Community Member Spotlight: Meet Nancy!

Life with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) differs for everyone. No experience is the same. To highlight diverse experiences with PsA, we are spotlighting some active members in our community.

We hope to get to know them and their journeys better during Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Month.

Meet PsA community member, Nancy

We recently spoke with Nancy Herzog. Nancy is an active community member on our Facebook and Twitter pages. She frequently shares her psoriatic arthritis story and gives support to others with PsA.

Time to get to know Nancy!

When were you diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis?

“Around 8 years ago by the physician’s assistant at my dermatologist. I had psoriasis and had been seeing the doctor. Then my feet and toes started having pain. The physician’s assistant put me on a biologic.”

What psoriatic arthritis triggers impact your daily life?

“Overdoing, which is most days. Vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, etc. is the worst for me. The stress of any amount will start a flare also. I get overtired, the pain gets worse, and I'm miserable.”

What is the most important thing you have learned since living with PsA?

“That I really need to pace myself. But it's really hard to do. If I take a break now and then, it will help some.”

What do you find helpful about this community?

“Finding answers to questions I have and all the symptoms. It's really good to realize other people are out there that understand what we go through. The support from this community is wonderful and information is great.”

Changing days and changing issues

“It's been a hard, painful journey. I really didn't know much about PsA until I was diagnosed and started learning more with information from my doctor and drug company, and by researching online. I'm very surprised no doctor had ever mentioned it while knowing I had psoriasis. People don't understand what you really go through and how you feel. Every day is a changing day with changing issues.”

Everyone has a story to share

Thanks, Nancy, for sharing more about your psoriatic arthritis journey! Living with psoriatic arthritis is a constant battle with good, bad, and in-between days. Having the awareness to pace and take care of ourselves can be difficult. However, it can be comforting to know we are not alone.

As Nancy shared, many people never hear about psoriatic arthritis until they or someone they know have the condition. That is why sharing the stories and experiences about living with psoriatic arthritis is so important. Everyone has a unique road to diagnosis and unique challenges dealing with chronic pain in their daily lives.

Will you share your experiences living with PsA as well?