psoratic arthritis

[G.J.]

Hello. I usually post on the parents with psor. I'm going to try to make this short so bear with me. Me, 43, female, psor on elbows and knees since 20, do sun/steroids keep it somewhat under control. Daughter when 7 got strep, guttate everywhere you can imagine for about 8 months, hated smearing crap all over her, after 6th strep yanked out tonsils, clear ever since (one year. Now my dad, 72 who has always had psor on elbows/knees just got diagnosed with psoratic arthritis. Waited too long, lost all muscle (20 lbs) and will be getting weekly shots, told after 9 weeks of meds he can begin to work on physical therapy. He's been in pain for about 4 months and the dumb orthopedic even gave him carpel tunnel surgery (not the problem). Question, I've had problems with my hips for about 6 months. Went to orthopedic nothing shows on the xrays recommends physical therapy to strenghtn. I know that's not it, I'm strong and do a bit of physical labor. Anyhow, symptons... dull aching always. Left hip actually seems to 'go out' when pivoting where I have to wait a bit to walk again. Could it be? Think I should open that can of woorms? Thoughts appreciated.
Gail

[PTener]

Gail,

I have had some hip problems which my GP thought might be ps. My pain and chronic achiness just about had me convinced I had it too. After going back to my chiropractor, my hips are fine again. They tend to "rotate" out, as can my pelvis. I am happy to say that good alignment has been the key for me. I hope you find a solution.

Peggy

[G.J.]

Peggy,
Thanks for the response. I hate to be 'paranoid'. I like the way you termed it 'rotate out'. That's how it feels for me, and then painful for a minute before getting back to normal. Achey at nite when sleeping. Anyhow, it worries me because all the ps stuff I read says 'catch it early - you could be doing irreversible damage to your joints and muscles'. I can live with the achiness, just hope I'm not doing damage. Don't do chiropractors, but am moving toward the idea of EXCERCISING (imagine that). Take care.
Gail

[kee]

Ladies,
I have an "expensive" answer. Enbrel (Etanercept) I have PA. For years I thought it was tailbone, hernias, hips. It was only possible to sleep in a recliner. 48 hours after my first Enbrel shot, I feel like I'm 16 again. I swear, it's a miracle. I would rather have all the P in the world, than to have that horrible PA pain.

[kmfitzpatrick1]

FYI
If you are receiving Enbrel I think that you lucked into it prior to the latest inability to produce this drug. I have been on a waiting list for months. First they said it would be July before they could produce enough to start new patients. Now they are saying Feb 2003. Amgen just purchased the company that currently was producing Enbrel and now they have to build a new facility or some b.s. prior to starting production. It helps (they said) to have your doctor recommend Enbrel. I think that you can sign up or request the application to get on the waiting list at www.enbrel.com. That is how I started out and then my doc completed the application and sent it in.
K