Beating Psoriatic Arthritis: One Day at a Time

I lived with psoriatic arthritis for over 25 years before getting a proper diagnosis. This delay caused me to have a deformed finger and excruciating pain in my whole body for years.  Let's not forget to mention the experience of extreme itchy, inflamed patches on the skin.

I have always been a strong-willed woman. I take things one day at a time.

It doesn't always start with a diagnosis

At the age of five, I was diagnosed with psoriasis. I started having severe PsA symptoms at the age of 25, but didn’t get a diagnose until the age of 50. My diagnosis changed my life. The symptoms I was facing were extremely severe and painful. My joints hurt and became stiff to the point where I could not move. I started having problems performing normal daily chores like combing my hair.

My personal complications

Along with the painful joints, I also developed vitamin D and calcium deficiency. This due resulted in some bone deterioration.  I have been getting treated for vitamin D and calcium deficiency for over 20 years now.

Treating and finding recovery

I was given high doses of NSAIDS and immunosuppressants to help reduce some of my symptoms. The immunosuppressants helped so much. I was able to recover in only a few months. My doctors eventually reduced the dose. After a while, my body started to feel somewhat normal again. I became pain-free and slowly started to feel halfway normal life.

Finding a new normal

This all happen to me years ago, but I still get a little mad when I think about those times. They told me for 25 years that the pain was all in my head. The severity of the disease did subside with proper treatments. It took me years to learned to live with this disease.

The doctors said there was no cure.  What would be my new normal?

A lifestyle change

I did start eating healthy and adding in a little exercise. I have learned to follow some of my doctor's instructions. He wanted me to avoid eating fatty fish, chicken, nuts, and some other good stuff. His diet plan was a little too strict for me, but he does give good advice.

PsA does not define or control me

Years ago, I decided that I no longer wanted to let my disease define or control me. I have become empowered to advocate and speak for people who can’t speak for themselves. This was not always the case. The hurdles I faced only made me stronger and did not let them stop me from being an exceptional wife, mother, daughter, aunt, niece, and grandmother. I continued to live my life to the fullest.

Yes, living with psoriatic arthritis is strenuous, but it’s not impossible either. Take it one day at a time. I'm here to tell you that anything can be achieved with a strong will and a great support system.