Why does my rheumatologist say I don't have PsA even though I have the symptoms?
Hello, I recently went to a rheumatologist in my state that told me I don't have PsA even though when they did the blood work and the x-rays. And on my blood work my c-reactive protein level was .50 which on the scale it went from 0 to .50.
So my question is, I have all the symptoms of PsA including psoriasis, extreme body aches, stiffness, and red flaky patches on my elbows knees and my face, why am I being told I don't have PsA even though I have the symptoms and the high inflammation rate?
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Hi
, thanks for reaching out. I can hear how frustrated you are. I hope our community chimes in with their personal experiences. In the meantime, I know that many of our community members will say they have had to get a second (sometimes third) opinion before they got a diagnosis. Is this something you would consider? I know this must be very difficult for you, and I am so glad you are being an advocate for yourself. I am sending you an article that I hope will help you. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
Jill, Team Member
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/diagnosing-psa-challenging/I was also told by a rheumatologist that I didn't have PsA, he had been treating me for fibro. But I was seeing a dermatologist as I had Psoriasis, eventually I was having quite a bit of foot & toe pain. His PA diagnosed me as having PsA. They were going to put me on a biologic. When I told the Rhuemy, he got upset & said my psoriasis wasn't bad & he did not want me to go on the biologic. Well, he wasn't the one that itched all night & couldn't sleep or the one in pain. I didn't go back to him!
Hi there,
It's hard to know what's happened in your assessment, it could be right and you may have a different issue which now needs to be diagnosed. It could be wrong and you need to try again with someone else. You mentioned a state, so I'm guessing you may be in the USA, in which case I feel for you as I know costs can be an issue. Only you know what your body is experiencing and what you need to feel safe and healthy.
For me diagnosis was immediate, despite not having any skin issues to complain of, and was linked to the pain and swelling not my CRP level, which can mean anything, it's not a good indicator of PsA.
I guess the question is do you need a PsA diagnosis, or is treatment the key thing, and does one rely on the other? There are 200 types of arthritis and any one of them can co-exist with skin issues, including psoriasis, but not be PsA. It's no wonder so many people struggle to get a clear diagnosis.
My advice is consider what they did tell you, did you get help with your symptoms despite not getting the diagnosis you expected, or have they minimised your experiences and not really heard you? If it's the latter than you'll find lots of people here who understand and can advise.Hi partric, It took me 2 years before I was diagnosed with PSA even though I have had moderate to severe psoriasis for 47 years and biggest issue I had was my PSA attacks the tendons and every Rheumy I had seen always told me I exercise to much and need to take breaks. Do yourself a favor and seek a second opinion from another rheumatologist in a different practice.
