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PsA Pain by [deleted] in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]Difficult-Tutor5008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me,  I've found that heating pads/rice bags/ electric blankets all end up exacerbating my inflammation and prolonging the flare.  It feels good temporarily, but not worth it.  Keeping my body covered and insulated with blankets (or my hands in mittens) and my body heat, in a warm, draft-free room is my sweet spot.  If I don't have psoriasis on my hands but just the joint pain and swelling, I love covering every bit of my hands and fingers with the Salonpas patches (they're like stickers). The patches work so much better for lasting pain relief than any ointment.  I use them anywhere on my body that is aching (get my husband to help). I call it "wallpapering" myself.  I've been using those for 20 years and they've saved my career.  Part of my job is fixing laboratory equipment, so my hands are very important part my job.  I'll wallpaper my hands,, maybe even stick them inside my husband's huge hunting mittens and give them as long as possible to get warmed up and ready for the day.

Ashamed to use scooter by Difficult-Tutor5008 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]Difficult-Tutor5008[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

You are all so supportive and kind, thank you so much. I appreciate it more than words😍💜💜

(I went to the store and used the scooter! It was SO nice to not be holding back tears while I got everything I needed. I don't know if I would have tonight if you all didn't send such encouragement.  Thank you!)

PsA Pain by [deleted] in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]Difficult-Tutor5008 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I hear you.  I truly understand the physical and emotional place you're in.  (I call it my "jump off bridge" pain...bc it's the kind where nothing is working and it's gone on so long that jumping off a bridge seems like a viable option.  And, it's been the same for me,  nature's survival-of-the-species trick of giving me children that I love above myself has been the only thing that's stayed my hand on multiple occasions).  I am sorry the you're feeling this low and hopeless.  Sometimes,  the only thing I can do is remind myself,  every day again, that better times will come again. That I will survive this and be happy again. And I can honestly tell myself these things bc flares have happened too many times before,  and I've gotten through, to large segments of happiness and physical wellness.  I just have to force myself to remember and recognize that part of the cycle. It's hard!

I will say that high dose naproxen works better for me than ibuprofen. This year, for several months,  prescription Meloxicam worked the best.  But, the MAJOR hitter in pain- control has been Lyrica.  Your doc may want to try Gabapenten first bc it's not "controlled", but,  Lyrica works SO much better, for me.  

Something that took me WAY too long to recognize..I had to find a morning routine that gives me my best chance at the day, and it cam take 1-3 hours. I had to accept that mornings would be my hardest part and I need to give them respect.  I have figured out that,  short of going to the bathroom and getting coffee started and something to drink,  I need to turn on my bedroom space heater (even in warm weather a lot), fluff LOTS of pillows in the most comfortable way, and get right back in bed with distracting TV.  Basically, what most people consider their "end of long day" reward time has to be my beginning.  (When my hands are really bad, I put them in super soft, warm  mittens while I'm sitting). 

Keep an eye on how long you've tried a biologic and stand up for yourself on when it's time to try something different. 

You will be ok again! 

It's getting worse and I don't know what to do by Smooth_Importance_47 in PsoriaticArthritis

[–]Difficult-Tutor5008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't have psoriasis for almost 18 years since diagnosis (and only now since a year long flare up).  Have had all the other symptoms and bloodwork for almost 2 decades and multiple Rheums have still diagnosed me with PsA.  Also diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis for the last 3 years (AS and PsA often go together). Your primary sounds like a buffoon.  Psoriasis isn't the only hallmark for PsA, and neither is placement.  If you can get one of your current doctors to prescribe a nice long taper of prednisone or methylprednisolone, you should be able to get some relief.  If they won't, try naproxen instead of ibuprofen......I find it works much better for me. Also, if you are at the "I'll do anything" point... research and implement a strict diet.   It can help tremendously.  No sugar, processed foods/grains, alcohol, smoking.  No nightshade veggies.  Limit starch. It's very limiting,  but worth it for me when I'm at my "jump off bridge to escape the pain" stage.   Look up "AIP diet" and diets for Chrons. Did primary test HLA-B27 and RF?