(Sat-09-01-2016, 21:44 PM)Caroline Wrote:

(Sat-09-01-2016, 16:52 PM)jiml Wrote:

(Sat-09-01-2016, 16:39 PM)Fred Wrote:

(Sat-09-01-2016, 16:33 PM)jiml Wrote: @Fred yes there's room to increase to six a day and my bloods are good enough to up the dose ... That is my main thinking at the meeting and will be pushing that if it is PsA

Makes sense to me, if you can go up then it's got to be worth a go. Better the devil you know and all that, and you can always look later at something else if needed.

Thanks

Me too think that upping the dose is the way to go. From personal experience I know that dmf works fine for psa. So don't let yourself be put on something else without a heavy fight  

Thanks Tiger I won't be bullied into changing ... I'm ready

(Sat-09-01-2016, 02:38 AM)Bill Wrote: It sounds like it is related to the psoriasis, Jim. I had painful arthritis in both shoulders and back. It eventually becomes impossible to sleep comfortably, but that only happened to me by not having treatment for many years. DMF is helping greatly, and I think that doxycycline has helped as well, but not nearly as much.

Sounds very similar to my shoulders and when I roll onto my back I start snoring and get a sharp pain in my ribs from the wife who is trying to sleep so it's a lose lose situation for me,.. pain however I lay

I think the idea of upping my dose may well take care of it but I will argue my case with the rheumatologist on Friday

Get her some earplugs, Jim. Then again she might be doing you a favour as you are usually less likely to suffer sleep apnoea sleeping on your side. Upping the dose worked very well for me. good luck.

Been to see the Rheumatologist today inconclusive until results come back and I have an ultrasound scan


My early January blood results my kidney and liver functions are all within normal limits and my lymphocyte count has improved again to 1.45. ( normal between 1-3)

At the moment I am still following a regime with my Fumaderm where I am now taking my 2 Fumaderm tablets morning and 2 tablets in the evening with meals Monday to Friday. Then giving my blood a rest Saturday and Sunday and resuming again on Monday 2 tablets morning and 2 evening.
I have been doing it for 5 weeks and I haven't noticed my psoriasis or my aches getting any worse

Met the rheumatologist today a Doctor Hamilton, she gave me a good examination and looked at my shoulders feet and hands and said she would reserve judgement until I had some extra tests so had X-rays today and booked an ultra sound, for later ...will have to wait for an appointment for that
She was happy with me staying on Fumaderm as my bloods were good and I'm tolerating it well.

I asked if it did turn out to be PsA could I try upping the dose of Fumaderm. it was decided not to make any decisions until the results were in, and made another appointment for July but said as there was room to increase the Fumaderm dose, it could be the first option

She did say it could be wear and tear and suggested as I wasn't in pain to get plenty of exercise and keep the joints moving

That sounds good to me Jim.

I think it's a good idea to reserve judgement for now, there is no point in jumping the gun so to speak.

Personally I would say if it does turn out to be psoriatic arthritis up the dose and see how it goes. You're not in severe pain or problems at the moment so stick with it and see if you can ride it through, this will keep future options open if needed.

(Thu-21-01-2016, 20:48 PM)Fred Wrote: That sounds good to me Jim.

I think it's a good idea to reserve judgement for now, there is no point in jumping the gun so to speak.

Personally I would say if it does turn out to be psoriatic arthritis up the dose and see how it goes. You're not in severe pain or problems at the moment so stick with it and see if you can ride it through, this will keep future options open if needed.

Thanks Fred I'm keeping my fingers crossed its just age related rather than arthritis
I will start doing more exercise ..... Maybe go spinning   , or maybe something less energetic

The Doctor today was very thorough and I have confidence that after my lengthy examination she hasn't left left anything off the check list.

Time will tell when the tests are complete and results are in.
The hospital is very thorough I only mentioned to my dermatologist that I had joint pain and he referred me for a proper assessment ... I'm not in pain just some discomfort in the mornings for a short time, so July will be soon enough to find out the results

(Thu-21-01-2016, 20:58 PM)jiml Wrote: I will start doing more exercise ..... Maybe go spinning   , or maybe something less energetic

Try switching hands from left to right when drinking it's a good start.

Watching spinning is better than taking part.

(Thu-21-01-2016, 21:08 PM)Fred Wrote:

(Thu-21-01-2016, 20:58 PM)jiml Wrote: I will start doing more exercise ..... Maybe go spinning   , or maybe something less energetic

Try switching hands from left to right when drinking it's a good start.

Watching spinning is better than taking part.  

I can always rely on you for good advice

I'll start with my coffee mug... Then my Merlot glass .

Watching spinning will be good exercise for my eyes  

(Thu-21-01-2016, 21:12 PM)jiml Wrote: I can always rely on you for good advice

Fool

Jim that's my problem I have fibro and psa and I turn from one side to another on my back and on my stomach till one thing or another hurts then my hips hurt,knees fingers hell everything hurts!PSA sucks!