A World Turned Upside Down

By thanksforsocialisedmedicine

1 min read

I was diagnosed three years ago with Psoriatic Arthritis. I was 54, married, with three kids all becoming young adults. Two houses, two cars, and a job as a Senior Social worker.

My new life with psoriatic arthritis

Today, I'm single and living with 1 son in a small rental. I moved to Australia 15 years ago with a young family from the UK. Now I can't walk a hundred meters. I have learned much. Mostly I've learned that PSA is cruel but you have to stay positive. Never give into it. The best specialist I have seen so far was a podiatrist who got handmade insoles for my shoes. My rheumatologist gave drugs Embril, Humira, Brenzys, now Zeljanz. They keep me upright. But, the podiatrist taught to walk and adapt.

Mental health and autoimmune disease

My wife has gone. My job is on hold till I can prove I can take the risk and not get injuries. I worked in the mental health system. Years of detaining unwell people in life-threatening situations. I've been shot at and physically harmed many times. Maybe the link from life stress and autoimmune disorders isn't established yet, but it's there alright.

Signing off now, all my best thoughts to you all.

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Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello Thanksforsocialisedmedicine, Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. Living with PsA is not easy. I have had it for 35 years. I was put on disability at the age of 40, but because I had small kids and a mortgage at the time. I refused it. We have all had some rough mountains to climb and trust me I know what you are going though. I have to work from home now because it takes so much energy out of me to get up, get dress and travel to work. Yes, I agree you have to stay positive. Stay strong for your son and I hope you get your job back. Keep your head up and hope one day they find a cure. We are all in this together. Diane
thanksforsocialisedmedicine Member
Thanks Diane It's good to know that there are others who know what this illness is, which I think should be called psoriatic disease, it's more than an arthritis. For me it has changed my life completely. Any way I try to keep going I havr maintained friend ships and I will stay positive because not every day is the same and some days are better than others. For the aches and pains are one thing but the fatigue is quite another. I feel hollow and worn out. It's like when I used to run and play football ,I was always exhausted full of aches and tired muscles, but those feels went, with PSA it doesn't it there all the time like I'm carrying a heavy load on my back all the time. Thanks for listening my thoughts are with you all suffers, carers and even Rhuematologists.
1. Leanne Donaldson Moderator & Contributor
 Wow <inline-mention user-id="3312814" username="thanksforsocialisedmedicine"/> - I'm so very impressed with your positive outlook, despite everything that has happened to the contrary. You are very right that staying positive can make a big difference in how we cope with PsA. Our mental health is such a huge factor of life with psoriatic disease. Everything we experience, the pain, the fatigue, and the weariness all impact our mental health. Cheers to you for surviving these past 3 years and to a more hopeful future! -Leanne, <a href='http://Psoriatic-Arthritis.com' target='_blank'>Psoriatic-Arthritis.com</a> Team Member
sandyb Member
Omg. Loved ur prior work experience description. I did the same type of work for over 15 years then did violent crime victim advocacy for almost 20 years. I loved all my jobs but I take work anymore. I know there is a connection with stress, trauma and autoimmune issues. I also have stenosis in my neck, CFS, fibro and spine issues. Take care of yourself. I am grateful for support groups like this♥️
1. thanksforsocialisedmedicine Member
 Hello SandyB Sometimes I think I'm the only social worker with PsA who did what I do Obviously not! My name is Steve I'm English but now live in Australia, the weather is amazing if I still lived in the UK the cold would have done for me l think. Please stay in touch, we could probably trade good true stories. Do you have any problems with feet? my toes now go off in different directions so walking is different now. Take care my thoughts are with you.

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