PsA or RA?? The choice is yours!

By kos2608

1 min read

Following my family doctor's order, I went to see "the best" rheumatologist in my area. His conclusion - I either have PsA or RA. My RA indicator was not sufficient to be diagnosed with RA so PsA it is. My thinking? Either one is not good!
Have been on sulfasalazine for 18 months and find I am getting worse. Hurt always, joint continue to swell, and stiffness is constant.
I have what my family calls a "Pollyanna" attitude - everything is going to be fine, every cloud has that silver lining, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for! I truly believe these things and between that and my belief in a greater power, I will prevail!

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Casey Moderator
Hi kos2608! Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us! First of all, I love your attitude! It's incredible and inspiring! I hope you continue to share that mentality and spirit with our community. It is greatly appreciated! Diagnosing PsA can often be quite the challenge, with several other conditions (like RA) muddling the path. I found a couple of articles you may connect with regarding the struggle of finding an accurate diagnosis and the differences between PsA and RA. You can find these here, <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/diagnosing-psa-challenging' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/diagnosing-psa-challenging/</a> and here, <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/psa-versus-ra-differences' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/psa-versus-ra-differences/</a> If you get a chance to read them, let us know what you think! Please know that we're here for you, and grateful to have you in our community. If ever you need to take a break from the "Pollyanna" attitude and need an ear to vent to, we're here! Thank you again for sharing with us! Best, Casey (Psoriatic-Arthritis.com Team)
VickiN Moderator & Contributor
Shout out to the Pollyannas! That is soooo me too, kos2608 😀 -Victoria (Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team)
mikew Member
Been there too. Initially diagnosed by a rheumatologist as having sero-negative RA then years later re-diagnosed by another rheumatologist as having Psoriatic Arthritis. Do not have psoriasis today but had Scalp psoriasis for about a year 20 years ago and then it just went away. Basically, the new rheummy says that since I had previously had psoriasis then my diagnosis should be PsA. All my blood tests come up normal so it is a clinical diagnosis based on observation and x-rays.
1. Casey Moderator
 Thanks for sharing, MikeW! As you can see, you're clearly not alone in this experience, as so many others have complicated and winding paths towards a PsA diagnosis as well! Very interesting about the scalp psoriasis.... hmmmm... I wonder why it went away after only one year! But that makes sense what your rheumatologist said, since a history of psoriasis being present, even if only for a year, is tied into making an official diagnosis. I'm so sorry you're struggling with PsA, but I am glad to hear that a diagnosis has been made so you can receive the appropriate treatment options. Have you been able to try any treatments? If so, how has it been going? Thank you again for sharing! -Casey, <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com' target='_blank'>Psoriatic-Arthritis.com</a> Team