Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Psoriatic Arthritis or AS???

Dear All,

I am not sure if I have psoriatic arthritis or AS, or maybe both. Here are a list of my symptoms.

My pain started in my right shoulder when I was about 38. From there it spread to my hands, knees and back. It started in the middle of my back and then worked its way up. I have no pain in my hips sacro, or lower back as of yet.

I have moderate nail pitting typical of PsA, but my hands and feet are only moderatlely affected. I have mild psoriasis. The pain is worst in my neck and upper back. I am B27 negative but we are rechecking the test just in case?

So what do you reckon PsA or AS?

Ripper

Sorry I dont have any answers for you I'm afraid but wanted to offer my support. Hope you get this sorted out soon.
Take care and all the best.

Pattern doesn't sound typical for AS, which tends to work it's way up. However, based on what my primary care doc said prior to my official diagnosis from a rheumatologist, treatment options would be similar for other spondylitis relatives such as Psoriatic Arthritis -- so it wouldn't hurt to poke around these forums even if it turns out not to be strictly AS.

ripper,

wanted to say welcome!

I think it could be either or both...I think if I were a Dr I would have to have more info and tests.

I have never had any psoriasis but one of my son-in-laws has it and yes it can be a [*bleep*].

I would poke around in the forum and see what else you can find out, plus I will bet if we have any kickers that deal with this they will chime in.

Lisa

Hi Ripper,
Welcome I cant say which you have but what I would say is that AS can show up differently. Your symptoms dont appear to be AS but I wouldnt rule it out without more tests.

Kevin

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

I think this looks like a good description of PsA.
http://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/arthritis.html

WELCOME, Ripper:

My estimated probabilities (SWAG) are:

If male: 65% PsA and 35% AS
female: 50% PsA and 50% AS

Certainly, You do have one or the other and I suggest if possible to be tested for celiac if still B27 negative; many cases of PsA are really due to celiac disease.

In either case, total restriction of starches can be of some value in preventing more pain and damage.

HEALTH,
John

Welcome Ripper! It could be either one as they are in the same family. Sometimes it is tough to tell in the beginning. I would recommend staying at KA since a lot of the treatment options are the same. We have some RA folks here too.

Craig

Hi Ripper, welcome to KickAS a family of friends

I have been diagnosed with PsA. I have all the symptoms you have plus more. I have pain in lumbar L1-L5, SI joint, ankles, plus much more and I am HLA B27 positive. I was first diagosed with AS, and since diagnosed with PsA. They are both in the Spondylitis family, and treated the same.

My Rheumy says I am not showing Psoriasis. I've had Psoriasis flairs in the past and diagnosed as Psoriasis (beginning to think I was having Porphyria flair (not sure on that either)). So I am beginning to wonder if they will be sending me back to the AS diagnoses. Both of my boys since their early teens have shown AS symptoms.

Hope your doctor is able to give you an answer to your question.

Gerri