Hi,
I don't know what to say about what you might have, but I think I know enough about Psoriatic Arthritis to say that it likes to target the hands as one of the primary targets and includes psoriasis, usually on the hands but anywhere on the body. The hands can become distorted or have very swollen fingers, later on in the long run.
I'm not sure how much Psoriatic Arthritis affects the spine, or even know what it does to the spine, but I remember a member here who had Psoriatic Arthritis and his spine was in pretty bad shape. I can't remember who the person was though.
People with AS can sometimes have psoriasis too, but in my opinion, I think the psoriasis in AS is much less severe and comes much later as the AS gets a little more advanced enough to have such complications. This is the way it is with me. I have never seen a dermatologist or anyone to have a solid-accurate diagnosis, but my regular doctors and I are convinced that I have a milder case of Psoriasis, but it has never been on my hands or arms. I have quite a few pinhole looking markings on my fingernails, and I think it must be pitting? My toenails are getting in pretty rough shape too. I also have painful joints in my hands and wrists, but this came 20 or so years after having AS. The psoriasis started from a few little blotches and flakes on my forehead when I was about 16 or 17, right around when I started fusing in my hips. Some of the psoriasis is cleared up now, especially on my head and chest, so you can't see it in my pic.
Welcome to Kickas.org by the way.
Take care
James
Last edited by JamesB; 03/03/10 10:50 AM.
