Early symptoms of PsA?

Keep a record of that morning stiffness. Time matters. The fact that it gets better is a major PsA symptom. The Rheumie will want to know. BTW that picture of your pinky? I’d bet a nickle there is a patch of P on that toe. Not to mention the inflammation of several of the joints. Thickening is as critical as pitting Given that hat you are wearing, I’m guessing you are a beef-eater. That will eliminate a lot of pitting (especially if you put gravy on your taters)- seriously!

Thank you for the advice, I should have been keeping a journal of my symptoms long ago. I’m going to start today. Not sure if this has anything to do with PsA, buy yesterday I ate more sugar than normal. The sugar was in the form of several mini candy bars and way too many Bit o Honey candies. This morning my right heel was so stiff and painful I could barely walk. My tendons in several joints were painful and stiff, and I was very tired. I need to research the effects of sugar on PsA.

Sugar gets me each and every time. I truly eat no sugar on anything now and limit myself to a couple of bars of chocolate a week and never those sorts of candy bar things. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate so it literally feeds the inflammation quickly and efficiently. I wasn’t a sugar fiend to start with but I’m even less of a one now.

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Well that explains a lot. I haven’t been diagnosed with PsA yet (haven’t seen the rhumie yet) but I’m definitely cutting way back on the sugar. My right heel is so stiff and painful this morning and some joint pains in my hands. Plus this psoriasis is itching like crazy. I can’t see where the sugar is worth all of this. Thx for your reply!

Hello Timothy!
You symptoms sound exactly like mine all those years ago. I never had swelling or the nail pitting. I always assumes my diagnosis of PsA was wrong. BUT with talking with everyone on this forum and doing my own research I know it’s the correct diagnosis. I talked with my rheumy about this one day and he said it’s all about genes. Some people have the gene that will express swollen joints, some don’t. That doesn’t mean you dont have PsA.
Welcome to to group! You are in good hands! Feel better and reach out if you want to chat more.

Could you expand on your comment about pitting, beef and gravy? Thanks!

I’ve taken “selfies” of my hands and feet, even focusing on the nails. I can look back to 8 months ago and see changes. (if any)
It also is visual proof to the rheumatologist who doesn’t take time for such details. “a picture is worth…”

LOL! Bad Joke on my part - maybe. Biotin (vitamin H, vitamin B₇ or vitamin B₈), folate or Gelatin has long been thought to strengthen nails and help with splitting pitting separating etc. The source of these for commercial manufacture is beef (especially bones and bone marrow) When one cooks beef the drippings used to make gravy are rich in natural gelatin and folate as well as vitamin H, vitamin B₇ or vitamin B₈. Many Rheumies recommend B complex supplements for the nail issues as well as some anti-inflammatory effect. Now given a choice between a pill and a nice rich brown gravy, guess what us old cowboys will choose - every time.

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The support here has been great and thank you for the feedback. A few weeks ago I noticed my right hand, the joints were achy and the hand felt swollen. I took this pic. It’s mainly my index finger that is swollen. So crazy. image

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I think I have found a pit on one of my fingernails. It wasn’t there a couple of weeks ago but I checked a couple of days ago and noticed it easily.

I’ll have to look into that, thanks!

Yes it does look swollen but not red, thats a good thing. Have you started on any meds?

No meds yet, I need to see my Rheumatologist to see what she thinks. Will be doing that next week hopefully.

Is orange flavored gelatin with banana pieces a good substitute so I get a potassium kick too?:wink:

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Gotcha! Well keep us posted!

Be sure and take those pics to your appointment. Those are classic “sausage Fingers” on of the gold standard symptoms for Diagnoses. Problem is they are fleeting. In 20 years I have had them once (well twice as my thumb is now but being as I accidentally cut the damn thing mostly off and they hooked everything back up a couple years ago they don’t pay any attention to it - just lecture me about table saw safety…)

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Believe it or not @Timothy88, this fellow is a legend.

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I’ll definitely save the photos. Those darn table saws will sneak up on you. My dad in law has a wood shop, I’ve almost lost a digit or two in there😳

Haha I believe it!