New diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis

[Roadrunner]

Hello to all! Very happy to find this page since I am new to this diagnosis!  Background story: I am a full time RN who just got done battling a rare form of ovarian cancer, diagnosed in 2015.  My attention, of course, was on the cancer and subsequent surgeries, not the achy joints and mild itchy, flaky scalp! Fast forward to April 2019, after a final surgery (hysterectomy) and surgically induced menopause, I was finding myself with an extremely itchy scalp.  My dermatologist, whom I see yearly for full body checks, believed it was cause by the menopause.  Several prescription shampoos later, it not only persisted but became worse when COVID hit us full force in March of 2020!  My dermatologist group then looked into my achy joints and sore feet history further, put two and two together and bam! psoriatic arthritis!   So now I am at the end of week 4 of Otezla and I am feeling like the main side effects (nausea, diarrhea, tiredness/depression and headaches) might be decreasing for the most part. The headaches are terrible some days but I am thinking they may also be related to my daily use of N95, surgical mask and goggles required during my entire 12 hour shift on a cardiac/neuro unit.    The doctor said I also may experience weight loss (I wish!), I have noticed a weight gain!     So I am not sure if I am simply experiencing the perfect storm of menopause, work stress and psoriatic arthritis....or are these all side effects of this med?  Have any of you tried this med and if so, what side effects did you experience?  
*side note* I thankfully no longer have to vacuum my car out daily due to all of the flakes coming off of my scalp!  I will take a win wherever I can at this point!
I am thankful for finding this group and am looking forward to some good conversations!

Nancy

[Kat]

Welcome Nancy!

I haven't been on Otezla so I have no info for that. But we're all in this together and you've found a great place for information and a friendly atmosphere.

Thank you for all that you do as a RN. It's not an easy job, even more so during a pandemic!

I know all about taking whatever wins one can, and I hope that you notice improvements with the psoriatic arthritis and hopefully less side effects.

Kat

[Fred]

Hello Nancy  to Psoriasis Club.

I can't help with Otezla as I have never used it, but this thread may be of interest. Otezla looking at what you describe. Or you could try the search facility available to our members here: Search

Also can't help with the menopause, apart from say most men suffer with it from their partners. 

Have a good look around, you will find a very friendly bunch of people. The Off Topic board is very popular if you want to escape psoriasis and get to know our members, find it here: [Group Specific]

I also recommend subscribing to our monthly newsletter, see here Newsletter

Apart from that, just dive on in.

Regards.

Fred.

[Caroline]

Hi Nancy,

Welcome to Psoriasisclub.

RN... ? My guess is: Regular Nurse ?
Am i right? I am not familiar to the abbreviation as I am not native English speaking.

I also haven’t been on Otezla, so I would not know the side effects. I think I know someone who uses it, I can ask her for her experience on it.
But when I read about the side effects, then surely I hope that is works for P and PSA.

Have fun over here on our forum.

Cheers,
Caroline.

[Raxyl]

Hi Nancy, welcome to the club. Sounds like you have had it really tough lately. I can't help with the Otezla, sorry I have not been on it.  I hope it all settles for you soon.

[jiml]

Hi Nancy and welcome to the forum it sounds to me like side effects to otezla, I say that not having tried it but some of the other oral tablets are harsh on the digestive  system and your side effects are listed for otezla.
What I will say is that if its like the drug I'm on the side effects do get less as your body gets used to it. So as long as its not to unbearable and its working on your joints and flakiness stick with it and it will get easier I'm sure.

Enjoy the forum I see Fred has given you links to places to visit while here. So I might see you in the bar [Group Specific]where I'll buy you a virtual drink

[KatT]

Hi Nancy   

Welcome to the psoriasis club!  I have not tried Otezla therefore can't help but give it a chance if the side effects are bearable, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments take several weeks to work usually.

As you said also, what you are experiencing may be due to a combination of factors.  

Did you report these side effects to your doctor?

I hope your side effects improve along with the arthritis 

KatT

[Turnedlight]

Hi Nancy nice to meet you!

I’m sorry, another one who has never tried Otezla.
I’d be tempted to keep a diary of the headaches to show the doc. I know what you mean about the mythical side effect of weight loss too!

[Kat]

RN... ? My guess is: Regular Nurse ?
Am i right? I am not familiar to the abbreviation as I am not native English speaking.

Thought I'd go ahead and answer this one for you Caroline. In the United States RN is for "Registered Nurse" so you were very close.

[Caroline]

RN... ? My guess is: Regular Nurse ?
Am i right? I am not familiar to the abbreviation as I am not native English speaking.

Thought I'd go ahead and answer this one for you Caroline.  In the United States RN is for "Registered Nurse"  so you were very close.

Thanks Kat. It was bit of a wild guess...
We have two words for it
"Zuster" (like Sister) mostly used by the elderly
"Verpleegkundige" (like Nurse) which is the official name.