Getting Diagnosed with PsA After Covid

In 2023, while teaching at NYU, I caught COVID-19. I had typical flu symptoms, but they never went away. I could hardly walk. My feet swelled. My Achilles tendons looked like large bumps. My forearms felt like a boxer had punched me. In New York City (NYC), the winter cold and walking on pavement hurt.

Back in Los Angeles (LA), I tried acupuncture for "long-term COVID-19". It did nothing. Finally, I went to a rheumatologist. She knew immediately what I had. Tests showed 5 markers for psoriatic arthritis (PsA). She told me how COVID-19 can bring on autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis.

Finding the right drug

She started me on Otezla, then Cosentyx. It was finally Rinvoq that helped. I was walking and swimming laps again. I even wore kitten heels! Then, I returned to NYC to teach. I had a major flare-up. I did not understand why. It was hot there, not cold.

Managing triggers and looking ahead

I realized how much humidity affects my psoriatic arthritis. Humidity and cold are my enemies. Advil is the only thing that gets me by. I have not tried methotrexate yet. I wonder how others feel while taking it.

I do not have psoriasis. I only have aches and swelling. I am determined to manage this disease. I am back in LA now. I am walking in the sun and swimming. I think that will help.