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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Plainville, CT

I'm sorry for posting more than one question but I'm newly diagnosed and new to this site and so eager for the wisdom of all you wonderful people who have been where I am.

Has anyone here been diagnosed with BOTH Rheumatoid Arthritis AND Psoriatic Arthritis? It seems to me that this is unlikely and made me question whether my rheumy just really doesn't know which one I have. He assures me that that's not the case, and explained that it's quite possible to have both, but I can't find anyone else… read more

September 20, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members reassured someone newly diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis that having multiple autoimmune diseases is... Read more

Members reassured someone newly diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis that having multiple autoimmune diseases is unfortunately quite common, with many sharing their own experiences of dual or even triple diagnoses including RA, PsA, lupus, Sjögren's, and ankylosing spondylitis. Several members explained that while these conditions work through different mechanisms and can affect different joints, they are treated with similar medications, and that having a doctor who recognizes both allows for more tailored care. A recurring theme was the importance of focusing less on labels and more on finding effective treatments, with members emphasizing that managing symptoms through proper medication, diet, exercise, and stress reduction is what truly matters.

A myRAteam Member

Yes, it is possible unfortunately. I have RA and ankylosing spondylitis (also related to HLA B27 gene), RA and PsA/AS are both autoimmune but work through different mechanisms and so different drugs/treatments can work better or worse for the various symptoms. It is great that your doctor recognised this so that your treatment can be tailored. Wishing you the best of luck with it.

September 21, 2017
A myRAteam Member

It is very possible to have more than one autoimmune disease.

September 23, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Yes, it is common unfortunately. You'll find that many of us have multiple diagnoses of autoimmune diseases and truly felt the same way as you in the beginning. After 6 years of this new road...I still go through the denial and griefs of accepting what the "quacks" have told me.😉
Keep asking your questions so you can understand better what you are experiencing. (((Hugs)))

September 20, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Yes I am positive for the rheumatoid factor. I don't have the pitting in my nails but do have a flaking in my ear. Years ago after my first child was born I had terrible scalp problems with whole chunks of scalp coming up. Went to a dermatologist and got meds and it went away for years, but I think that was the start of my psoriasis. It comes and goes the severity. It doesn't matter how many autoimmune diseases you have which I have the
ankylosing spondylitis as well, its the treatments that make it manageable. Just had 2 great months of being free of pain. But with the stress of the hurricane here in Fl I am back to the terrible inflammation with a great deal of pain. But it also will pass. Eating right and exercise helps me the most.

September 26, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Along with my arthritises I am gluten intolerant and I think that is more on the Psoriatic side.

September 25, 2017

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