New to AIP, suspecting psoriatic arthritis

[kakka]

Hi, I'm a 48 year old woman from Sweden. I am preparing to start AIP, now preparing mentally and collecting recipes etc. I suspect I have psoriatic arthritis (pain in feet and hands) but haven't been able to get a proper diagnosis or even referral to a rheumatologist. I have realised however that medication for PsA isn't really what I want, so I'd rather try changing my diet. The change in diet will be hard though, especially considering that I work in a dairy with cheese-making... I am determined though that this will be a life changer for me.

[Erin]

Welcome! It's unfortunate you're having difficulty getting in with a rheumatologist. I made the appointment directly without a referral, but I understand that isn't always possible with certain types of insurance providers. :/ It's great that you're aware diet and lifestyle changes can {and likely will} make a difference. Following the AIP has helped me not only keep inflammation down, but also pin point what triggers PA flares for me. Best of luck to you!

[petal]

Hi Kakka,

I'm in Germany and recently got a PsA diagnosis. The thing that I said to my Dr that triggered her to give me a rheumatology referral was that some of my joints feel hot sometimes (spent a few years being fobbed off before I had that particular symptom!). Might be worth a try, even if all you want is a definite diagnosis rather than the medication.

Good luck,
petal

[imawestcoastkiwi]

I agree with petal, it wasn't until I noticed my affected joints being hot and swollen that my dr referred me to a rheumatologist and blood tests. It took 2 years of symptoms to get to that stage which is pretty typical for arthritis. (I have rheumatoid).

[kakka]

Thanks for your input. I have now been to a rheumatologist and he said that my symtoms aren't distinctive enough for a diagnosis. He told me to come back when/if my finger joints get swollen. As it is now, I have only pain and no swelling. Well, I hope to manage my problems with AIP and by shifting job. I don't reallly want to take Metothrexate or cortisone anyway.

[Erin]

Well hopefully your fingers won't worsen! I wasn't able to get in with my rheumatologist immediately, so I took pictures of my swollen toes to show him because I knew the swelling would go down once I cut out nuts again. If your joints swell, take a picture just in case you can't be seen immediately. <3

[kakka]

I will absolutely do that, though I hope I will never need to.