Psoriatic Arthritis Unleashing the Best Version of Yourself!

Optimizing Your Life With Psoriatic Arthritis

By Brenda Kong, as told to Shishira Sreenivas

The Trials and Tribulations of Psoriatic Arthritis: A Story of Swollen Joints and Bedridden Days

Let me take you on a journey through my life with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Picture this: a 12-year-old girl, filled with hopes and dreams, suddenly burdened with a swollen middle finger joint on her left hand. “Hey, this is really bad!” I exclaimed. But all I got in response was, “You’re playing too much sports,” or “Rest it and ice it, it’ll be fine.” Little did they know, it was just the beginning of a long and painful journey.

Fast forward to my college years. I was an 18-year-old with big aspirations of making the school’s volleyball team. But my pain, oh my pain! It kept me from ever stepping on that court. The stress of starting college only intensified my suffering. The nature of PsA is funny like that – it responds to stress like a moth to a flame.

As if that wasn’t enough, my joints decided to rebel during my early twenties. I became a prisoner in my own bed for two long months, relying on a wheelchair or cane to move. The hospital became a second home as my body temperature spiraled out of control. Inflammation ravaged my entire being, leaving me unable to even make a fist. I despised life itself, until a dermatologist, treating my psoriasis, introduced me to the concept of a rheumatologist.

Looking back, my biggest regret was not seeking out a rheumatologist sooner. If only I had known the importance of early intervention. My advice to anyone going through this would be to sprint, not jog, to a rheumatologist as soon as you can. And don’t just settle for any doctor – find one that truly understands your needs.

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Personally, it took me three tries to find the rheumatologist that finally clicked. The first one was a swing and a miss, and the second one couldn’t accept my insurance. But the third time was the charm! This doctor prescribed me a steroid that could put the Hulk to shame. When I took it for the first time, I fell into a deep sleep on the couch. Upon waking, my legs swung down with ease, and I stood up effortlessly. It was a miracle! The inflammation had magically disappeared. That steroid was like a superhero saving the day.

But the true hero in my journey was a biologic medication. This was the game-changer that breathed new life into my worn-out joints. Imagine waking up feeling like you could conquer the world, bouncing around with a newfound vigor. That’s exactly how I felt. No more being weighed down by psoriasis or barely able to walk. The wheelchair and piles of painkillers became distant memories.

Of course, the road to relief is never a straight path. I’ve tried various biologics over the years, each with its own quirks and benefits. And every now and then, even on a biologic, a flare-up comes knocking at my door. There’s always that small fear that the treatment will stop working, leaving me to search for a new solution. But I know one thing for sure – I won’t let my body suffer without medication ever again.

Stress, that sneaky villain, rears its ugly head in our lives time and time again. And PsA thrives on stress like a kid in a candy store. So, I’ve made it my mission to keep my mental health in check. When a flare-up comes knocking, I take the time to relax and unwind. Stressing out about it only makes things worse, so I indulge in mental health exercises to keep myself grounded.

Therapy became a lifeline for me in my early thirties. It was a wake-up call that I couldn’t keep doing things the way I had been. So I incorporated stress management into my daily routine. Yoga and calming meditation exercises became my allies. And let’s not forget those light yoga poses that help me loosen up when my body feels as stiff as a board.

Finding joy in the little things has been my saving grace. Once upon a time, I couldn’t even cook because my hands ached too much. But now, I turn up the music, shut out the world, and channel my frustrations into culinary masterpieces. The kitchen is my therapy room, where I let my emotions simmer away while creating something beautiful. Cooking has become my way of reclaiming control and finding solace during the rollercoaster ride that is psoriatic arthritis.

So, my fellow warriors, buckle up for the ride of your life. There will be highs, there will be lows, but most importantly, there will be hope. Seek out the right doctors, try different treatment options, manage your stress, and indulge in activities that bring you joy. Remember, you have the power to conquer the challenges that PsA throws your way.

Now I want to hear from you! Have you experienced the wild journey of living with psoriatic arthritis? What treatments have worked for you? Share your stories and let’s support each other through this rollercoaster ride. Leave a comment below and let’s conquer PsA together!