Double diagnosis

[Shelby37]

Hi has anyone on here been diagnosed with both RA and psoriatic arthritis? If so would you mind telling me what drugs you are on? I am seropositive rheumatoid but I have been in a flare since my shingles jab in Jan. I recently started with additional difficulty with my tendons in my ankles and significant inflammation in the thoracic region in my back and my collar bone, making it difficult to get a good breath of air at times. My consultant has suggested I take a double dose of etanercept 100mg and then my regular 50mh dose 5 days later. Then resume my metojet to see if I can settle the flare as I'm allergic to any meaningful dose of steroids. He has said that we may need to consider a swap in meds. I look forward to hearing what drug combo has worked for anyone else. Thanks

[vonniesims]

I too have both. I am on Amgevita ( Adalimumab ) 40mg amd Metotrexate 20 mg. It works in that I can live my life quite normally, but am never really comfortable. Hope yours settles

[Pastels]

Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis and am on Filgotinib one of the Jak inhibitor drugs. The only drug that’s really worked for me. I struggled with all the usual first line drugs over the years but finally got prescribed Filgotinib and it’s been life changing. Really wish you well on your search.

[Shelby37 in reply to Pastels]

Thanks for your reply. I think my next one to try is a JAK inhibitor - upadacitinib.

[Pastels in reply to Shelby37]

Great, good luck with that!

[arvine in reply to Pastels]

I am curious how they test for psoriatic arthritis ?

[Pastels in reply to arvine]

I was diagnosed with RA first and then developed psoriasis, my consultant told me I had psoriatic arthritis but it was never changed on my notes. I’ve never challenged it as far as I know the treatment is the same. I don’t know of a test other than the skin symptoms.

[Catladycarer]

Hi Shelby37, My sister has both psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. She started on Methotrexate 5 months ago. So far it is having little effect on the RA but her skin has cleared up completely! I hope things work out well for you.

[Pastels in reply to Catladycarer]

You know we are all so individual in how we experience our disease and how we respond to drugs, never ceases to amaze me.

[challahheadRN]

hello, like Vonniesims I also have RA and psoriatic arthritis taking same drugs/dosages as well. I tried sulfasalazine first and while it worked the side effect of loss of taste prevented me from continuing. I’ve been diagnosed for only about 10 months and I’d say with this combination of drugs I’m functioning much better but in daily pain. Hands continue to be stiff and painful and at times dexterity is diminished. Hoping meds start working a bit more as I’ve heard it can take up to a year to hit your stride. Good luck to you!

[Shelby37]

Many thanks for your replies. It is a journey for sure. I had been doing really well for many years on my drugs. So always a bit terrifying to have to start the experiment again! I will continue to be guided by my consultant but it is so helpful and reassuring to hear from others. Wishing you all a painfree day 😊