Not diagnosed yet

By annmusic1106

1 min read

Two years ago, I was running through an airport when a stress fracture occurred in my heel bone (calcaneus bone). It took all summer and an MRI to diagnose the stress fracture. However, what also showed up was massive tendinitis in my ankle. With a boot, rest, and icing, the injury healed.

Even before that happened, I had a knee replaced because of arthritis. My left knee is now following my right knee. I saw a rheumatologist who ran in my exam room, told me I had osteoarthritis. It wasn't psoriatic arthritis (PsA) according to my labs. He glanced at my hands and ran back out of the room. So much for seeing a rheumatologist.

Since I was diagnosed in my 20's with psoriasis on the back of my scalp, and twice since with psoriasis on my back, I have a sneaking suspicion PsA is in here somewhere. I am currently in my boot and on a prednisone dose pack because of tendinitis in my ankle again. I cannot take NSAIDS because of detrimental effects on my kidney function. I told my caregiver today of the psoriasis history. She was very open to the possible of the tendinitis arising from PsA. I just wish I could get a rheumatologist to hear me.

Keep a stiff upper lip and keep on keeping on!
Ann

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Eric_the_Eric Member
<inline-mention username="annmusic1106" user-id="3274605"/> It is enthesitis, not tendinitis, that is the issue with PsA. A word about labs; they aren't a conclusive indicator either way for PsA. It is very common for those suffering PsA to have absolutely normal Sed Rate and C-reactive protein, as well as other labs being normal, especially during a period of low to moderate disease activity. One thing that is known is that having one autoimmune diseases makes one more likely to develop another, and Psoriasis and PsA are right in the same wheelhouse, with one often accompanying the other. So, for any doctor, let alone a rheumatologist, to not diagnose chronic joint and tendon pain as PsA in a patient with a history of psoriasis is a bit perplexing. On the bright side, you might have dodged a bullet by not having such a rheumatologist as that overseeing your care. What medications have you been prescribed for the psoriasis? Generally, the same medications for psoriasis are also prescribed for PsA; Enbrel, Humira, Cosentyx, Skyrizi, Otezla, Xeljanz, etc. And it is only in varying dosages, in most cases, that the treatment varies.
1. Mary Lynn Member
 <inline-mention username="Diane T" user-id="3306420"/> , thank God those 2 teeth don't hurt. I hope they will stay calm until you can get the root canals. Anytime I walk out of a dental cleaning and don't need anything done, I heave a sigh of relief. For people with PsA, dental problems can cause a ripple effect with our disease, or add more pain to our lives. I hope this process goes smoothly for you, Diane. You have battled PsA for a lot of years. I am wishing you something easy! 
2. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Mary Lynn" user-id="4513411"/> , I'm glad that you wrote that with PsA that we get more dental problems. I started having dental problems in my early 20s. It's always so good to hear from you as always. Enjoy your day and stay pain-free. Diane (Team Member)