Glad I found this site
Was diagnosed with RA about 8 or 9 years ago. Symptoms started in my ankles, then wrists and fingers. I began practicing Bikram Yoga a few months after that and after the first few weeks ALL MY PAINS WERE GONE. Seriously. I continued my yoga practice for about 2 years and now, 6 years and 3 kids later I've been diagnosed with PsA. Note: I continued the yoga up until having my first child in 2011, took maybe a handful of classes after that, but then never resumed my practice. After having my third this last march, my wrist, finger and ankle pains came flooding back. Thinking it was the RA, I met with the Rheumatologist, who after observing my swollen toe asked if I had any dry scalp/dandruff. I've had these little bumps (moles I figured) on the back of my head that sometimes got itchy, she asked to see them then said, "This isn't RA, it's psoriatic arthritis." What tipped her off was the swollen toe because apparently, RA does not affect the toes.
It's only been a couple weeks since this new diagnosis and since then I've noticed things getting worse. More pain in the hands, more swollen fingers. I got myself back into yoga...it's a hot yoga studio but not Bikram, and I sadly have not had the quick results like the first time around. Not sure if some of the poses will cause more harm than good to my wrists/hands.Trying to make some dietary changes and have added daily turmeric golden milk. I want to say these things have helped some, at least with my knees. Hopefully I'll be able to share about more improvements soon!
I'm so grateful to have found this site. Reading other people's stories and advice has been invaluable.
Join the conversation