What will happen

[Fred]

Hello Benlytz, First off I will say there is no cure as such. It may go into remission and there are things that can help, but sorry in my opinion you will never be rid of it.

I noticed you mention your Doctor, does that mean you still haven't asked for a referral to a specialist? A specialist is much better suited to helping you, and the sooner you get to see one the sooner you will find relief.

Caroline is right, it's an anti inflammatory. And although we don't always agree She is also right in her post before this. "Naproxen may help a little, but you will not be cured, and as soon as you stop, the PsA will be back again".

I think I remember you saying you was a dentist. If that is the case then your fingers are your tools, and you want to get them sorted as soon as possible. If you get to the stage of having your fingers locked up and in pain you will not be able to continue your work.

Sorry I sound so negative, but a GP offering Naproxen is not going to help you one bit in my opinion.

Oh and keep an eye on stomach pain. Gastrointestinal disorders are common with anti inflammatories such as Naproxen, also watch out for dizziness & drowsiness. (Not good for when drilling teeth)

[benlytz]

No, I havn't yet asked for a referral to a specialist as I, as I wrote, hate to go to those doctors offices. I have to care for a bad ear also which mean that I have to travel to Helsinki rather often to meet my ear doctor.
Fortunately I don't work as a dentist anymore, I am retired. It's my right hand that is affected so I don't think I could work as a dentist as I am now.
Thanks for your answers anyhow.

[Fred]

You're welcome. But although you don't like going to a specialist it will be worth it in the long run, as Psoriatic Arthritis can become crippling. And it would be best to get get sorted now rather than later, as you will probably have to start all over again.

Good luck, and please keep us informed.

[benlytz]

I went to a doctor (GP) again as the naproxen didn't help. She refered me to a rheumatologist - that should be better as a dermatologist, shouldn't it. I also got prednisolone (glucocorticoid). Further I shall have my hands x-rayed and then som blood samples taken.

[Fred]

She refered me to a rheumatologist - that should be better as a dermatologist, shouldn't it.

I'm not sure. My dermatologist sent me to see a rheumatologist, but all they done was confirm I had psoriatic arthritis. I still have regular appointments with my dermatologist, who prescribes the treatment, but no more appointments with the rheumatologist.

[Caroline]

I went to a doctor (GP) again as the naproxen didn't help. She refered me to a rheumatologist - that should be better as a dermatologist, shouldn't it. I also got prednisolone (glucocorticoid). Further I shall have my hands x-rayed and then som blood samples taken.

Yes... Basically that should be better. As long as they have good ideas to treat your PsA. A reumatologist has a better view on the immune system of a human being, as that is his daily work. He knows that PsA is an immune disease. Lots of dermatologists are still in treating the symptoms mode.
Still also a dermatologist may work out. If he is good, than he has a lot of possibilities to treat PsA, as a lot of psoriasis medications, biologicals etc, also work against PsA.

Caroline

[benlytz]

Was today to our local hospital to see a specialist (rheumatologist). He didn't like that I had the diagnosis "psoriasis" only from a GP and not from a dermatologist. Got a cortisone shot into my joint of the affected finger. The doc will phone me later.

[Caroline]

Was today to our local hospital to see a specialist (rheumatologist). He didn't like that I had the diagnosis "psoriasis" only from a GP and not from a dermatologist. Got a cortisone shot into my joint of the affected finger. The doc will phone me later.

But what was his own opinion ?
And why didn't he like it? Didn't he believe in the knowledge of your GP?

I also have had an injection in my finger, that did help. But did not solve the problem of course.

[benlytz]

He didn't tell me his own opinion clearly. No, he didn't believe in the knowledge of the GP. My finger is still painful, but I got the shot today, I shouldn't expect too much too soon.