Psoriatic Arthritis

My husband has just been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, and while its great that he finally has a diagnosis, I am worrying about what the future might hold for him.

Does anyone have any experience with this? What kinds of drugs are given and with what side effects (if you know at all)

Anything you have will be greatly appreciated. TIA!

Re: Psoriatic Arthritis

Hi, my father had psoriatic arthritis, but passed away when I was a teenager (unrelated) so all I can tell you is what I remember. His back was mostly affected, and he had to go for physical therapy every week. His activity was somewhat limited compared to before he had arthritis (I'm told) but he was still able to play basketball, softball, catch, coach soccer for me and my brother, etc. He had a scaly red rash on his back and scalp, which flared up sometimes. When we went swimming he'd sometimes have to show a dr.'s note to explain the rash wasn't contagious. As for medications he took methotrexate, and needed liver biopsies due to side effects. This was all 15 years ago, and I'm guessing they have much better treatments now. Good luck to you guys! My father's illness did not interfere with our lives much, and he was able to be a great dad.

Re: Psoriatic Arthritis

I have psoriatic arthritis. Was diagnosed about 13 years ago. I was on basic anti-inflammatory meds for a while, but it got REALLY bad, and then I went on a very serious medication (Methotrexate) for just over a year. The hope was that the Methotrexate would put the arthritis into remission, and it did! That was 7 years ago. I definitely still have an "arthritic body" - aches and pains for no reason, etc, but I am SO much better than I once was - and I don't take any medication anymore!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Re: Psoriatic Arthritis

My dad also has it (remission now)

He always had psoriasis...elbows, knees, scalp- also his fingernails

He started getting pains in his hands and was diagnosed with PA

He went on methotrexate for about a year- he said it would make him queasy sometimes, and you have to go for bloodwork a lot, but he felt much better and then went into remission

Re: Psoriatic Arthritis

Thank you so much!!! He is going to try another medication before Methotrexate, I am going to send him this link to read! He is very scared about potential side effects, but he is really suffering as he is now, so its worth the risk!!