As he is still underage, if you believe he needs counseling you can legally make him go. He will dig in his heels but trust me, he will thank you for it later. Sometimes you have to be the "bad cop" to do what you think is best.
He will probably start with many of the same medications that I have taken for RA, many of which are taken orally. Unfortunately, the newest, most effective drugs are injectible, but having said that, the FDA has just approved an oral version of these same drugs, known as "biologics". Also, many of the injecibles are given via a "pen", in which you never see any needle, just feel the little prick to the skin.
There are many online support groups for teens with PsA; it might be a great place to start if he is reluctant to go out in public. Facebook has a number of open and closed support groups for PsA sufferers.
A medical social worker can help you find support groups and counseling services. Because blood tests are so very, very important, it is essential that he get treatment for his needle phobia. See if you can find a lab with phlebotomists who specialize in drawing blood from frightened patients of all ages. Done correctly, it doesn't have to hurt at all.
Please let me know if I can answer any more questions.
My son 17years old was just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis after several years of suffering. He is totally withdrawn suffering from all of the symptoms including depression at this time. Unfortunately extremely frightened of needles, ulcer from nsaids, refuses counseling for depression. Schools online, college? Work from home? Disability? Any advice in any or all areas greatly welcomed!
I see it's been a few years since you posted. I hope she's doing better, but if not here's some advice. I'm 50 and have had psoriatic arthritis since I was a teen, although wasn't diagnosed until I was in my late twenties. Methodrexate is a cancer treatment drug used to surpress the immune system and because psoriatic arthritis is autoimmune it's frequently prescribed. When I was on it I was extremely ill for days at a time and my work suffered terribly. Talk to her rheumatologist about an injectible like enbrel or humira. I've been on both and they don't make you nearly as tired and they're also used to treat the skin condition very successfully. I haven't had placque in years. There's no reason for your child to suffer like this. If your rheumatologist is unable to secure insurance authorization then take her to a dermatologist. For some reason they have an easier time getting it through.
How is your daughter now? How is she feeling after taking methotrexate? I do really feel bad for your daughter. I suffer from spondyloarthritis and know how difficult it is to manage the pain and fatigue. I wish she will get the right treatment in time. Don't worry the research is on and surely very soon your daughter will be out of all these pain.
Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of spondyloarthritis. Did the Rheumatologist do any other blood tests? I cannot see how he could make a diagnosis without doing further tests, as there are other forms of Arthritis that affect children/teenagers.
I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis and it affects my pelvis, back and knees. I have tried quite a few different anti-inflammitory drugs and I find that Mobic works the best for me.
I know you said that there is only one Paed Rheumatolgosit in your area, but is there a possibility of getting a second opinion?