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Fibromyalgia vs PsA

Hello! I'm pretty new to this community, and it seems like a better fit for me than some other online PsA communities have been. My diagnosis of PsA took a long time, probably like most of us. My first diagnosis was fibromyalgia and many years later PsA was added, probably a good 10 years later.. I've been wondering lately do I actually have fibro or was it just the fatigue,brain fog and enthesitis of PsA misdiagnosed as fibro. When my PsA treatment is working, I don't really have the fibro symptoms anymore. Just wondering.

  1. Hi . Welcome to the community! I am glad you found us and especially glad that you feel it is a good fit for you. We have lots of very supportive people here and some wonderful articles that you might find helpful. I am no medical expert, but in my experience as a moderator for four different chronic disease communities, it does seem that many people who are initially diagnosed with fibromyalgia later learn that they have autoimmune arthritis or a neurological disease, like MS. Often, there is not enough evidence early on to diagnose the other health condition, but the symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with so many of the early symptoms of other health conditions that they get a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Some doctors eliminate the fibromyalgia diagnosis after the new diagnosis, but some still feel their patients have both. Have you talked with your doctor about this? The more accurate your diagnosis, the more targeted your treatment can be. It is definitely worth addressing. Regardless, I am glad the PsA treatment is effective in alleviating the fibromyalgia symptoms. I would be interested in hearing what your doctor advises if you do bring it up and you don't mind sharing. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)

    1. Shanan,
      It IS possible and actually common to have both, PsA and fibro.
      I found that prednisone can differentiate the two. Fibro does not improve with prednisone and PsA does. I found this out quite by accident.


      Please remember: I AM NOT A DOCTOR...but I did watch: Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, and have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.


      Good luck on your journey, we are all with you!

      1. I avoid prednisone as much as possible. It makes me too emotional and it raises my blood sugar. My doctor offered me some the other day for a flare, but I declined.

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