After doing a search through the site, I thought I would start a post asking a few specific questions about this particular overlapping DX and people's experience with it. I'm a newbie doing all her research and not only is it pretty damn confusing on it's best day, but there's nothing like hearing actual experiences from you all.
So who all has been currently DX with both PsA and AS? What were the symptoms that got you both DX, and what's your understanding of how they interact/overlap? Also are there activities or things you do in your daily life to ward off the various evils of AS as well as PsA? (I'm thinking like posture exercises and things that seem especially important for AS). Lastly, any wisdom for the newbie? :)
I have PsA spondylitis type. And yes their is a lot of overlap. I don't do anything special except exercise in a warm pool and take my meds. I read everything about PsA spondylitis typeand AS as they are so similar.
To get an Ankylosing spondylitis DX, there has to be some pretty specific radiologic evidence involving your SI joints. The Spondylitis type of PsA is usally DX'd with a measuring tape against the rheumy's wall. The biggest difference is your spinal symptoms get worse with rest with AS and improve movement. PsA just hurts. All that being said is really where your doc did his fellowship..
I have PsA/AS. I was diagnosed with AS as a result of symptoms combined with x-rays of my sacroiliac joints, which showed partial fusions which had gotten worse between February and April of the same year. I was diagnosed with PsA at the same time, due to symptoms and progressive damage on x-rays of my hands, ankles, and feet. My rheumy gave me an AS diagnosis on top of PsA due to the fact that he suspected my PsA to be of the mutilans variety when I was first diagnosed. I guess I should clarify that with him at my next appointment, as I have spent much of the past three years concentrating on stopping the damage, rather than clarifying what type of PsA I have!
With AS I DO NOT have chiropractic adjustments or get back massages, as both can result in damage and a massive flare.
I do move as much as I can, even on days when I'm feeling really lousy. I pay attention to posture, to not sitting too much, especially on soft surfaces, developing core strength, and basically keeping active taking care of my kids and my home and whatever other children arrive at my house on any given day.
Good advise on NOT having chiropractic adjustment or massages!! nym said:
I have PsA/AS. I was diagnosed with AS as a result of symptoms combined with x-rays of my sacroiliac joints, which showed partial fusions which had gotten worse between February and April of the same year. I was diagnosed with PsA at the same time, due to symptoms and progressive damage on x-rays of my hands, ankles, and feet. My rheumy gave me an AS diagnosis on top of PsA due to the fact that he suspected my PsA to be of the mutilans variety when I was first diagnosed. I guess I should clarify that with him at my next appointment, as I have spent much of the past three years concentrating on stopping the damage, rather than clarifying what type of PsA I have!
With AS I DO NOT have chiropractic adjustments or get back massages, as both can result in damage and a massive flare.
I do move as much as I can, even on days when I'm feeling really lousy. I pay attention to posture, to not sitting too much, especially on soft surfaces, developing core strength, and basically keeping active taking care of my kids and my home and whatever other children arrive at my house on any given day.
My rheumy has used the terms "psoriatic arthritis with axial involvement" and "spondylitis with peripheral involvement" at the same appointment. I guess it's the difference between reddish-orange and orangey-red: just a slight degree of difference, but close to the same thing. In any case, SI joints as well as a whole bunch of others are painful and damaged. Treatments are the same regardless of the name.
There may come a time when more is known and there wiill bee definite biochemical differences, but we're not there yet.