PsA and Blood Clots
Hey all! I recently ran across a research release about the prevalence of blood clots in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I've experienced very "deep" and often painful (and unexplainable) knots and bruises in my legs. Other than being another painful annoyance I hadn't given them much more thought than that.
Now that I know about the prevalence of blood clots and DVT it makes me wonder... Does anyone have any experience with this or knowledge to share? I'll certainly ask my doctor at my next visit, but I figure if it seems to be a prevalent connection, I'm probably not the only one.
Here is the link if anyone is interested. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28444172/
Take care of yourself! -Leanne 😀 (Team Member)
Wow @Leanne Donaldson now I have to say I too will be having an immediate talk with my doctor. I have been having problems with my legs for a while now. The doctor chalked it up to Restless Leg Syndrome. He actually put me on medication that is also to treat Parkinson's Disease. Like the Parkinson's commercial shows it made me hallucinate. It was horrible. I stopped taking the medicine and have not taken anything else. Now with your article I am wondering if the doctor had the diagnosis wrong . Is the leg pain contributed to the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? I have both. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Vickie W., Team Member
Hey
! Thanks for chiming in 😀 I was wondering along the restless leg path as well. Seems the days when I am in the most pain I find myself struggling with restless legs right at bedtime. I've never brought it up with my doctor, but if the frequency does pickup- perhaps it is worth it. Maybe there is a connection between the two.....? Do you sometimes feel like you are wondering around in the fog, without a map, or even a flashlight? Feeling a little lost these days... -Leanne (Team Member) 
I had a stroke three years ago. Wonder if this was one of the reasons.
I recently went through this, most of our medications cause a thinning of the skin leading to the bruises. Muscle knots come with Fibro which is a symptom of PsA. But the big kicker is all the Methotrexate and other medication can give a false positive on the D-dimmer test. This is the test they use to identify blood clots in the body. However, never assume its just the medication. FYI Fibero is a symptoms developed by chronic inflammation to protect the body from add threats. Easy explain, if you can't touch me you can't hurt me
no problem it was a terrifying week. My first CT scan with contrast was done wrong. They cleared me with no evidence it was actually safe to do so. Three days later back at ER. Same symptoms, extensive testing different care center. Er doc was so mad when he saw the results from the previous care center. Took over 10 days 1,000's of dollars finally My Dr. Sat done with me and explained what was going on. Absolutely scary. Hope this helps. 
Hi @Catherinee1, we so appreciate your openness and honesty. I can't even image how scary this was for you. I really wish you didn't have to go through all of this. I am glad you finally had a doctor explain to you what was going on. We are here for you! Thank you for sharing and being a member of our community. Jill, Team Member
I had DVT and PE about 2 years after diagnosis of PSA. It is an acquired blood clotting syndrome called Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. It is more prevalent in people with Lupus (SLE) and in pregnancy, but also seen in other inflammatory types of autoimmune diseases-like psoriatic arthritis. The clot can happen absolutely anywhere in the body-not just the usual places clots happen. Diagnosis is complicated but confirmed with lab work after an "event". Most of my doctors are not very familiar with it. I did not recall learning about it in nursing school in the early 80's because that is when it was first being described by now well known doctor in the UK-Dr Graham Hughes. It was and sometimes still is referred to as Hughes Syndrome. well it’s difficult to know what we don’t know! And yes having several autoimmune diagnoses myself makes me feel like I’m one blood test or symptom away from another diagnosis!
Having APS (Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome)means I am at risk for future clots but it is managed with anticoagulants daily. In general having any clot puts one at higher risk for more. For anyone looking for accurate and reliable info on blood clots, the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a great resource.
Hi
. Thanks for that resource. I am glad you are on a good treatment plan. I hope you never have to experience another blot again. I have had two - one in my wrist and one in my neck. Not fun. Wishing you the best! - Lori (Team Member)
