As many of you know, I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis. What many, many people do not understand is the difference between osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. I wanted to start sharing a bit with you about what PsA is like. My hope is that it will help some empathize better with those that suffer from PsA or give support and answers to those that have it.
Osteoarthritis vs Psoriatic Arthritis
With Osteoarthritis (OA), pain is caused by the wear and tear on aging joints. This is the arthritis that your grandma had. It presents with swollen, hot, and aching joints. Treatment is targeted at the pain from this degeneration.
With Psoriatic Arthritis, joint pain and damage is caused by an inflammatory immune response. Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. There is no cure and treatment is targeted to symptom management and prevention of joint damage. It can affect every joint in the body, as well as cause rough nails, scaly skin and scalp, weak muscles, swelling in joints, and emotional issues (who wouldn’t when in pain all the time!?).
There is so much more to PsA than just arthritis though. It affects the whole body, not just joints. I get “sick” when I have flares. I have flu-like symptoms and increased pain during these times. Flares are a way for my body to tell me the inflammation is out of control and I can feel it all over. I suffer from laryngitis regularly, bronchitis at least once a month, and can’t remember the last time I didn’t have some ailment that could be attributed to PsA. I’m not complaining… just stating facts.
OA is generally seen among those that are over the age of 40, whereas PsA can affect those as young as 20. I was diagnosed in my mid-30s. OA patients will sometimes get joint replacement and have little to no pain. Even with a joint replacement, PsA patients will still have pain and discomfort due to the other bodily systems affected.
Here’s the thing that many just don’t get… I will never get better from my PsA. It is a chronic, meaning lifelong, illness. I have been on the path to less pain (I say less because the pain never really leaves) for over 3 years. I have gone through 5 meds during that time. Learning to live with an illness that is going to be with you forever is really difficult and something I will talk about as time goes on.
Next time I will share some of the medications that those with PsA may take. You may be surprised at them.
Janell says
You are explaining me to a tee! I am so sick of hearing, “oh, but your so young!” I am a mother of 4 boys, diagnosed 4 years ago and get rib flares, larynx flares, all my tendons and some muscle. It’s a connective tissue disease. And although some days are ok…. even with meds… there is never a day I don’t feel pain. Especially my back, feet a ankles. Thank you for posting this. I shared it to educate on all my social media. It’s a lonely disease some days. The worst is watching movies or people going about their day looking not sore and healthy. And the flu is the worst part!
Cheers and soft hugs! Xo
Jim Clinton says
Hi.
Have psoriasis for 50 yrs.+arthritis.Your article clears up a lot of symptoms i have had over the years.[great article] I am novice at computing .[please forgive any mistakes] Thanks again
Regards Jim
Monique says
Just recently diagnosed with PsA after 15 years of not understanding the pain and misdiagnosed. Good to see that you are making the distinction for the countless people that confuse osteo and PsA. I can no longer work, and sometimes it is difficult for people to understand the complex nature of the disease and its long reaching effects on the body. Sharing your story is courageous and helpful. Koudos from Canada!
Stefany says
Thank you for stopping by and reading Monique. I am sorry you have to deal with PsA but hope that you are able to get some help with your pain and symptoms. You are right, people just do not get it. I really hope more people can read this and try to understand that PsA is a full-body condition.
Cat says
I feel your pain sister. Got diagnosed with it at 27. Am now 35. i too sometimes feel unwell when i get a flair up. I thought it was only me, so i never said it to the doctor strangely enough. I am in mortal dread of it getting worse to be honest. Wishing you well from Ireland.
Stefany says
I didn’t really realize at first that those “flu symptoms” were actually the flair but it makes sense, no? I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your comment. I hope you are able to get some relief from pain and symptoms for a long time and your condition does not worsen! Ireland, huh? I would love to visit some day!