psoriatic spondyloarthropathy

[Ninja73]

Wow what a name!!! Still looking into what this is, as was researching RA.

Went and visited a Rheumatologist today who thinks this is what I have. He stated that I already have the number of points to diagnose but still want some more information prior to medication.

So am off to get more blood tests for a special gene H something and X-ray of feet and IL joints + u/s of hands.

To start on 20mg of prednisone for a week and then reduce by 5mg per week, until down to 5mg. He is hoping that all information will be in quickly and then formal diagnosis and medication can start.

He did mention two types of medication but will wait to see what happens.

Am back to work next week, and am no better worried that I won't be able to perform duties.

Hopefully the prednisone will help.

Any help or advise would be appreciated as I really have no idea what this is compared to rheumatoid Arthritis.

Regards

Nina

🌸

[helixhelix]

It's a related cousin if you like. So there's a big family of inflammatory arthritic diseases, and one branch of the family is related to the HLA B27 gene and that includes psoriatic arthritis in it's various forms. RA is another branch, but same broad family so lots of similarities.

The treatment is similar, but I think you tend to be moved on to biologics much quicker. Sadly it's equally painful so nag to get the formal diagnosis and treatment as soon as you can.

With luck prednisone will turn you back into superwoman overnight, and effects will last long enough so that the longer term medications have time to take hold.

[kerryhannah]

I have spondyloarthropathy and was diagnosed about 18 months ago. Was on Arcoxia which was great but am only 32 and we want a baby so have been moved onto Biologic injections instead. Am only on week 3 but so far so good! It is not an understatement to say that the drugs have changed my life! Am a drama teacher and so need to be active and I was coming to a stand still without the drugs. It also took about 10 years to diagnose as it was just put down to a bad back initially. If anything, I think a diagnosis may be a good thing!