Re: PA vs RA

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with PA first, but after my rh factor kept getting higher on

blood tests my rheumatoligist diagnosed it as Psoriatic-Rhuematiod

Arthritis. My Rh factor was over 100 and I was getting stiffer before the

dual diagnosis. i thought I had fibro as well but she only formally

diagnosed that in Jan, after I had responded well to tryptanol. The pain on

my neck and shoulders was very painful last year and I was struggling to

cope. I still get pain but most of the time it is nowhere near as bad as

last year.

I am trying to go off MXT from this week so I will see what happens wth my

joints and stiffness.

It's hard for people to to understand the pain and fatigue when thay think

you look well. I hope you can find help managing your health.

Annette

[ ] PA vs RA

>I finally saw the rheumy instead of the phys. ass't. and got some

> straight answers yesterday. He said I have RA and Psoriasis. And that

> the x-rays did not show PA at this point. I'm on Humira and it's

> starting to help pain but not psoriasis. Has anyone been RA then

> turned PA? I also have thyroiditis,fibromyalgia, sjorgrens,

> raynauds,dep/anx.So, my autoimmune is a mess but I'm still trying to

> fiqure out what the future looks like and what is really going on.

> Thanks to all who post and share.It has been a blessing knowing

> someone understands. Tish

> [Editor's Note: I was diagnosed for many years with RA because I had no

> signs of Psoriasis. I do not understand how your rheumy could say that it

> is RA, not PA - PA does NOT necessarily show up on an xray - and he of all

> people should know that. RA and PA often present themselves in very

> similar ways but the presence of psoriasis is a big clue to a diagnosis of

> PA. I think you might want to talk to the rheumy about this or consider

> getting a second opinion from another rheumy. Kathy F.]

>