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What were your first PsA symptoms?

What were your initial psoriatic arthritis symptoms? How long did it take to get diagnosed after your initial symptoms developed? Please share your experiences!

  1. Ten years ago I had pain on the back of my right hand that progressed to my feet. Over time it spread to the joints in my limbs and it took 10 years to get diagnosed. In the meantime, my little fingers are bent & twisted and my peripheral PsA has become very symmetrical like RA and axial in the neck & SI joints & around my back. l have a full body onslaught. I just got off of Otezla and am starting Humira.


    In hindsight - in my teens I had scalp psoriasis, in my twenties I had issues with my hands and wrists and knees, in my thirties I had "SI joint dysfumction" and hip bursistis and hip flexor strain and in my forties I had low back issues as well as some of those other symptoms. Had a GP that told me my body liked to be inflamed. Maybe three pregnancies gave me some remission ? I'm 51 now.


    Things would come & go and in the last 10 years they just stayed and progressed. Hindsight huh (and 6 different rheumatologists over the years).

    1. That is quite a long and difficult journey, . I am glad you finally got a diagnosis after all of those years and all that pain. I hope Humira brings you some relief. Thinking of you! - Lori (Team Member)

    2. I understand your frustration. Humaria, Enbrel, Cosetex, didn't work for an extended time for me. Skyrizi and methotexrate has worked the longest. I do have to supplement with another med. I'm starting a new one to go with Skyrizi. Lots luck with your journey.


  2. Spinal inflammation.
    Dactylitis.
    Profound fatigue.

    1. – thank you for sharing. Those are some very painful symptoms and it must have been very confusing not knowing why you were experiencing them before being diagnosed. How long did it take you to get diagnosed? Best, Minel (Team Member)

  3. I had pain in my SI joint when I was 12. The doctor said that I had instability in my lower back. My psoriasis started in my 20s on my scalp, elbows, knees, and ankles. I then started to have recurring low back pain and neck pain in my late 20s and early 30s. I was finally diagnosed PSa at 36.

    1. That must have been difficult at such a young age, . I am glad you finally got a diagnosis and I hope medication is helping. Sending the best of all wishes! Lori (Team Member)

  4. Many sound the same early time for me very swollen fingers and toes lots of tendon issues in my 30 s became very more wide spread. Hard to explain but this disease has consumed much of my life every day has to be planned for. I have been on many meds for this many work short time. Sorry I am starting to rant. Wish you all the best

    1. Hi ! No need to apologize for ranting here! That is what we are here for -- to offer support and a safe place to blow off some steam. I wish you could find a medication that is effective for you. I hope you don't give up. We have one member who found relief after 20 years. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)

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