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PA HELP, why is it so hard to get help/diagnosed?

I am new here and oh so frustrated but thankful to your site. EVERYTHING from your site I have read points me in the PA direction. I was diagnosed with psoriasis at age 18 (I am 52 now. It is mild, but have flares occasionally and am able to control it). My mother and grandmother both had severe psoriasis. I believe both my mother and grandmother had PA but never were diagnosed and has unfortunately both have passed. However, I can't get any of my doctors to piece my PA together bc I don't have severe psoriasis/joint deformaties and/or blood work that are showing up. I go from specialist to specialist (PCP, GI dr so many meds and 3 colonoscopies with biopsies, Neurologist, rheumotologist, heart dr, Wrist therapy and wrist specialist drs, pulmonary sleep specialist, mental health therapy/psch w/meds, urologist, dermatologist, several pediatrists, orthopedic speciaslist with elbow/and shoulder, and several OB/Gyn's over the years including getting a hystorechtomy). COVID this past year has NOT been helpful with stress (major flares, brain fog and anxiety/depression. There are days I feel that I am 80+ yrs old and I am only 52) and the last two years have been the worst by far. I feel as though I am now going CRAZY! I just came from my PCP who wants me to go back to the rheumatologist to get treatment for fibromyalgia. How do I go about finding someone that specializes in PA in south eastern, Michigan? I am willing to go out of town if necessary. Does anyone have a lead????? After multiple years going downhill I don't want this to get worse! I can't live like this anymore.

  1. Hi @dmti. I hear your frustration. PsA can be very hard to diagnose, so it is important to find a rheumatologist who specialize in it. The National Psoriasis Foundation has a tool for finding a specialist in your area and a patient navigator service to help you find someone if their provider tool doesn't help. Here is a link: https://www.psoriasis.org/rheumatologist/. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. I hope this helps. Please know you are not alone. For many people, it can take years or even decades to get a proper diagnosis. Keep us posted if you are comfortable doing so. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)

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