tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416740519582137210.post8874392882341327924..comments2024-02-23T11:08:39.481-08:00Comments on Psoriatic Arthritis & Ankylosing Spondylitis: Chronic Pain Anyone?Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14053233700562337075noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416740519582137210.post-59217635991292202372012-06-23T08:40:32.178-07:002012-06-23T08:40:32.178-07:00Hi Jeanette,
First of all, thank you for your mes...Hi Jeanette, <br />First of all, thank you for your message. I appreciate the feedback and it's truly wonderful to know that what I share on my blogs offers some real assistance to others - it means the world to me, as I too, am swimming in the deep end of pain & struggle associated with these chronic illnesses. I can certainly relate to your husbands ongoing battles with his body. You message reminds me that I need to get back to blogging on all of my blogs, as it's become my "job" since I became ill. I've been focusing more so on my support groups recently, but I forget that many of those who find the support groups do so through my blogs ... and therefore, I actually do have an audience! Yay! :)<br />I am very pleased to hear that my pictures may offer some new insights, guidance and answers, into your husband's chronic health conditions. While I don't know anything more than you've told me above, it certainly sounds as though he might have PsA considering his AS diagnosis and the fact he was diagnosed with Psoriasis years back. Some of the pain associated with both conditions can overlap each other and be a challenge to sort through. And, just like with AS, PsA isn't the easiest condition to diagnosis since it's typically sero-negative in nature. But, I would certainly think that his MRI's would show a bit more than just the AS damage if PsA is in play ... so you would definitely want to speak with the Rheumy when you're able. May I ask what other symptoms he has which perhaps do not "fit" well with the AS diagnosis? The symptom presentation is most certainly a factor and indicator for the condition and may very well offer that missing piece. I noticed that you mention the sausage digits and the skin issues ... does he have any eye symptoms/involvement or unexplained inflammation in other parts of his body, including that of the chest cavity? (Does he ever feel as though he can't breathe very well, have tightening in the chest, etc., yet it's not a panic attack nor a heart attack?). Also, has he experienced any digestive related problems or bladder issues? Lastly, does he ever witness lymph gland inflammation and low grade fevers and/or "hot spots" on various locations on his body? <br />I must say that you are such a wonderful partner and person for being such a dedicated health advocate for your husband. We all need help when we deal with these kinds of debilitating chronic health conditions, and while it's important to try to advocate for ourselves, that's not always a possibility ... especially when we are beyond exhausted/fatigued, can barely function and get through the day, not to mention dealing with the severe chronic pain and the other wonderful symptoms which accompany these illnesses! Thank you for being there for your hubby - for offer so much support, understanding, compassion and validation. I wish everyone with a chronic illness had someone like yourself in their corner! <br /><br />Thank you so much for the compliments on the blog as well. I really hope that what I've shared may offer you guys some new hope & light. If you or your husband have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me anytime. I hope to hear back from you, as I'd really love to know your husband's thoughts as well, in addition to the outcome of any future doc appointments regarding this new possibility! You are welcome to comment on the page, just as you've done ... as well as contacting me through my email: healthandillness@gmail.com. Now, quick question before I let you go: Perhaps I've confused you with somebody else, but are you and your husband a part of any Facebook Support Groups for AS? <br /><br />Blessings of health & energy to both of you, Brenna (Cat)Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14053233700562337075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416740519582137210.post-25296509880837001692012-06-23T07:26:00.354-07:002012-06-23T07:26:00.354-07:00I have just stumbled across your blog as I continu...I have just stumbled across your blog as I continue to research on behalf of my husband who is 48 years old and was diagnosed with AS 5 years ago. He is finally forced to file for disability and I've been his advocate, researcher, organizer, etc. He has been through the gamut of treatments, tests and meds and has a host of other conditions that follow in AS's nasty path. But, your pictures of your Psoriatic Arthritis have set a light bulb off in my head! For years my husband has had the sausage fingers, the weird rashes and blotches on his face and body and no doctor could diagnose it. Everyone was consumed with treating the AS and all the other mess of things he's got. But, he was diagnosed back in the 1990's with psoriasis. It crops up every now and then and he itches it, deals with it and never really delves into it with his doctor's because the AS and the chronic pain are all consuming. But, I believe after looking at your pics and reading your story that he has Psoriatic Arthritis! I can't wait to share this with him when he wakes up. He overdid it helping a friend yesterday and is going to pay for it today, I fear for him honestly. But, thank you for your blog. It's a wealth of comfort and information for people suffering from AS and PA and a comfort to the people that love them.Jeanettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07391095016834354157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416740519582137210.post-25133677351121616242012-04-10T17:03:08.524-07:002012-04-10T17:03:08.524-07:00Dena, Thank you for letting me know that you left ...Dena, Thank you for letting me know that you left this comment ... I didn't get an alert that it was here, so I appreciate the heads-up. You are very sweet and thoughtful, and I really appreciate your comments :). It took me a long time before I was "okay" with posting these kind of pictures for the "world" to see - several years in fact - but I figured that with illnesses which are very much "invisible diseases" by nature, that showing the few symptoms one can view on the outside, would be helpful for people to better understand, .. not to mention, those with the conditions, to better relate to. I am also a member of an independent Psoriatic Arthritis Support Website and have many of my pictures posted there for others with the illness to view. I have received several replies regarding how said individuals had not been able to find another sufferer with the same presentations until they saw my pictures. It's nice to hear that by sharing the photos I am able to allow others to feel a little less alone in their experience and struggle with the disease. It has been a battle for me in many respects to just deal with what the illness does to me on the outside, as I no longer see the same person in the mirror, and much of the time feel like an ugly grotesque monster. I never fully appreciated the beauty I once had until I lost it to this disease 5 years ago. Same goes for my paralleled battle with weight gain. Frustrating to say the least. And, with the inflammation and skin issues, I never know when they'll appear, so one day I can be fine and clear, and the next morning I am a huge mess! No, or very little warning.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14053233700562337075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8416740519582137210.post-24864534064410290422012-04-04T06:23:05.106-07:002012-04-04T06:23:05.106-07:00Thank you Brenna for sharing that story and your p...Thank you Brenna for sharing that story and your pictures. It helps me and others to see what Immune Diseases look like on the outside. It also helps others that are dealing with this to not feel alone. I am so proud of you for posting the pictures and not being ashamed or embarrassed by them . I just wanted to let you know when I viewed them I didn't feel pity and I didn't scrunch up my nose and say UUGGHHH...I thought to myself...I wish I could reach across the states to you and put your face in my hands and kiss you right smack on your forehead and tell you how beautiful you are, inside and out. What a strong and inspiring person you are. -Your KY Friend -DenaPenniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01190245692133516158noreply@blogger.com