Do I Have Psoriatic Arthritis?

Hi ! Welcome to our community! You must be incredibly frustrated, especially with young children to care for. While we cannot give you medical advice, we do have an article about the potential connection between PsA and thyroid disease that might help: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/clinical/thyroid-disorders/.
Also, if you enter “autoimmune thyroiditis” into the search box in the top left corner of this page, you will find more articles and posts by our advocates and community members about whether the two diseases are related.
Here is another article by one of our advocates, Leanne Donaldson, that offers advice for getting the right diagnosis: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/psa-and-finding-the-right-diagnosis/
I hope these articles help and you find the diagnosis that makes the most sense for you. My thoughts are with you. Stay safe! – Lori Foster, Psoriatic-Arthritis.com, Team Member

Hello ...... Boy, do I understand where you find yourself, oh so well. I have been in a very similar place that you find yourself- exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, and downright weary. I was also diagnosed with Hashi's in my early 20's. It was just after the birth of my third little one, I found myself with 3 children under 4 years old overwhelmed with fatigue and pain that had nothing to do with being a young mom.
My diagnosis story is linked above (thanks 😀 ) I was dismissed by my first rheumy because I had a "negative" RA test. It was only after a second opinion and much needed x-rays that I was able to get a diagnosis. Even though I find myself in ever changing stages of treatment, I am grateful that I trusted my gut and knew something was wrong. Funny, it is since my initial PsA diagnosis that both fibro and RA (seronegative) have been added to my growing list of chronic illnesses.
So having said all that, if you know in your gut that something is wrong, don't stop until you get the answers and treatment that you deserve. I didn't have any idea that there was such a thing as seronegative RA when I was searching for answers. Just know this, you are not in this fight alone. We are here for you and I will be happy to help you in any way that I can.
Do you have a history of psoriasis?
RA and PsA can look very similar. Here is an article that might help https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/psa-versus-ra-differences/

Also, we have a sister site with many articles about seronegative RA that you might find helpful too. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/?s=seronegative

Tonight when you find yourself overwhelmed and exhausted, know that you are not alone. I've been there and I totally understand. Please reach out if you are comfortable and let us know how you are doing. It can be a long fight for answers, but it is worth every painful step. Until diagnosis, there are some things that you can do to help lower the inflammation levels in your body. Sending you gentle hugs and warm thoughts. -Leanne, Community Moderator