Hi,
This is a very good question and topic of discussion!
And I think unfortunately I have symptoms without being diagnosed with a type of peripheral spondyloarthritis. I seem to recall that in the early days of my symptoms, which were in my feet, ankle and knee, that doctors mention undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, and then that got changed into AxSpa. I have symptoms in my spine with neck and lower back pain, and sacroiliac joints pain too. But when I get a flare, it's peripheral: hips, knees, feet. And AxSpa can manifest in these peripheral joints as well, the sausage toes / fingers are typical and so I feel it's hard sometimes to make the distinction between axial and peripheral types of conditions for a definite diagnosis. Ultimately, the treatment I am taking works for peripheral inflammation, and the management of the condition is similar. So I feel I have learnt how to take control over my symptoms and what to do if I flare, no matter the name of the condition I have.
Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on this.
Take care,
Julie.