Coming late to the party

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) about 5 years ago, I had just turned 64. I first had a diagnosis of psoriasis and my dermatologist wanted to refer me to a rheumatologist as she suspected I also has PsA.

A genetic link to psoriatic disease

My daughter, who is now in her mid 40's developed psoriasis at the age of 3, after a particularly bad case of strep throat. Her body was covered in scales from her neck to her ankles the first couple of years and at that time the primary treatment was tar soap shampoo and a medicated cream applied to the skin and then covered with Saran wrap.

My PsA management plan

While waiting for my dermatologist appointment, I hoped that the treatments had advanced in the decades since my daughter’s diagnosis. After several months of hit and miss, we finally had a regimen that was working on the skin lesions. It would be several months before I would see the rheumatologist. Once I had tests and such, we settled on a course that so far is working in keeping the inflammation to a minimal.

The extreme impact of fatigue on daily life

But the one area that has been affected is that I suffer from extreme fatigue at times — sometimes the fatigue is so extreme that even just a few hours of walking around tires me so much that I am in bed for a full 24 hours or more.

I have 7 1/2 grandkids, ranging in age from 24, 16, and 8 1/2, to 5 and with the youngest due to be born in January as well as 3 great grandkids, ages 2 1/2 to 6 months. I am sad that the fatigue precludes me from spending significant time with them and that my younger grandbabies don’t understand why Grandma can’t play in the park or go on walks with them.

Remaining hopeful with psoriatic arthritis

I’m working on keeping a food diary as I have read articles give weight to diet can be a significant contributor to the effects of PsA. As I turn 70 this year, I am hopeful that I still have many years ahead to enjoy my grandbabies & great grandbabies.