Awaiting confirmation PSA diagnosis

Almonmd
Almonmd Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:09 in Living with arthritis

I have 2 siblings with RA, one for 30 years and one in the last 4 years. A couple of years ago I started to notice some changes to my fingers, bony growths and fingers deforming, with some pain. As I had familial history of RA, I was referred to a Rheumatologist. Initial diagnosis was Nodal Osteoarthritis, but with a note saying to refer back if I showed any signs of inflammation. I started to develop rashes on my feet, but as they disappeared, didn’t think too much about it. Last Christmas I had crippling pains in the tendon at the back of one foot. I assumed I’d damaged a tendon. Six months later I was still limping with the tendon pain, and the foot rash came back, along with a rash on my face and ears, along with changes to my toenails. Lots of intermittent joint pain/stiffness and exhaustion. My doctor referred me back to the Rheumatologist, who suspects I have PSA. I’ve had X-rays of hands,feet and one hip,as I was limping. Plus MRI of both ankles. I’ve also been referred to a Dermatologist, to confirm that I have Psoriasis. Once all that’s completed it’s back to the Rheumatologist for confirmation.

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 983

    Hello @Almonmd and welcome to the community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    I understand that you waiting to have your diagnosis of PSA confirmed and have an initial diagnosis of Nodal Osteoarthritis. Have a look at the following articles from our website, they might give you some additional information.

    Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their support and experiences as well.

    With very best wishes

    Peter (moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Almonmd
    Almonmd Member Posts: 3

    Thanks for this info. I wonder if the auto immune conditions of RA and PSA have some genetic link . 3 out of 4 siblings now with inflammatory arthritis. Does anyone else have similar familial experience?

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697

    I think the genetic link is to autoimmunity rather then any specific 'branch' of arthritis. I have RA. My mother had psoriasis but not PsA. My sister, in her 80s, developed PMR but was fine until then. (In fact, she's almost 'over it' now.)

    I hope you can soon get on some meds and get on top of it all. By the way, you can have PsA without psoriasis.

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