A Rough Road, a Beautiful Outcome

I've dealt with a blood cancer, polycythemia vera, for almost 6 years. Last year in 2020, before I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis in May 2021, I was having extreme fatigue, inflammation, and joint pain that ultimately made me feel as if my bones were breaking. Mind you, I've never had a broken bone, but the pain was so immense from the joint pain, it's close enough to know I guess.

It wasn't long after the joint pain in my right ankle began, that it was in other areas also, hands, knees, and elbows. Soon afterward, the psoriasis arrived on all the affected joints. I was covered literally from head to toe on joints and other various areas. The psoriasis was even in both eyes with inflammation.

Reaching a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis

I was finally diagnosed by my rheumatologist and dermatologist in May of 2021. I have been on Cosentyx since the beginning of June 2021. I am now at least 96% clear skins and the inflammation and joint pain have decreased dramatically! I still suffer from noughts of extreme fatigue, but for the most part, have more energy and feel somewhat normal again.

Lifestyle changes due to PsA

It has affected my life to where I can no longer work. I now stay home and homeschool my son. I'm also on anti-inflammatory medicines, take turmeric and ginger, and live by the Mediterranean diet, which is made for fighting inflammation. It's all rainbows now compared to how miserable I was before my diagnosis. I wish everyone a happy and healthy journey with their psoriatic arthritis!