I'm terrified - is this PA?

[jennmkirby]

I've been around here since February, when I broke out in guttate P everywhere following strep throat. My skin has calmed down a whole lot, I'm probably about 85% clear right now... that's the good news. The bad news is, the joints in my fingers, wrists, elbows, ankles, feet and toes, and hips are starting to ache a bit. No swelling yet as far as I can see. (I did eat some potatoes yesterday, maybe that's making it bad today?) On the pain scale from 1-10, I'd say it's only about a 1-2, so it's not so bad it's keeping me from doing anything. But it's still freaking me out.

What I'm wondering is, should I see a rheumatologist? I don't know if it will be worth it... I'm trying to get pregnant, and as far as I know the treatments for PA aren't compatible with that, so you know... what's the point? Unfortunately my dermatologist is missing in action (I got a postcard from her office saying that she's no longer there... she's supposed to be opening a new office in the fall and I guess she decided to take the summer off.) So I can't ask her and don't really want to ask another doctor. Maybe I should just go back to Deirdre's diet and see how I do.

Anybody have advice? Thanks in advance!

jenn

[magnetik]

Hi Jen! I'm glad to hear that your skin is clearing, but sorry to hear about your aches and pains. I would really recommend that you do see a doctor about your aches, especially if you're TTC. Even if you are adamant about not taking anything so as not to interrupt TTC, it is a good idea to have a doctor monitoring your condition, whatever it may be. Just think of it as support, like this forum. I'm also TTC and for me, it really helps knowing my options during this time, even if I always choose not to go with any of them. Do you have a general doctor that you can go to first before seeing a rheumy? Let us know how you're doing and take care.

Oh, and by the way, there are treatments that you can take while you are pregnant, but it's best to know your options ahead of time. There are also natural treatments that a doctor or others may be able to suggest. Just make sure you do your research. This board is great for that!

Jennifer

[TheOne1313]

I would say that if your very concerned about it, you go see a doctor right away. I never had PA.......until I took Raptiva......one day i noticed my back hurting....i didnt think anything of it.....next other areas of my body were hurting.....went to the doctor....sure enough i had arthritis. Lucky for me, it seems Raptiva was the cause of it so once I stopped treatment, it went away.

I guess what im saying is I know that for the month or so I had it, it was very painful.....if your scared about it, I would definitely have it checked out as soon as you can.

[Terry B]

I guess it could be PA but only a doctor who specializes in PA would be able to tell you for sure. What I can tell you is that I first experienced slight pain and stiffness in my hands about 40 years ago and it never got any better or worse. Even after being diagnosed with a severe case of Psoriasis with increased lower back pain about a year ago, there has never been any progressive change in my hands. So, maybe you'll be lucky, as I was, and it will not get any worse if it is PA as I now know was the case with me.

[Allie]

Jenn,

I agree with everyone else... See a Dr. now!!! I agree looking for a Rheumy who specializes in PA would be very helpful - OR even better - look for a Derm who will do both.

My reasons for recommending you see a Dr. now is due to the hip pain you are feeling. My Rheumy was concerned about my inability to enjoy "marital fun" with my hubby, due to my hip pain. (And we all know, if you can't enjoy it - TTC is going to be even harder....) Also, his concern was over me being able to endure the hip spread that comes with pregnancy. Since coming off the Enbrel, I have only experienced minor pains in that region, however, as I have been feeling so sick in the tummy - everything else has seemed minor.

Good Luck!!! Please keep us updated.

P.S. After going on Enbrel, my Derm's office just handled both the P & PA - since my Derm specialized in P/PA. His Phy Assist actuallly told me "Suck it up" when I queried what could I take to alleviate the pain during conception. Her rational is I need to build up a tolerance to pain now, so I am not in such pain during my PG time, when I cannot really take anything. (while I realize she is correct, she still really annoyed me!)

[SCCatman]

Sounds like PA to me. One test I saw at an Enbrel demo was to make a fist with one hand, and squeeze the fist withthe other hand. If it aches, you likely have PA.

PA can cause rapid damage and is not reversable, so I would say see a rhumy ASAP. I suspect there are some treatments that are on with TTC.
A good rhumy can help find the right treatment, and monitor to make sure it is working.


Dennis

[rosee_posey]

If it *IS* PA, the joint damage may have already begun, and you don't get the joint back if and when you lose it. Do not wait. They caught mine in time and I'm very lucky to not have any significant damage in my joints...but you should have seen me back then...it was bad.

Hope this helps,
- rose

[ouchyk]

Jenn,

I hope that you don't have PA. I agree with the other posters, you need to see a rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis. In the meantime a good healthy diet will be helpful all around.

If you do have PA you won't be the first trying to get pregnant, they ( rheumatologists ) have a lot of experience with such things and can offer you some solid advice.

hope you feel better soon,

Karen

[jennmkirby]

Thanks guys... I guess I was hoping you'd say "Naaah, that doesn't sound like PA at all!" But I knew better. I'll see if I can get an appointment.

Rose, do you mind if I ask who you're seeing for a rheumatologist? I'm in Fort Mill (right over the SC line.) thanks!