Started having plaques on my eyelids a year ago. Went to a dermatologist, written off as acute dermatitis, possibly eczema from acrylic dust because I get my nails done regularly (to cover my pitted, splitting, wavy, flaky nails I’ve had my whole adult life - which she attributed to getting my nails done regularly and from having dry, damaged, splitting cuticles). Told her about the genital itching and redness and skin splitting I’d been having for 6 months. She said perimenopause. Went back a month later because all my tattoos were covered in scales and granulomas. I demanded a biopsy of one, came back positive for…. granular tissue and was told to use hydrocortisone cream despite feeling nearly insane for the intense itching. At the same time last year I started having severe pain and swelling in one of my knuckles and noticed a significant loss of range of motion in several of my fingers. Typing at work and using my hands was getting progressively more painful. My primary care after reading the notes referred me to a rheumatologist but I changed jobs and lost my insurance before the appointment 9 month later.
Currently I am uninsured, my finger joint pain and swelling has gotten significantly worse, I’ve started having worsening nearly debilitating back pain. Was diagnosed when I was 21 with early signs of arthritis in my back and was told PT was the only thing that would help.
My adult daughter has horrible scalp psoriasis and joint pain. My son has had plaques for years now that turn white after they heal, he now has probably 8-12 egg sized patches of completely white skin where rashes and patches that lasted months and months used to be.
My pinkie started swelling and hurting this week, I asked the hand surgeon I work for what might be the cause. He asked if I injured it, I said no. He asked if I had psoriasis. I asked why, he said that in someone my age with my health, without injury, the first thing he thinks with swelling, inflammation, and pain is psa. I just want to cry. I know what’s wrong but have no way to afford a diagnosis much less treatment. Are there home remedies, suggestions, anything? He said the joint damage is permanent and that I shouldn’t wait for a consult and to start treatment. I’m only 43 and already my dominate hand is sometimes nearly useless. Any advice would be appreciated. It’s so maddening know what’s wrong and what I need to fix it but can’t access it because of financials. I make too much money for Medicaid but can’t afford insurance as a single mom with 2 kids in college and a load of debt from a bad divorce. I hate living in this country. /endrant ty for listening, those who made it to the end.