Psoriatic Arthritis and Methotrexate

Hi I am new here and have just registered. I have had Psoriasis since the age of 18 (stress related I think brought on by stressful childhood and being thrown out of the house at 18) the skin condition ranged from bad to very bad but has gradually diminished over the years to the point of virtually non-existence for the last 7 years or so, I am 63 now. During most of this time I have had a variety or joint pain in feet/ankles/tendons/toes/elbows and knees and a period where I had a problem with eye ulcers. None of these problems were, back then anyway, associated with my Psoriasis but put down to lifestyle, badly fitting shoes, ladder work. cycling (racing and mountain biking), work, overuse etc, etc, etc. They came and went and I just dealt with it and put it down to advancing age etc. Another painful flare up this July in the ball of my foot and one of my toes, so bad that I could hardly put my foot on the ground took me off to the Doctors, blood tests and a visit to the Rheumatologist who diagnosed Psoriatic Arthritis with Dactilytus (sausage toes)..(based on my history, examination and blood CRP of 30) All of that previous pain has now become clear but the issue is that she has prescribed Methotrexate which I am ultra dubious about taking after my research into this drug. My pain isn't so bad at the moment to stop me working even though every step hurts somewhat so for me it is a pain vs side effect of the drug problem at moment. I am fit and healthy, good blood pressure and normal cholesterol, low resting heart rate and on no other medications (I do have gastritis) and Ii am very worried that even if this drug worked then I make be giving myself other health problems down the line caused by this drug!!! Also, a concern for me is that inflammatory conditions can increase your chance of heart attacks or strokes significantly and the drug will drastically reduce this risk. Would appreciate your comment please, I have another appointment in 3 months time so I would like to be able to get enough real life info to make and informed decision by then.... many thanks

Paul

Hi Paul,
I have taken methotrexate for over 10 years for psoriatic arthritis. Doctor has never mentioned using it for psoriasis. I have regular blood tests every 2-3 months to make sure everything is okay and have never had any problems. As far as I can see, it does not help me with the psoriasis on my foot. I have been given an ointment to use, but it does not seem to work. It's not painful so I just deal with it. Tired of going to doctors!