medical mystery

[naomi6]

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I have normal blood results, no elevated numbers on test results. I have swelling and edema in right hand fingers and knees, I have some joint pain and some hives at times.No psoriasis on me. I am in my late twenties my doctor wants me to take embrel. I do not have typical back symptoms of this type of arthritis. I need a diagnosis, What could this be? I tend to get stressed and that causessome symptoms to be stronger.

[txsilver]

Sometimes our symptoms do deviate from the standard.  It is possible but rare to develop the psoriatic arthritis prior to seeing psoriasis.  While all of that is true, I strongly believe that if a diagnosis does not feel right, you should get a second opinion.  I would also think that you may want to start with a milder medication and then see how you respond.  Enbrel is a drug that they usually work up to, not start out with.  I would ask about starting on something for inflammation, like relafen, and then maybe plaquenil.  If that does not control the symptoms, then Enbrel might be the next step.  

[Babs1469]

Why is it that you don't believe your doctors diagnosis? Even if your symptoms are a-typical I'm sure there is a reason he gave you this diagnosis. Was it a Rhuematologist? I have Psoriatic Arthritis myself so if you have any questions let me know. I'm very interested in hearing your situation a little more detailed.