Nothing in my labwork would lead you to believe I have PSA, yet my Rheumatologist says I do. Widespread pain , swollen hands, fatigue, and ugly fingernails. I do not however have any skin symptoms.

Yep …wouldn’t know from my bloodwork either but my disease has definitely been progressive. Osteoarthritis, psoriasis & PSA along with Diabetes and other med problems.
In pain 90% of the time. PSA symptoms seem to jump around. For the past 4 months it’s mostly impacting my right hip, low back, knee and ankle also fingers. Past 4 years, I’ve had 3 surgeries due to multiple tendon tears both shoulders and both knees. Each surgery has required approx 7-9 months of therapy.
I’m often very fatigued & fearful of getting any type of flu, RSV, Covid etc on top of already feeling horrible. I haven’t been inside of a restaurant or movie theater etc for 4 years now. Was just about to give in and try Humira in Early 2020 and then came the lockdown. I was too afraid to go in an immunosuppressant drug at that time & am still worried about this.
This auto immune disease is no joke.
Although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I’m glad to know I’m not alone. Thank you all for contributing your experiences and thoughts.

@A MyPsoriasisTeam Member
Hi, I am nervous about taking biologics and wasn’t sure about the quick diagnosis of PSA. I’ve been stiff for years and already know I have osteoarthritis. I’ve have Psoriasis for most of my life. I’m not on any Psoriasis medications right now, just supplements. I tried Otezla recently, and it made my Psoriasis go crazy and didn’t do anything for stiffness.

I honestly don’t know if it’s my joints, tendons, muscles, inflammation or all of the above. I just know that my legs feel like paper weights and I hurt all over. When I get up from bed it takes me a few minutes to get my legs working and I walk like I’m 100 years old.

I have slight nail pitting but that’s it, no swollen red joints or fingers, raised nails or other PSA symptoms. Nothing that convinced me to want to start on biologics right now. I will get a second opinion eventually. In the meantime I’m exercising a lot and trying to lose the extra weight.

Does your Rheumatologist consider that your biologic is a success? I mean if you’re still stiff? My Rheumatologist mentioned tendons and connective tissue but I was so confused I don’t know where she got that from. It’s all very confusing, I hope they can get you some more relief. Keep us posted.

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A MyPsori...

Hello Heidi - are you taking anything for PsA? My biologic keeps my inflammation level down because it works on you systemically - but still have the stiffness and pain associated w PsA. Do you have joint pain or tendons etx ??

I agree at this time I still don’t take anything bc don’t have a full diagnosis??? Sometimes days r better than others and sometimes the pain doesn’t go away!! Ugh