I wasn’t diagnosed with PsA until 3 or 4 years ago. I am now 75 and I have never experienced so much pain before. I have had fibromyalgia for several years along with sjogrens syndrome, hyperthyroidism. Nothing has bothered me like PsA. My right shoulder, both wrists and hands constantly hurt. I don’t take anything other than a gabapentin when pain really gets bad or I can’t sleep. I also have the burning and stinging in my feet.

I had the same problem and finally gave up on dermatologists, opting instead for a rheumatologist. They can diagnose PSA along with any other related diseases faster. Good luck.

JamesH2, I love the idea of quoting numbers back at them. Thank you so much for that idea.

I'm sorry to hear that Cara! I know how a fall or a twisted ankle can lead to days or weeks of pain! It is interesting, though, once I turned 40 I started getting the "what do you expect? You're over 40, this happens at your age, you need to be more careful..."
I'm thinking it's great you have a good rheumatologist and dermatologist.

I find that when I respond to doctors questioning me with data, statistics, numbers, they tend to back down. They may not know the numbers, but when you do they figure you have done research.
" Actually, most people are diagnosed with PsA between 30 and 50, with the majority being diagnosed between 40 and 50..."

Thank you all so much for your support and advice. Exactly, don’t we suffer enough? I have psoriasis on my face and can barely walk. I actually have a really good rheumatologist and dermatologist that work together. My problem is when I fall and need emergency or urgent care. If nothing shows on an X-ray, that’s all they care about. I can barely walk these days due to two falls. I’m trying to get a power wheelchair but it is a process. They still don’t take me seriously because of my age. Thanks again. It’s so nice to have a place where I am supported.