Why is PsA so hard to diagnose?
The more I read, the less I understand. I was diagnosed with PsA a few weeks ago and will be starting medication the middle of this month. My dermatologist knew what my problem was early in his examination of me. The ridges in my fingernails, tenderness in my fingers, wrists and ankles each told their own story aided by my trigger finger, swollen toe, painful knee joints and lower back pain. These are all things I have discussed with various Primary physicians for a period of more than 30 years. I guess by themselves, they didn't signify much to the doctors.
Then a couple of years ago, I woke up with a painful lump on the back of my right foot. A trip to my podiatrist ended with a diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis and a trip to a specialist who made braces for people with that condition. I ordered larger shoes so they would fit over the lump. But it hurt so much to wear shoes that mostly, I went barefoot and stayed home. The podiatrist talked about the possibility of surgery but I knew I didn't want that.
When I found these forums, I read this was unique to PsA. I read about comorbidities. I had been diagnosed along the way with diabetes, obesity, Bells Palsy, COPD, (are these comorbidities?) All this time, I was begging to be referred to a rheumatologist. I hit a roadblock because I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia years ago. I finally got an appointment to see a Dermatologist and my wait for a diagnosis was over.
There is still so much I don't know. But I have to wonder why they (the doctors) didn't know these were signs that led to this disease? disorder? condition? whatever it is. Why wouldn't anyone listen when I said I thought I had psoriatic arthritis? They made me feel like I was crazy or making things up.
I am scared about what lies ahead but so relieved to finally have a diagnosis.
Hi @rosah, thanks for sharing with us. Getting a diagnosis can definitely be overwhelming, I am glad you finally got an answer for what is going on. You are definitely not alone in the frustrating roller coaster, going from doctor to doctor, feeling unheard, without ever getting a straight answer. We are here for you and our community understands this awful journey that you have been through. You have asked some great questions so I wanted to send you over a few articles, I really hope they can help you. Please reach out whenever you want to share or just vent. Jill, team member
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/comorbidities
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/advice-newly-diagnosed
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/diagnosing-psa-challengingThanks Jill.
Hi
, I'm really glad that you finally have a diagnosis. I know it can be overwhelming and bring some mixed emotions though. I'm not surprised you feel relieved after everything you've been through and how long you've been experiencing symptoms. I hope that your new medication will make a big difference to your symptoms.
I completely relate to and understand what you're saying. I have been trying to process this myself recently. My symptoms (fatigue, Achilles tendinitis, enthesitis, plantar fasciitis, blepharitis, nail changes, "gout" in my big toe, aching joints, huge psoriasis flare coinciding with these seemingly random symptoms) and blood results (elevated CRP and ESR) at the time that I first became unwell should have, it now seems to me, pointed straight towards psoriatic arthritis. At the time I thought arthritis was "just" joint pain, but surely my doctors should have noticed that these are classic symptoms of PsA?! I really struggle with getting my head around all of this, but this community is such a help. Please remember that we're all here for you on this journey.
Wishing you the very best for finding some relief with your new medication. Keep us posted on how you're doing if you can. We'll be thinking of you! Warmly, -Catherine, Community ModeratorThanks Catherine. It helps to know it's not just me.
