Comments on: Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/ Bringing information & encouragement to fight RA Thu, 24 May 2012 02:33:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kelly Young http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-203247 Kelly Young Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:26:58 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-203247 Thanks, Jamielynn. I do try to let my funny side show when I can. And you hit on one of the main reasons this site was begun: lack of consistent information available to patients. about 650 pages here already and I feel I've just begun. I've found that listening to patients is the most consistent way to research & I hope that we'll make patient voices heard in that capacity more and more. The "arthritis" in your eye idea is funny, but I also get tired of the illogic of it. If "arth" means joint, then we can't have arthritis in our eyes and lungs, heart or veins. My point of course is that the correct word is "disease." Good drs and researchers know this of course, but we need to bring the public up to speed. Good luck w/ your treatments! Thanks, Jamielynn. I do try to let my funny side show when I can. And you hit on one of the main reasons this site was begun: lack of consistent information available to patients. about 650 pages here already and I feel I’ve just begun. I’ve found that listening to patients is the most consistent way to research & I hope that we’ll make patient voices heard in that capacity more and more.

The “arthritis” in your eye idea is funny, but I also get tired of the illogic of it. If “arth” means joint, then we can’t have arthritis in our eyes and lungs, heart or veins. My point of course is that the correct word is “disease.” Good drs and researchers know this of course, but we need to bring the public up to speed.

Good luck w/ your treatments!

]]> By: Jamielynn http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-203245 Jamielynn Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:18:38 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-203245 This post is particularly interesting to me. I've been on line for 10 months researching RA and PsA and have come to the conclusion that I don't understand any of it lol! They seem to have so many things in common. I began suspecting PsA in June '11 after I came down with a bad case of Iritis and Epislceritis. When I asked my ophthalmologist what it was he said "You have arthritis in your eye." Say what??! I had been having joint pain/swelling and muscle pain for about 9 months by then as well as some other unexplained issues. My research into Iritis and Episcleritis showed that both are common in both RA and PsA. A month later I noticed a toenail was detaching and all of my toenails had horizontal ridging. Off to the dermatologist I went. He said it was either a fungus or psoriasis...those are the only two things that could cause a toenail to detach he said. (I have no pitting but I do have the lifting) So we did the fungal culture and it came back negative. He won't diagnose psoriasis though until I show some skin lesions. Okay, I can be patient. I left his office thinking "This *has* to be PsA!" I finally decided to see a rheumatologist at the end of August. I explained everything to her and showed her my toenails. After 3 more visits with her, some x-rays and blood work and a favorable response to prednisone she diagnosed me with RA on April 2. I was absolutely stunned. I was diagnosed with seronegative RA despite all blood work being completely normal, perfect x-rays and funky toenails. I really questioned her about it, why RA and not PsA, and she explained that they are so closely similar that they can be really hard to tell apart. And the impression I took away from that visit is that the treatment is the same for each so the correct diagnosis isn't quite as important as starting treatment is. Kelly I've been referring to your website for months now and have to say I find more consistency in what you write and what people have said in response to most anything else I've come across in my research. And what's funny is that there is no consistency with RA but there sure is a lot of stuff out there that would convince most people that what the author says is written in stone and infallible. You make no claim to that and you are funny lol!, I like you. :-) This post is particularly interesting to me. I’ve been on line for 10 months researching RA and PsA and have come to the conclusion that I don’t understand any of it lol! They seem to have so many things in common.

I began suspecting PsA in June ’11 after I came down with a bad case of Iritis and Epislceritis. When I asked my ophthalmologist what it was he said “You have arthritis in your eye.” Say what??! I had been having joint pain/swelling and muscle pain for about 9 months by then as well as some other unexplained issues. My research into Iritis and Episcleritis showed that both are common in both RA and PsA.

A month later I noticed a toenail was detaching and all of my toenails had horizontal ridging. Off to the dermatologist I went. He said it was either a fungus or psoriasis…those are the only two things that could cause a toenail to detach he said. (I have no pitting but I do have the lifting) So we did the fungal culture and it came back negative. He won’t diagnose psoriasis though until I show some skin lesions. Okay, I can be patient. I left his office thinking “This *has* to be PsA!”

I finally decided to see a rheumatologist at the end of August. I explained everything to her and showed her my toenails. After 3 more visits with her, some x-rays and blood work and a favorable response to prednisone she diagnosed me with RA on April 2. I was absolutely stunned.

I was diagnosed with seronegative RA despite all blood work being completely normal, perfect x-rays and funky toenails. I really questioned her about it, why RA and not PsA, and she explained that they are so closely similar that they can be really hard to tell apart. And the impression I took away from that visit is that the treatment is the same for each so the correct diagnosis isn’t quite as important as starting treatment is.

Kelly I’ve been referring to your website for months now and have to say I find more consistency in what you write and what people have said in response to most anything else I’ve come across in my research. And what’s funny is that there is no consistency with RA but there sure is a lot of stuff out there that would convince most people that what the author says is written in stone and infallible. You make no claim to that and you are funny lol!, I like you. :-)

]]> By: Christina http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-197070 Christina Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:52:40 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-197070 I found your website today and I've been clicking around in past posts (I even shared one on Facebook!) I just wanted to say something about PA and RA. I have been diagnosed with atypical RA in the past (took YEARS to get that diagnose), but PA has also been thrown around a lot by newer docs. I've been to a few Rheummys, and they can't decide. I'm not sure if you were aware that, aside from the rash, the two diseases are incredibly similar. Unfortunately for me, I don't have the major characteristics of either disease. Lots of painful joint swelling, but blood work doesn't confirm, and joint are not inflaming in expected order. And, I don't have actual plaque psoriasis or nail pitting... So, I'm just going to stick with the atypical RA for now! ;) I found your website today and I’ve been clicking around in past posts (I even shared one on Facebook!) I just wanted to say something about PA and RA. I have been diagnosed with atypical RA in the past (took YEARS to get that diagnose), but PA has also been thrown around a lot by newer docs. I’ve been to a few Rheummys, and they can’t decide. I’m not sure if you were aware that, aside from the rash, the two diseases are incredibly similar. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the major characteristics of either disease. Lots of painful joint swelling, but blood work doesn’t confirm, and joint are not inflaming in expected order. And, I don’t have actual plaque psoriasis or nail pitting… So, I’m just going to stick with the atypical RA for now! ;)

]]> By: NARY A GOODMAN http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-188841 NARY A GOODMAN Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:32:30 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-188841 I am 67 years old, and have never received a diagnosis of RA, but, my daughter has recently been diagnosed, and she noted thar we have some of the same sympyoms. Is that possible? I am 67 years old, and have never received a diagnosis of RA, but, my daughter has recently been diagnosed, and she noted thar we have some of the same sympyoms. Is that possible?

]]> By: Kelly Young http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-183554 Kelly Young Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:59:08 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-183554 I'm glad you finally found a good rheumatologist Madison. The only benefit I know of Remicade is that they can adjust the dose and some doctors do. Yes being off meds or being like many others who do not respond to meds is terrible to feel the full brunt of RA. I hope you can get relief soon. I’m glad you finally found a good rheumatologist Madison. The only benefit I know of Remicade is that they can adjust the dose and some doctors do. Yes being off meds or being like many others who do not respond to meds is terrible to feel the full brunt of RA. I hope you can get relief soon.

]]> By: madison http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-183051 madison Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:52:57 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-183051 I was tentatively diagnosed with RA this time last year, and after two not so great rheumatologists (one of whom fired me), I've finally found a good rheumatologist and a good dermatologist, both of whom are leaning towards a diagnosis of PsA. I was on Enbrel for 6 months (before rheumy #2 decided to take me off meds since I was seronegative, and therefore "didn't have RA"), and it helped somewhat but I noticed the skin problems got worse right before I was due for my next injection. I had thought about asking for Enbrel again, in conjunction with MTX, but due to the potential shortage of injectable MTX, I may try Remicade or Humira instead. The dermatologist really seemed inclined towards Remicade, and I'm not certain why. I'm hoping that I will start meds soon; I really want off this roller coaster. I've come to terms with my life never going back to what it used to be, but I would like to think that it can get a little better than this. (Yes, I wrote a comment last summer, "Is this really as good as it gets?" I wrote that when I was on the Enbrel and feeling a little better but not great. I had no idea I would have to go off meds, and boy do I wish I could go back and appreciate the little amount of comfort I had back then). I was tentatively diagnosed with RA this time last year, and after two not so great rheumatologists (one of whom fired me), I’ve finally found a good rheumatologist and a good dermatologist, both of whom are leaning towards a diagnosis of PsA.

I was on Enbrel for 6 months (before rheumy #2 decided to take me off meds since I was seronegative, and therefore “didn’t have RA”), and it helped somewhat but I noticed the skin problems got worse right before I was due for my next injection. I had thought about asking for Enbrel again, in conjunction with MTX, but due to the potential shortage of injectable MTX, I may try Remicade or Humira instead. The dermatologist really seemed inclined towards Remicade, and I’m not certain why.

I’m hoping that I will start meds soon; I really want off this roller coaster. I’ve come to terms with my life never going back to what it used to be, but I would like to think that it can get a little better than this. (Yes, I wrote a comment last summer, “Is this really as good as it gets?” I wrote that when I was on the Enbrel and feeling a little better but not great. I had no idea I would have to go off meds, and boy do I wish I could go back and appreciate the little amount of comfort I had back then).

]]> By: Kelly Young http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-54514 Kelly Young Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:23:25 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-54514 Thanks, Deb. I have heard from a few patients who say they have both and your symptoms sure seemed to make the diagnosis clear. Some places I read that it's not possible to have both diseases - I'd sure like to know what the genes look like! Good luck with your treatment. :) Thanks, Deb. I have heard from a few patients who say they have both and your symptoms sure seemed to make the diagnosis clear. Some places I read that it’s not possible to have both diseases – I’d sure like to know what the genes look like! Good luck with your treatment. :)

]]> By: Deb Carlson http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-54505 Deb Carlson Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:50:37 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-54505 I have both PsA and RA- diagnosed 2 yrs apart. My RA was finally diagnosed after I kept telling my GP that my Grandmother, aunts and father all had had RA. I had nodules on my fingers- which he decided were "cysts". So he sent me to have hand surgery to remove the "cysts". The hand specialist said he doubted that it was cysts- but he would go in and see what he could find. He met me after surgery and told me to have my doctor refer me to a rheumatologist ASAP- that I had RA. Two years later, my "rhummy" was looking over my hands and noticed my fingernails had these white marks and my finger tips were swollen and red. She asked if I had been breaking out in rashes anywhere and I told her I had been. After a trip to a dermatologist- I found I had PsA also. When visiting with him, I mentioned that my mom had had problems with what she called "hives", that she always had several pain in her neck and back & also had had nail problems & her skin and joints close to the nail bed would swell and became very red and sore. So, I guess being the oldest of my siblings- I was "blessed" with both RA and PsA from my parents. :-) I personally can tell if it is my RA or PsA flaring. My PsA attacks my neck and spine. I have a few bulging disks- the one in my neck swells enough to barely touch the spinal cord and shoots pains into my head and down my arms. With the RA my wrists, ankles, elbows and hands will flare & my lungs, eyes and heart have been effected with the RA. Honestly, I have been blessed with an awesome "rhummy" for a little over 7 yrs. She started me w/ MTX and Remicade for the first 2 yrs. and now I am on remicade only for both RA and PsA. I do not worry about side effects- my life is SO much more manageable than it was without the treatments. She recently said she might have to start me back onto MTX and truthfully I do not worry about that either. I truly was blessed to born at such a time as this! The treatments they have now compared to what my grandmother and family were on is like day and night. At end of my grandmother's life- she could not walk and screamed and cried so hard that her neighbors in the apartments she lived in would call us- they were so sad for her. Thank you all for this website. When I first was diagnosed, the horror stories I read on the net about MTX and other treatments were frightening. Frankly, my co workers ask how I do it- working full time & raising our 10 yr old grandson. I tell them I am blessed to go to a clinic every 5 weeks and witness others who have pain and issues with their disease that are so much worse than me- it puts it all in perspective. Again- much thanks to you for this forum. :-) Deb I have both PsA and RA- diagnosed 2 yrs apart. My RA was finally diagnosed after I kept telling my GP that my Grandmother, aunts and father all had had RA. I had nodules on my fingers- which he decided were “cysts”. So he sent me to have hand surgery to remove the “cysts”. The hand specialist said he doubted that it was cysts- but he would go in and see what he could find. He met me after surgery and told me to have my doctor refer me to a rheumatologist ASAP- that I had RA.
Two years later, my “rhummy” was looking over my hands and noticed my fingernails had these white marks and my finger tips were swollen and red. She asked if I had been breaking out in rashes anywhere and I told her I had been. After a trip to a dermatologist- I found I had PsA also. When visiting with him, I mentioned that my mom had had problems with what she called “hives”, that she always had several pain in her neck and back & also had had nail problems & her skin and joints close to the nail bed would swell and became very red and sore. So, I guess being the oldest of my siblings- I was “blessed” with both RA and PsA from my parents. :-)
I personally can tell if it is my RA or PsA flaring. My PsA attacks my neck and spine. I have a few bulging disks- the one in my neck swells enough to barely touch the spinal cord and shoots pains into my head and down my arms. With the RA my wrists, ankles, elbows and hands will flare & my lungs, eyes and heart have been effected with the RA.
Honestly, I have been blessed with an awesome “rhummy” for a little over 7 yrs. She started me w/ MTX and Remicade for the first 2 yrs. and now I am on remicade only for both RA and PsA. I do not worry about side effects- my life is SO much more manageable than it was without the treatments. She recently said she might have to start me back onto MTX and truthfully I do not worry about that either.
I truly was blessed to born at such a time as this! The treatments they have now compared to what my grandmother and family were on is like day and night. At end of my grandmother’s life- she could not walk and screamed and cried so hard that her neighbors in the apartments she lived in would call us- they were so sad for her.
Thank you all for this website. When I first was diagnosed, the horror stories I read on the net about MTX and other treatments were frightening. Frankly, my co workers ask how I do it- working full time & raising our 10 yr old grandson. I tell them I am blessed to go to a clinic every 5 weeks and witness others who have pain and issues with their disease that are so much worse than me- it puts it all in perspective.
Again- much thanks to you for this forum. :-)

Deb

]]> By: Kelly Young http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-53186 Kelly Young Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:39:08 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-53186 Lisaannamae, I think that they consider PsA and RA to be separate diseases because PsA is a spondarthropathy so it attacks the joints in a different way. The RA also tends to be aggressive on the heart and lungs and have a higher mortality rate. Sometimes, they can be hard to tell apart. I've met a few patients with a diagnosis of both, but I've also read that a patient has to have one or the other. I'll check the links as soon as I can. Sometimes people change their addresses online & don't forward them properly. Lisaannamae,
I think that they consider PsA and RA to be separate diseases because PsA is a spondarthropathy so it attacks the joints in a different way. The RA also tends to be aggressive on the heart and lungs and have a higher mortality rate. Sometimes, they can be hard to tell apart. I’ve met a few patients with a diagnosis of both, but I’ve also read that a patient has to have one or the other. I’ll check the links as soon as I can. Sometimes people change their addresses online & don’t forward them properly.

]]> By: lisaannamae http://rawarrior.com/psoriatic-arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis/comment-page-1/?show=comments-53088 lisaannamae Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:18:50 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1028#comment-53088 Some of the links do not work. So the major differance between PsA and RA is skin involvement and nodules? Some of the links do not work. So the major differance between PsA and RA is skin involvement and nodules?

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