carbs from my diet which moderately helped with inflammation.
Does anyone here have experience with a paleo or keto diet and it helping?

Also I'm quiet nervous about being offered a new medication next visit as I really hated methotrexate that much.. I can't decide if the affected joint pain is swelling is better to live with or trying a biologic or something else.. I'm on my 3rd new joint flare up of the last year. How do you all decide what to try and what to suggest to your doctors??

Thanks 😀

  1. I have personally gotten a lot of relief with diet changes - mostly getting rid of dairy and meat. I tried the Whole 30 but couldn't get through it. I think the big thing I worry about is just preventing any more long term joint damage than I already have. I've honestly been just asking people in the FB groups I'm in about what they are doing but a lot of it for me comes down to what my insurance will cover 🙁

    1. I completely understand your comments about Methatrexate side effects, I have wondered if living with the joint pain and restricted movement with a clear head would be preferable.

      I am worried about joint damage, I was diagnosed last October having started Arthritis symptoms in the August, in that time my finger joints have permanent damage ( locked)
      so am pursuing options with biologics.

      While waiting for next appt have been using a tens machine to relieve pain, this has helped me and does not add to the long list of meds

      1. My doctor had me on Methotrexate and Prednisone for 2 years straight hit shredded my stomach so bad I couldn't eat solids for about 3 months not a good way to lose weight or Diet LOL it sucked. I was happy to lose the weight but I wasn't happy being sick all the time one thing that I have found that works better than pills is injections whether it would be ones that you do for yourself or ones that you get done at the clinic they don't attack your stomach as much or at all like the pills do. I would talk to your doctor about seeing if injections would work for you. I've had this for roughly 7 years he Humira worked well. It came in a EpiPen looking thing and it kind of hurt to do but the pan was definitely worth it helped my doctor switched me off that to a weaker Med which it wasn't working and then he moved the current doctor that I'm seeing right now actually has psoriatic arthritis his is in St Paul Rheumatology in Roseville. I definitely recommend him to anybody that isnt happy with their rheumatologist or anyone looking for a rheumatologist. I don't remember his name but there's only two doctors I think at that clinic and there's only one guy and that guy is the one I see. I wish you luck the other thing that has helped with some of the pain is getting into a pain clinic if you're okay taking narcotics otherwise one that helps me now and I'm off of Narcotics is I got my cannabis card and that really seems to help and it's more natural

        1. Thank you all for the input.

          Basically the whole thing sounds like finding a tailored plan for each individual..

          I worry about the joint damage too.. with every new joint I seem to get severe tendinitis first (red, swollen, tender) for 2-3 weeks before I feel it settle into the joint. One of my toes is for sure locked at this point.

          I’ve never been a real naturopath type person but these drugs scare me especially after my experience..

          I guess it’s trial and error.
          I’m currently giving a ketogenic diet a try while I wait for my appointment - I figure it can’t hurt to try. No change in the first 2 weeks though.

          1. Wishing you luck and do let us know how you make out. It definitely can't hurt to try!!!

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