caret icon Back to all discussions

Diagnosis?

I am 69 yrs.old.,was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my 30's, had L3,L4 removed,lived with major pain in most larger joints shoulders,left one painful always, lost range of motion in it had rotator and labrum fixed,its tore again,had cervical fusion C2,3,4. One neurologist suspected Anklosing Spondylitis, he since retired. Had to have rt. Hip replacement surgery in 2017,they said it was arthritis. Tore the bicep and tendon in right arm,didn't have repaired. Also was my pulmonary Dr.diagnosed me with pulmonary fibrosis about 18 yrs. Ago. 3 yrs ago I developed Tachycardia during hip surgery along with A fib,and A flutter,went through 1 week in ICU at Heart hospital. I had to have cardio version, and then a year and a half stayed in a fib an A flutter non stop so 1 yr.ago I had a cardiac ablation and my heart has settled down.About t months a go I had developed pain in almost all my joints at the same time. Though not as strong or not everywhere as it started still not back to my average daily quality of life. I have also for 3 years developed every so often lesions, would hurt or itch, no pain and they could appear anywhere they sometimes get clear and crusty .Dr.would give me a rx cream they would go away but leave a faint pink scar. I have had many blood tests,the Rheumatologist diagnosed me with osteoarthritis everywhere and including my spine, then my Dermatologist did a biopsy of one of my lesions and said it came back psoriasis. I really don't have any rashes except a butterfly rash like my dad had with lupus but they don't believe it is lupus. It gets very red then lightens up for several days. I am on Sulfasalazine 500mg 3 a day right now and then next Monday I go down to 2 per day.today is Friday. I have an appointment with my Dermatologist Monday also to start 150mg of Skyrizi injections. I am also type 2 diabetic who injects insulin (lancet) 1time a day,orally i take 14 mg Rebels and orally 25mg Jardiance 1time daily. Sorry this is so long! I worked by the sweat of my brow over 45 yrs.of my life,32 years in a steel fabrication plant for General Motors (Fisher Body) We called our jobs throwing steel,heavy lifting,bending 12 to 16 hours a day. I feel like I have at least had untreated psoriatic arthritis for 3 decades. I don't feel like I am getting any answers. Every Drs.I had went to for years has sent me to orthopedic surgeon's. If I listened to them they want do a shoulder replacement, an ankle replacement, and my other hip. Also I forgot to mention my rt foot about 5 trs.ago started going to sleep every evening when relaxing but now my skin on my toes are real tight and hard to bend and the needles and pins can be quite painful. I am just wanting to know if there is any clarity I might receive from the group.? Thanks, Bob

  1. Hi Bob, you have definitely been through a lot. It sounds like you could be a real good candidate for psoriatic arthritis but you would need a rheumatologist to verify that. Unfortunately there are no tests that will directly say it is psoriatic arthritis. However, with the biopsy coming back as psoriasis you might could bring that up to make the rheumatologist change their mind regarding the psoriatic arthritis. Hope this helps. Vickie W., Team Member

    1. Thank you so much Vickie.I just looked at my patient portal where my Drs.post lab results and the reason for my visit.It has down Psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis including my spine. Thank you for helping me out . Bob W. @ @Vickie W.Team member

      1. Hi Bob (). I hope this means you can get started on treatment now and get some relief. You might find it helpful to read through this article before your next appointment: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/treatment. It might help you to better advocate for yourself when it comes to treatment. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)

    2. Thank you so very much!

      Please read our rules before posting.