The Things We Don’t Know As African Americans With Psoriatic Arthritis

There is research for everything these days, so I took it upon myself to research the correlation between people of color and psoriatic arthritis. I have always believed that there are many African Americans walking around unaware that they have this condition.

The most unfortunate part of this disease is that so many people get misdiagnosed and refuse to take the necessary steps to keep moving forward. It took me 25 years to get a proper diagnosis. Before that, my psoriatic arthritis was called everything except what it really was.

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis in African Americans

During my research, I was not surprised at what I found. Psoriatic arthritis is less frequent among the African American community compared to other cultures. The diagnosis percentile was 30% African American compared to 64.5% Caucasian.

I did manage to find out some things that were somewhat mind boggling. Living with the condition, Caucasians had a greater psychological impact than African Americans. African Americans had a higher percentile involving skin breakouts than the Caucasian race.

The psychological impact of psoriatic arthritis

I have had psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for over 55 years. I have felt the psychological impact, but I have kept my feelings to myself for years. I was raised to be quiet and quite often told to keep my business to myself. I never talked about my feelings after a bad day or even a good day for that matter. 

I refused to publicly state that my PsA was getting the best of me and that I couldn’t cope. I had learned very well to keep silent and cope the best way I could. One thing I have learned is that one disease can lead to other diseases if not treated properly.

Biologics And African Americans

The percentile for biologics used by African Americans was only 13.3% according to my research. Caucasians were 46.2%. I found this number very interesting as well. I know this is due to so many reasons such as the economic cost of the medication.

I know this is hard to swallow, but there are people who don’t even know biologics exists in my world. I have spoken to some. This why I continue and will continue to advocate for everyone who has psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Somebody must get this information out to the masses.

The importance of psoriatic arthritis advocacy

When I first started going to doctors for pain in my body, they told me directly that I was making up this chronic pain and that there was nothing wrong with me. The one or two doctors who halfway believe me resorted to over the counter medications. I couldn’t sleep, I was always tired and the pain was unbearable. My condition got worst, but I never gave up the fight.

Our mental health affects our physical health. It's time we awaken to what is going on with our whole self. African Americans are accessing the proper treatment options for their physical, mental, or emotional selves. I’m grateful to be an exception. I want everyone to have better health care by making better choices.

I come to the startling realization if I don't speak for me, who will? I want everyone to know it's okay to have a bad day. It’s okay to scream at the top of your lungs. It’s not okay to stay there.

It's not all in your head

PsA has silently been misdiagnosed in people of color for years.  I know we are not alone. I’m a black woman who advocates for my diseases, but I live in a world that scares me. I’m so afraid that a doctor will come along one day and give me a different diagnosis.

What will I do? Fight another 25 years? So many would rather hide their disease than to talk about it. I’m just happy that after 25 years that doctors finally realized this wasn’t all in my head.