Which is it?

[SecondAngel]

My symptoms seem to match psoriatic arthritis - the way my spine pain presents, low grade fever during flare-ups and other stuff that indicates an autoimmune condition (and I have psoriasis) - but my x-ray results show osteoarthritis according to my GP. The blood tests apparently also don't indicate PSA, can't recall the details. Can types of arthritis be mistaken for one another on an x-ray? Very confusing but don't know whether to challenge my diagnosis or how I'd go about it.

[kellymomcars]

Hi SecondAngel! It is very confusing at times, isn't it? I'm no expert, but here's what I've learned. There is no direct blood test for PsA -- blood tests are used, however, to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout. They do, however, use the blood test to measure inflammation. If there is indication of inflammation, the blood does not indicate why there is inflammation. My Doctor has always used "symptoms" to determine if I had PsA -- which joints hurt and are they swollen, nail condition, skin condition, etc. I have read that 30-40% of the people that has psoriasis end up with PsA. My first Rheumy Doctor diagnosed PsA, and then suggested that we "wait until the pain is worse to start treating". I wanted to prevent further damage as much as possible. Plus, chronic inflammation is not good for the body. Found another doctor... One more suggestion for you -- look at the NRAS group here on Health Unlocked. It's supposed to be about Rheumatoid Arthritis, but honestly, PsA and RA are so very similar in treatment. You will learn alot!

[WalkingOne01 in reply to kellymomcars]

... that was a helpful response - that rings true for me.

[Alex-1]

I have been treated for osteoarthritus for the past 5 years. I have had both hips replaced now awaiting for both shoulders and knees. I have damage across all 3 spinal levels and various other issues. Today at my second appointment with rhumatoidology they have diagnosed psoriasis arthritis. I have always had psoriasis and the GP didn't consider it anything other than osteo. If I had seen rhumatoidolist 5 years ago I might not have all the damage to joints and spine.

There is no one test for it and it should be diagnosed by assessment and about a third of people with psoriasis will get arthritis.

Have a look at the PEST test and I don't believe inflammation shows on xray I think that is MRI

psoriasis.org/psoriatic-art....

[SecondAngel in reply to Alex-1]

Thanks for the cautionary tale - I'll push to see a rheumatologist...

[Batty1]

Their is no test for psoriatic arthritis diagnosis its really a process of elimination and can take a long time …. people with psoriasis or PSA are usually low in vitamin D and should have it tested.

[willat]

Hi there. There is something called a PEST test which is a simple diagnostic sheet for when Psoriasis should be expected.

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis for 5 years and a couple of months ago finally saw a rhumatoidologist who said it was psoriasis arthritis.

He did a bone scan, mri and bloods. The bloods aren’t definitive but they can help assess whether it’s psoriasis or rhumatoid.

If I had been diagnosed when I first presented I might not have as much damage as I do now. Already had 2 new hips awaiting two new shoulders next and then two knees.

Pain clinic suggest not much can be done with widespread disc and bone arthritis in operative terms unless it proved essential/emergency.