Finally, an official diagnosis after 7 long years....

Boomer13

It was finally decided that my arthritis is psoriatic. Skin biopsy for one tiny lesion came back positive. It was really just by chance after all; my rheumatologist casually mentioned PsA, then I found the lesion a few months later in a hard-to-see spot. No itchiness and small. If I hadn't switched to a new GP, it wouldn't have been biopsied. The old one wouldn't have bothered.

I have to say I don't cry very often, and I really didn't think finally putting a name to it would make such a difference, but I cried and cried. Tears of relief, so they were good tears !! Despite the current huge pain load and the tears, I really felt like celebrating!

So, I'm going back on pred!

Better days ahead everyone!
Anna

dreamdaisy

Hoorah! That is good news, I think it does make a difference when you can say to people 'I have psoriatic arthritis' (and then explain what that means 'cos they've only heard of OA) but now you KNOW. I doubt that you'll find the meds changing in any way (I didn't when my label was altered) but yes, you know and that is good. I too have PsA with very little of the P (I think that is due to the daily sulph, the first med I was given back in 2002). The pred is no bad thing (I've just looked rather longingly at mine but decided against) because it can help us get over the really rough times. I sincerely hope there are better times ahead for you. DD

Boomer13

Thanks DD. I feel like I'm somehow "entitled" to my severe symptoms now, that there's no chance it could be "all in my head". So, yes a huge relief.

I wonder if hydroxychoroquine brought on the skin lesion? I was reading it can do this. It's seems like there's something trying to erupt on my palms now too.

dreamdaisy

That's how my PsA was diagnosed, my palms and soles came up with little blisters (we were on holiday at the time and I was taking enbrel) when out of the blue I had some rather frantic phone calls from my rheumatologist which completely spoiled my break (and therefore his too because I behaved very badly. :oops: ) Having blood tests on your hols? Out-bl**dy-rageous! On returning home I was taken off all the meds and referred to dermatology. They gave me a load of coal-tar stuff and then I was then put on to injected meth. I've never taken hydroxy so I don't know if that could be a trigger. DD

Claire38

That's great news!!

I too have PsA (well widespread "psoriatic enthesopathy" in all my joints, as my official diagnosis, as the few scans they did don't yet show any joint damage...although there are a lot of joints they haven't scanned which are very swollen and painful, and a bit odd in shape!), and spondylitis. It took me three years at least to get this far. Like you I was so pleased to finally have a "proper" diagnosis, and clarification that I wasn't going completely mad, and the pain wasn't all in my head!

The only sign of psoriasis I have are my scalp and my nails. My scalp I just thought was dandruff, and just thought I had horrible nails! Although psoriasis does run in my family, as my skin is ok, I didn't really give it a thought. A dermatologist confirmed the psoriasis diagnosis.

Anyway, I hope the steroids help you with your pain, and that you get onto some treatment that will help long term. I wish you all the best.

DebbieT

Anna, I can't say it's a massive surprise that PsA is ure diagnosis hun.

I'm really glad you finally have a diagnosis I know how important it can be!!

As you may remember I have PsA & OA. My Psoriasis is hereditary & first occurred on my 25th birthday just over 18yrs ago. PsA was diagnosed about 12 years later. I had Enthesitis that were clearly psoriatic so my dx was very simple luckily & also joint involvement from OA.

The only treatment I've had for PsA is mtx & sulfa, sulfa wasnt successful for me tho. For my skin I've tried many, many more treatments without success until mtx oral. I have severe chronic plaques with pustular (same as yours & DDs by the sounds of it), inverse, nail & guttate. They all happened at once wen I was taken off of mtx coz of glandular fever.

As DD has said, ure treatment probably won't change too much if at all but knowing wot you have may help you immensely x

Boomer13

Thank you.

Claire, did your enthesitis come up on MRI. It's been mentioned as contributing to my probs. but I've had so few scans, it never confirmed.

Bloodwork on your holiday??!! That is an insult DD!!

Just have to wait for the derm appt now to look at the other skin problem that is not psoriasis but is responding to mtx. This will take a few months but I no longer care.

You know I do have a family history but it was vague. My mum had pustular and no plaque by the sounds of it, never biopsied and her sister had widespread, bad something-or-other, again never biopsied. Lacksadaisical doctoring not to biopsy! (Sorry, I'm a little bitter because I saw how much they suffered) To be fair, we are not pushy sort of people so I guess they should have been more demanding.

So nice to have you all here to talk to.
Thanks, that really helps too!!

stickywicket

I'm glad you have a 'proper' diagnosis. I can sense the relief in your post. Celebration is good, too, but how about something a little more liquidy?

Numptydumpty

I'm very pleased you have a diagnosis at long last.
Hang on to your new gp, he sounds like a good one. I hope the pred helps.
Take care,
Numpty

Boomer13

Yes, love my new GP. Even better that she is a she!

The liquidy celebration is coming SW, I have a nice red wine I've been storing for a year. Now's the time for a glass!

stickywicket

I'm on my way

Boomer13

Come on over!

Anyone else join me in a glass? No hiding, I know you're out there... :P

DebbieT

My Enthesitis was picked up in xray, I've never been offered any type of scan. Also my psoriasis were never biopsied, never needed to be as it was so widespread & classic. It can be good to be bogstandard.Lol

Enjoy ure wine xxx