My Better Life

I learned many years ago that having psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has turned out to be a blessing for me. I no longer have that chip on the shoulder. I was officially diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 10 years ago, but have been having symptoms for the past 25 years.

Living with psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can take its toll and lie within your joints bringing much pain for years to come. Since my diagnosis, I have had very serious inflammation that brings chronic pain and affects my joints. I feel tired a lot, both mentally and physically, but have managed to be in control of this. I refuse to let this disease drag me down.

I’m not one who relies heavily on pain medications, but I am grateful for the medication and that monthly shot which would make my pain unbearable without it. It’s enough to make you cry. I have swollen joints, stiffness in my legs which make it difficult to stand for long periods of time. It can also slow your day down.

I didn’t realize this until years later but was told that I need to take extra care of my gums and teeth. The inflammation affects my gums as well. I found myself sitting in the dentist chair; dreading the visit, but know this is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We need to take care of our whole body when we have psoriatic arthritis. When I open up my mouth and smile it is all worth the pain of having a clean slate.

The cold weather is slowly approaching us. I have already had a psoriasis flare and a psoriatic arthritis flare. When this happens I feel like I am starting from day one. I never have a piece of mind because I know in the back of my mind that this disease will pop up anytime without warning.

As of today, my psoriasis has totally covered my legs and arms. This past summer I was clear. I am limping like an old person today.  When will they find a cure?

I try to keep other illnesses at bay by trying to manage my inflammation. I take the proper medications for inflammation to go away.

I have developed type II diabetes which I will blame for the 50-pound weight gain, but my doctor also says its psoriasis related along with the high cholesterol.

Get support - for your body and life

You need to try and be mindful when things began to change in your body. The more I know and the more knowledgeable I become on this disease, the better it is for me and my psoriatic arthritis. Just knowing my body and what I have learned has afforded me the opportunity to have a higher quality of life. We have a choice; we don't have to leave our health up to doubt.

Be sure to have regular medical check-ups to track what is going on in your body. Make sure you eat right, exercise, and stop smoking. If you become depressed or start having mood swings, join a support group or get some type of therapy. This can also help you to lose weight.

Work closely with your doctor to develop a health plan to reduce risk factors and stay healthier. Get out and enjoy life and don’t worry about what other people think. It’s good to be healthy and happy.