Do these symptoms sound right?
I was diagnosed 7 years ago with the lowest positive results for an autoimmune disorder. I have psoriasis but it's so very minor - a dime size on one elbow. Haven't taken any meds at all.
My flare ups almost always start in my right wrist where out of the blue, it feels suddenly broken. It then spreads to the small bones of my hand and then to my left wrist and hand. My fingers do hurt, but not like my wrists and hands. Have never noticed any real swelling. The flares are now happening 1-2 times each month.
2 mos ago my left hand went partially numb and tingly, and last week that hand started burning like it was on fire. It lasted 10 hours ish.
Last night I walked to the kitchen and suddenly my right foot (along the outside) became too painful to walk.. had to crawl back to my bedroom. It still hurts this morning, but not as bad so far.
I'm not convinced I have PsA. but I definitely have SOMETHING.
When I read about PsA, my symptoms don't seem to match up.
I have an appt with the Rheumatologist that I saw 5 years ago. Back then he wanted to put me on a biologic and I refused. He is convinced I have PsA and I'm not sure why... because I have psoriasis?
I don't want to take major drugs for a disease that I'm not sure I have.
So I'm asking you all... do these symptoms sound familiar at all?
Thank you so much for your time and advice!
-DD
Hi
. Numbness, tingling and that burning feeling are all indicative of nerve involvement, especially if the area where you feel the burning sensation is not actually hot to the touch (Nerve damage can also cause an icy cold sensation.). It could be that PsA is causing inflammation that is irritating the nerves, but your symptoms might also be related to something else entirely. If you are not convinced it is PsA, you might want to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a neurologist. PsA is very hard to diagnose and it can sometimes be confused with other health conditions. So your concern is understandable. I hope you get some answers that give you confidence and that you get some relief. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
Hi Lori!
Thank you for your kind message.
You're right! My brother has Peripheral Neuropathy so I'm checking into that. His however, is linked to Diabetes, which doesn't apply to me.
Whatever I have, I'll deal with it, but my symptoms should fall in line with the diagnosis.
As I said to Eric, I've never had swollen joints or sausage fingers, have never experienced joint stiffness, and much of my pain can be linked to previous injuries.
I don't know what is wrong, but I know I'm not going to take drugs that could be worse than my actual symptoms... and I'm not sure what to do.
I dread seeing that same Rheumatologist again but at least I'm on a path to hopefully solving this puzzle.
I posted on this forum hoping to find 1 person whose symptoms are similar to mine...
I just don't believe I have PsA.
Have a wonderful week!
~DD
UPDATE:
The Rheumatologist agrees and says PsA is unlikely. Sed rate and C-Reactive are both normal. However, I have something going on and hand X-rays do show some damage to joints. Next up, MRI and Neurologist.
For 7 years I thought I had PsA, though I didn't believe it.
It's time to find out what's REALLY going on.
Thanks everyone for listening!
~DDHi
. I am glad you advocated for yourself and got re-evaluated. Thank goodness you refused biologics. I hope you get some answers from the neurologist and that you finally get some relief. Sending lots and lots and lots of positive thoughts your way. - Lori (Team Member)
