Accepting the New Me and Celebrating the Wins
Real talk: August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. It has been a journey to fight for my health and mobility and still be a good wife, mother, and educator. The struggle with pain, stiffness, and chronic fatigue has been overwhelming at times. This past spring and summer were really hard on me. I had to use a cane on and off because of a really bad flare. It was hard to realize that I needed a mobility device from time to time.
But today is a time to celebrate. I just graduated from physical and occupational therapy. My mobility is restored and I have restarted my yoga and pilates practice. I feel really good and strong! And, I'm on a great treatment plan to maintain. My disease can be unpredictable and flares will happen, but I am learning to prioritize my health and do what I have to do with no shame or apology.Be encouraged fellow autoimmune and chronic warriors.
thank you for sharing your journey. It sounds like you have been through a lot. It is wonderful to hear that your treatment plan is working. Congratulations on the graduation as well. Will you be focusing more toward helping others with Psoriatic Arthritis? I'm sure you can help others tremendously. Vickie W., Team Member Thank you! Yes, I do, want to help others on this journey, but I'm still exploring how to do it best. Sharing my story is one way. I'm also an educator by trade so possibly writing or training in some fashion could be a next step. have you thought about or looked into volunteering with the National Psoriasis Foundation? They are always looking for people who are willing to tell their story. You could even become a One to One mentor and help others that way. You can find out more at www.psoriasis.org. Vickie W., Team Member
No, I haven't. But now I will look into it. Thank you!
, congratulations on graduating!! That's an amazing achievement. I know personally how much of a struggle it can be to get through education whilst dealing with the psoriatic arthritis. How wonderful that you've been studying physical & occupational therapy! I'm sure your personal experiences with the PsA added an extra dimension to everything you learned on your course. It's great to read that you're doing well on your treatment plan, especially as you've had such a hard time with your symptoms. Are trying any medications out at the moment? I think last time we spoke you mentioned having the physical & occupational therapies. So glad these have been helpful. Wishing you the very best going forward and congratulations again! 💕 -Catherine, Community Moderator Thanks CathyD! I'm a school administrator and educator. I graduated from my most recent round of PT and OT dealing with my pain and stiffness, not PT school. But I did finish another graduate program last summer lol when I was first diagnosed and yes it was a struggle. I slept through a class once because of my struggle with fatigue.
I use Tremfya, methotrexate and Celebrex. But life at work and home took precedence and got a bit hectic, and I was not moving enough which led to more inflammation. I've discovered I must exercise and stretch daily to feel good. I had to make some major changes to create more room for my own self care., reading your post back, I can totally see that's what you were saying - I blame my brain fog! Plus you look so lovely in your photo that it fitted with you being at a graduation haha. Well, congratulations on graduating from the OT & PT 😄 I'm glad that the stretching and exercising is helping and that you're making time for self-care. It's so important but seems to be so difficult to do! This is something that I really need to work on myself. Thank you for the reminder! Warmest wishes, -Catherine, Community Moderator
