More Tests for Miriam

[stormdog]

Tests ordered by Miriam's second rheumatologist are providing more information that may be leading toward a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. It's one of the things we've been suspecting for years. I just hope so much that we have an answer for her soon and she can start on treatment that will reduce her pain and make her more physically functional.

Comments

[sabotabby]

Oh! I have that (probably; it's diagnosed by process of elimination). I'm on Dupixent, and there are other injectables that work for it.

[stormdog]

Oh, that's interesting! I'm sorry you're dealing with it though. I'm glad there is treatment that works for you!

Her presentation seems unusual, so that's probably part of why it's taken years to get a diagnosis. She doesn't have psoriasis on the skin.

[cmcmck]

My mother suffered lifelong from both forms of arthritis which is something I always sympathised over even given what happened.

I hope you can access some decent meds.

[stormdog]

Thanks: I hope so too.

Your mother had the auto-immune version and osteoarthritis too? That sounds so hard to deal with given with Miriam has been going through.

[cmcmck]

That and the rheumatoid variant.

It's something I'm thankful that I didn't inherit as it seems to run in families.

rheumatic disease support

[house_wren]

If you are looking for support for having an inflammatory arthritis condition, I have a recommendation for you.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and Cheryl Crow's Arthritis Life website is a great resource. She has articles, a podcast, a free webinar ('Arthritis Life Hack Extravaganza' coming up on Feb 3,) a program called Rheum to Thrive (costs money but she can make it possible if money is a barrier) and a weekly zoom ($) for people who took the Rheum to Thrive program.

I cannot say enough good things about her work. I've learned so much about how to deal with doctors, medications, social life, etc. I especially love talking with people who get it - who don't say "But you don't LOOK sick" or other inanities.

Sending commiserations.

Re: rheumatic disease support

[stormdog]

Thank you for the recommendation! I will pass it on.