Psoriatic Arthritis Crafting a Life of Adaptation and Resilience

Coping with a Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis

“Living with Psoriatic Arthritis: My Journey of Adjustments and Advocacy”

By Dwayne McClellan, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson

Hey there, folks! Dwayne McClellan here, a software systems engineer turned arthritis warrior from Baltimore, MD. At the spry age of 56, I was hit with a double whammy – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As if that wasn’t enough, life threw psoriatic arthritis (PsA) into the mix for good measure. It’s like arthritis decided to throw a party in my joints!

Getting the Diagnosis

Fast forward to 2020, a year we’ll all fondly remember (just kidding), I finally got diagnosed with PsA. It all started with a pain in my leg that grew progressively worse – a classic symptom of PsA. It’s like my joints were competing for the “Most Excruciating Pain” award!

So off I went to my trusty rheumatologist, complaining about this unbearable leg pain. Little did I know that the pain was just the tip of the iceberg. My rheumatologist, being the diligent detective she is, decided to recheck my blood work. And guess what? She struck gold – well, not literally, but she did find other signs of PsA.

Naturally, I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy when I found out. My first thought was, “Oh great, my arthritis is not just sticking around but inviting some new friends to join the party too!” I was already struggling to get around, and the last thing I wanted was a permanent reservation in a power chair. Talk about landing a front-row seat at the Hopeless and Helpless Stadium!

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My New Challenges

Let’s just say that adjusting to life with PsA has been a challenge of epic proportions. Independence? Bid that farewell! Now, instead of the driver’s seat, I’m relegated to the passenger’s seat while my amazing wife takes the wheel. She’s taken on superhero duties, juggling household tasks like an acrobat at the arthritis circus. No mowing lawns or taking out the garbage for me – I’m on the sidelines of those daily adventures.

And oh, the joys of mornings! Before popping my medication, getting out of bed feels like climbing Mount Everest without a sherpa. But hey, I’m not one to back down from a challenge. Every day, I remind myself that I’ve managed to conquer the battle of rising from my slumber, and I’ll do it again. My motivation? Cooking breakfast for my wife and myself. A small goal, you might say, but it’s a breakfast worth fighting for!

Managing My Symptoms

Now, let’s talk about my superhero squad of medications. I’m like a one-man Avengers team, armed with an immunosuppressant, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and an antidepressant that blocks nerve pain. These trusty sidekicks keep the pain from staging a coup and overtaking my entire system. I started taking them when I was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ramping up the dosage as PsA made its grand entrance. Now, I’m at maximum dosage – a true testament to my pharmaceutical prowess!

But that’s not all, folks! I’ve embraced the power of food in my battles against flare-ups. Enter the anti-inflammatory diet, my edible sidekick. I watch my salt and sugar intake, and I’ve cut down on red meat – though the occasional T-bone steak craving strikes me like a tasty temptation. But if I succumb to its allure, within a mere two hours, PsA unleashes its fury upon me. Talk about “steak-ing” its claim on my joints!

Of course, I can’t neglect the importance of gentle stretching – it’s like giving my joints a morning yawn to wake them up. And to quell the storm of stress, I’ve discovered the wonders of meditation. Armed with inspirational sayings, I have my own personal mantra: “Stress management plus time management equals pain management.” It’s like a secret code that calms my nerves and lowers my blood pressure. Who needs a spa day when you’ve got these Zen techniques?

My Medical Team

Behind every hero is a team of trusty sidekicks – my medical team, to be precise. My rheumatologist and I are tight, keeping a close watch on my health. They’re invested in ensuring I’m feeling as good as I can, and I’m grateful for their unwavering support. But wait, there’s more! I’ve got a pain management specialist who doubles as my primary care doctor. It’s like having a medical superhero in my corner!

But my team isn’t complete just yet. I’m in the process of recruiting a pulmonologist and a dermatologist to further bolster my forces. It’s like assembling the Avengers of healthcare, ready to tackle any condition that stands in my way!

Now, here’s the cool part – I stay one step ahead with the help of health apps on my phone. These nifty little tools let me track my symptoms and keep my doctors in the loop. I can input my latest battle reports – oops, I meant symptoms – and upload the info to my doctor’s medical portal. It’s like having my own secret headquarters, where my doctors receive actionable intelligence before I even step through the door. Talk about a power move!

My Emotional Support

Behind every superhero is an incredible support system, and I’m no exception. Meet my squad: the family edition. My wife, Lydia, is my rock, my #1 supporter through thick and thin. We’ve been a dynamic duo for 19 years, fighting arthritis and every other curveball life throws at us. And to add even more power to the mix, my amazing mother-in-law has joined our ranks. She’s like our secret weapon against the challenges we face, providing wisdom, love, and lasagna (because you can never have enough lasagna).

But sometimes, even superheroes need a little extra help. That’s where therapy comes in. I’ve teamed up with an incredible therapist who helps me navigate the emotional rollercoaster of PsA. Frustration? Check. Lost independence? Double check. It’s like having an emotional boot camp, training me to face the psychological battles head-on!

And guess what? Finding support doesn’t end there. I’ve discovered the Arthritis Foundation’s support community, a.k.a. the Live Yes! Connect Groups. It’s like finding my superhero tribe, a band of warriors who understand every aspect of this chronic condition. We lift each other up, check in on one another, and provide the much-needed support that keeps us going. It’s a community that keeps me sane amidst the chaos of the arthritis universe.

But wait, there’s more! I’ve upped my superhero persona and decided to become an advocate. I joined forces with the Arthritis Foundation in Maryland to bring attention to Americans with Disabilities Act issues. I’m the voice that refuses to be silenced, ready to fight for the rights of those who face the everyday challenges of living with chronic conditions. It’s like joining the ranks of social justice superheroes!

My Outlook

Adapting to life with PsA has been no easy task. It’s like having an invisible illness – no one sees the damage or the pain. But I’ve learned to roll with the punches and make the necessary adjustments. And you know what? Becoming an advocate has been the ultimate affirmation. It’s like finding my calling – a place where I can use my skills, experience, and wit (if I do say so myself) to educate the public and support others who are waging war against psoriatic arthritis.

So my fellow arthritis warriors, take heart! We may have a fight on our hands, but we’re united in our determination to live our best lives despite the challenges. Together, we can conquer mountains, inspire change, and become the superheroes our communities need. Stay strong, stay resilient, and keep fighting the good fight!