Yes, I Am Aging Gracefully With Psoriatic Arthritis

I am 63 years old. I'm a proud wife, mother, grandmother, great aunt, niece, and cousin. I have held many titles over the years. I suffer from psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis and one of the titles I am most proud of is patient advocate.

At an early age, I knew I was different from other kids. I was covered from head to toe in plaques and lesions. I didn’t have a clue what it was. I remember that the itch was the worst. My parents put smelly stuff on me and lots of oils.

Psoriasis throughout the years

Throughout my early years, I started learning more about psoriasis. It started to dawn on me around age 8 that it was a skin condition, then transitioning into my teen years, it seemed to click in how this horrible disease impacted my appearance and daily life.

It came to my attention and self-awareness that I was the only child with long sleeves and long pants on. Everyone else was wearing short sleeves and shorts.

Understanding the impact of this condition

My doctors told my parents that I had inherited psoriasis. Even though my parents didn’t know anyone on either side of the family that had it. I visited many doctors over the years and visited many counselors. I only remember one person who offered support and kindness. "Let me help you survive this," she said.

Of course, I didn’t know what she meant, but I soon learned that she wanted to work with me in improving my confidence and not letting this condition define me. She wanted me to be in control of my life.

Growing older with psoriatic disease

Little did I know that my biggest challenge was yet to come. At the age of 25, I started experiencing swelling in my joints and fingers. The doctors said it was all in my head. At the age of 50, I saw a rheumatologist. After a series of tests, I was given a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.

I was a little scared of the diagnosis but relieved at the same time. Now my mind started racing. Would I be able to enjoy life with my husband and grandkids? Would I be able to work, travel and have a full life? My heart sunk.

I snapped out of this quickly. I had already lived the past 25 years with the disease. The only deformity I had was a couple of fingers. I was already living a good life and with more treatments; it would be better.

Finding the balance to have a great life

I am lucky to have a good team of doctors who know my treatment journey and are in tune with the best treatments out there. Yes, I do have pain, but with medication, the symptoms are not as bad. I believe that just talking with other advocates has helped my mental health - it’s been great. I’m able to have a great life.

My experience with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has not been easy. I have had to deal with the high cost of the medication, along with the stigma, and excruciating pain that this disease has caused.

Managing health and stigma

Our doctors constantly tell us PsA patients to lose weight. I came to terms that I don't have to weigh the same weight I did 30 years ago. I do find time to exercise enough - it has helped me a lot. Getting my yearly flu shot, regular breast screenings and cancer screenings are important to me too. They help me stay in check with my body and allow me to grow old gracefully with psoriatic arthritis.

My goal is to make people aware of the disease. I have been to schools, conferences, seminars, Capitol Hill, and the FDA. Some experiences have not always been nice or welcoming. There were times I wore 4 pairs of pantyhose at once to cover the psoriasis on my legs. For so many years I went not showing truly what my skin looks like. People will always stare. They will not want you in their space. You will see the fear on people’s faces.

I want to ensure that I have a good life and spend time with my grandkids. I try and take care of myself and always keep a positive attitude.