Psoriatic arthritis

[Snowy86]

Hi everyone.

So, after a year and a half of worsening joint pain and numerous tests, a rheumatologist has diagnosed me with early psoriatic arthritis and prescribed methotrexate.

My concern is that nothing whatsoever has ever shown up on any tests. ESR and CRP are low (lower than normal actually). Normal xray and no synovitis on ultrasound - although they only scanned wrist and MCP's, not the PIP joints that actually swell and cause the most pain/stiffness. Other than weak ANA and occasional low WBC, nothing has shown.

Could this actually be PSA or is utterly something totally different? Will post this on the NRAS forum as well as I'm not sure where would be best to get advice.

Thank you

[AlamosSara]

I had a similar diagnosis. Have you had your vitamin D levels checked? I got a second opinion and found that the pain was caused by very low vitamin D ( despite living in Portugal!). The extreme pain and weakness in the joints has now disappeared, due to 4 000 iu of Vitamin D daily. Just a thought and something worth checking.

[DriedSeaweed]

Perhaps look for a rheumatologist who studies PsA exclusively? They may give you more confidence about the diagnosis.

[Catlady75]

I’ve had PSA for 7 years and been on all of the DMARDS. Now I’m on 25mg of Methotrexate a week. My Rheumy says it rarely shows up in blood tests and you always have low vitamin D with this type of arthritis. It is common to get swollen and stiff fingers and toes rather than the big joints and enthesitis can cause a lot of pain in wrists, elbows and shoulders too. It is crucial to receive the right treatment as early as possible as this disease can cause a lot of damage if left untreated.