Do you think you have Psoriatic Arthritis?

[LondonKate]

Here is a portion of the information from this site You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Thought it was quite useful

"SYMPTOMS

Many of us have had similar experiences -- we have pain and suffer a "cognitive fog," but our doctors are not able to figure out what is wrong with us. One PA sufferer reports having the symptoms for up to five years before being diagnosed. In that time he saw several family practitioners, was referred to an orthopedist, a physiatrist, and a physical therapist, and was subjected to any number of x-rays and MRIs. In the end it took a podiatrist to make the diagnosis.

Another PA patient says: "Perhaps PA is the aristocrat of autoimmune diseases--god knows the docs can't see it under their noses!"

So do you have psoriatic arthritis? Only your rheumatologist knows for sure, and no one at this list or webpage can make the diagnosis. But here are some of the things that we have experienced -- please feel free to write the Webpage Manager with additions, suggestions, etc.

    * Pain and swelling in the joints, especially the extremities.

    * Stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning.

    * Sausage Digit: Fingers or toes that are swollen, red, and sauasage shaped.

    * Nerve pain - numbness and tingling (due to nerve root compression from the discs degenerating in the spine from the continued attacks of PA).

    * Severe Fatigue and/or Narcoleptic like episodes while driving on highway more than 30 minutes.

    * Sleep disturbance

    * Clinical Depression/Anxiety

    * Severe manifestations of psoriasis. Psoriasis may take several forms, but the most common form is called "plaque psoriasis" which "most commonly appears as inflamed swollen skin lesions covered with silvery white scale."

Another type of psoriasis commonly associated with arthritis is "nail psoriasis." "Commonly it appears as pits in the nails of various size, shape, and depth. Sometimes the nails develop a yellowish color and become thick. The nails may crumble easily and be surrounded by inflammation. Another possible symptom is detachment of the nail from the nail bed."

The quotes used here are quoted/ borrowed from the National Psoriasis Foundation webpage, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login. We recommend you  look it up on line for more information.

[popsy]

Hi,
I do have PA, and have had for 18mths, six weeks off last year, as I couldnt walk, use my fingers, but I have not come across "cognitive fog" can anyone expand??

[LondonKate]

Cognitive Fog.. means in this context that we suffer a fog of thought processes, where acquiring knowledge  on what is wrong with us by the use of reasoning, intuition, or perception is difficult....because doctors find it difficult too!

[LondonKate]

Useful diagnosis aid  at ARC


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And some more via Pulse from Louise Warburton

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[Midge]

Thank you, Kate - that's a big help!

I so wish I'd found this site before, I've driven myself half mad over the years with pains which nobody's believed were there!

[tonylon]

Here is a portion of the information from this site You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Thought it was quite useful

"SYMPTOMS

Many of us have had similar experiences -- we have pain and suffer a "cognitive fog," but our doctors are not able to figure out what is wrong with us. One PA sufferer reports having the symptoms for up to five years before being diagnosed. In that time he saw several family practitioners, was referred to an orthopedist, a physiatrist, and a physical therapist, and was subjected to any number of x-rays and MRIs. In the end it took a podiatrist to make the diagnosis.

Another PA patient says: "Perhaps PA is the aristocrat of autoimmune diseases--god knows the docs can't see it under their noses!"

So do you have psoriatic arthritis? Only your rheumatologist knows for sure, and no one at this list or webpage can make the diagnosis. But here are some of the things that we have experienced -- please feel free to write the Webpage Manager with additions, suggestions, etc.

    * Pain and swelling in the joints, especially the extremities.

    * Stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning.

    * Sausage Digit: Fingers or toes that are swollen, red, and sauasage shaped.

    * Nerve pain - numbness and tingling (due to nerve root compression from the discs degenerating in the spine from the continued attacks of PA).

    * Severe Fatigue and/or Narcoleptic like episodes while driving on highway more than 30 minutes.

    * Sleep disturbance

    * Clinical Depression/Anxiety

    * Severe manifestations of psoriasis. Psoriasis may take several forms, but the most common form is called "plaque psoriasis" which "most commonly appears as inflamed swollen skin lesions covered with silvery white scale."

Another type of psoriasis commonly associated with arthritis is "nail psoriasis." "Commonly it appears as pits in the nails of various size, shape, and depth. Sometimes the nails develop a yellowish color and become thick. The nails may crumble easily and be surrounded by inflammation. Another possible symptom is detachment of the nail from the nail bed."

The quotes used here are quoted/ borrowed from the National Psoriasis Foundation webpage, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login. We recommend you  look it up on line for more information.

OMG this is so true i did think it was my age not been able to do long drives like I used too, however I also have Narcoleptic episodes every afternoon/Evening.

[LondonKate]

Courtesy of Moanalot

Paper article on the need for early treatment in inflammatory arthritis

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Kate

[welshexport]

It took quite a few years for my PA to be diagnosed that was back in 1999 since then it has in my opinion got worse but try as I do to get doctors to recognize or even agree with the diagnosis which was made in 1999, I showed outward signs e.g. swollen fingers and my nails rotted and dropped out, this was how I was diagnosed. But since then I have very little outward signs and the initial Doctor who diagnosed me has retired. I have to explain that I live in Germany and I find German Doctors very reluctant to listen and agree with the first diagnosis, even though I have all my documentation. My main complaint is my upper spine which in turn affects my shoulders neck and left arm which this year has got a lot worse, I have been to various Doctors the xrays show deterioration in the affected area but they say this shouldn't cause to much discomfort. Well I have to disagree as it prevents me from a lot of activities and I am in constant discomfort
 
I would like to talk to someone who actually understands this painful condition

[HertsRob]

Severe fatigue AND sleep disturbance is sooo right. It's a right pain in the wotsit being so dog tired you can hardly function, but still can't get to sleep

This disease is certainly a cussid b*gger!

Rob

[jaycee01]

Just re-joined the site after many years and although the replies seem to be a few months old, I am replying.

I started getting morning pains in my hands and toes, maybe 18months ago and saw the GP, who referred me to hospital. 4 months later got appointment and within 10 mins. the doc asked me if I had psoriosis (no signs, as skin was in good condition). I said yes to having pppp. He immediately stated I probably had PA, but it was too early to really confirm. He suggested a yearly visit, but I haven't went back yet, as thankfully it hasn't got any worse. I have however started taking vitimin supplements (can't remember what they are?) and to be honest the morning pains are starting to diminish. Will keep this site posted.