Here's What Changed My Outlook When I Thought PsA Took Everything...

One defining moment in my life's journey was receiving my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosis. Many of you know my story. You know that psoriatic disease has been a part of my life for six decades. I've lived with painful skin for so long and finally had an answer for my painful muscles and joints.

My PsA diagnosis wasn't an easy one to process. I felt like I finally had my psoriasis under control. Nature had other plans, I guess.

Psoriatic arthritis pain consumed my life

My treatment plan for psoriasis had my skin under control. Now, I was experiencing an increase in intolerable muscular and joint pain. There were days when I couldn't leave my bed. My motivation and my pride were lost. I mentally collapsed. What kind of life was this?

It sounds like a lousy daydream now. What I wish I could tell my younger self now. It will probably be along the lines that advocacy is where we will find answers, and the connection that comes from it is where you feel seen.

When I had no where else turn...

Those painful months turned my life upside down. I spiraled. I did not want to leave my bed, my home. I lost my social life and stopped my fitness routine. I stopped taking care of myself and drowned myself in my own tears. I couldn't process why this was happening to me.

I turned to support groups, and my life changed. What little motivation I had began to snowball. I would read articles and search for validation. I found comfort in these words - just as someone who was simply lurking. Then a feeling of bravery came upon me after reading about a man who shared an impressive milestone.

Finding life changing support

His story sparked something in me, and I was instantly made curious. I remember wiping tears away from my face as I sent him a private message with shivering hands. I couldn't take any more isolation. He was kind enough to respond immediately.

His success story was like a window to a new beginning. I heard him when he told me that I needed to leave my bed and walk around because nothing else was going to help. He motivated me after I saw him happily living in this condition. It was enough for me to wash my face and return to what I loved doing, working on myself.

Connection can turn it all around

I returned to myself. I started my diet routine again because, yeah, I binge ate everything to make myself feel better, and now, I had to regain everything back. I felt seen in these support groups and the conversations I began feeling safer to have. I began to feel more in control.

This man's post, his connection, and some others convinced me that psoriatic arthritis is manageable and not the end of the world. It changed the course of my life. Just like any illness, I will conquer this path too.