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Real members of MyPsoriasisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I would love for people to share what their 1st symptoms were of PA. I have been in remission for abt 4 yrs with Tremfya

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Yakima, WA

However a couple of my finger joints are not doing to well. Thank you in advance

April 16
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A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

My first symptoms included severe pain in lower back (sacroiliac joints, hips and progressed to pain in feet ankles, eventually moving to wrists and hands. It took several specialists and about 6 months to get the right diagnosis. I didn’t have any skin issues in the beginning but eventually had plaque psoriasis on elbows and shins…
Since then I’ve had biologics that helped greatly for a while but then stopped and each time new symptoms appeared. I’ve been on Xeljanz for the last 5 years and now the only pain I have is some breakthrough pain in lower back and hips. I still have fatigue and episodes of UTIs and cellulitis from my immune system being affected by the meds but the horrible pain and swelling in my hands wrists, knees and feet is much improved. It’s a journey and lots of trade offs but we do what we have to in order to make it through…

April 17 (edited)
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

My first symptoms were a massive swollen lip from a weird infection and then mosquito bites that never healed. Then just about any broken skin started "growing" instead of healing. Took 5 years for a diagnosis of plague psoriasis.

April 17
MyPsoriasisTeam

What were the first symptoms of psoriatic arthritis that people experienced?

Many people first notice joint changes as an early sign of PsA. Common first symptoms include:

* Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling - often starting in small joints like fingers and toes
* Swollen fingers or toes (dactylitis or "sausage digits") Show Full Answer

What were the first symptoms of psoriatic arthritis that people experienced?

Many people first notice joint changes as an early sign of PsA. Common first symptoms include:

* Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling - often starting in small joints like fingers and toes
* Swollen fingers or toes (dactylitis or "sausage digits") - affecting about 40% of people with PsA, sometimes as the first sign
* Morning stiffness in joints
* Nail changes - pitting, crumbling, ridging, or separation from the nail bed
* Pain where tendons attach to bone (enthesitis)
* Fatigue

A MyPsoriasisTeam member shared: "My knee is swollen, and bending it is difficult. I struggle to walk up and down the stairs as well." Another member mentioned they sometimes "can't stand" the pain in their wrists and finger joints.

It's worth noting that about 36% of people with PsA had seen their doctor for joint pain or stiffness in the five years before their diagnosis. Since you've been in remission with Tremfya for about 4 years but are noticing issues with a couple of finger joints, it's important to let your doctor know. Changes in finger joints can include pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced range of motion.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to preventing permanent joint damage. Your rheumatologist can evaluate whether this represents new disease activity or if adjustments to your treatment plan might be helpful.

April 16
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Hi Lynn, I've found even generally good doctors have off days or areas they aren't super familiar with. How they react to your issues in those cases is important to me-if they admit it and do their own research, or suggest a referral are all ok responses for me. Hopefully they didn't tell you to not worry about it.

April 19
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Thank you James for replying. My primary Dr i feel kindda wrote it off. He is generally a wonderful however with this illness I think he's out of his realm.

April 19

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