Living with Psoriatic Arthritis

My Journey to Diagnosis and Management

Disability and Diagnosis

Let's face it, saying "I have a disability" isn't easy. Maybe it's because society conditions us to view only visible disabilities as "valid." At 32, I never expected to be battling health issues. But here I am.

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system goes haywire and rapidly multiplies skin cells, runs in my family — particularly affecting the men. Thankfully, my case is mild, with patches only on my scalp and facial hair. However, Psoriasis can lead to other problems. Unexplained joint pain and fatigue plagued me in my twenties. Researching, I discovered Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) affects roughly a third of Psoriasis patients. It's caused by an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissue, resulting in inflammation, pain, and fatigue.

My first general practitioner (GP) was a resident doctor fresh out of medical school. I mentioned the joint pain, suspecting PsA. To their credit, they ran tests for Rheumatoid Factor and Lyme disease, which came back negative. But here's the thing: PsA often yields negative Rheumatoid Factor tests. Discouraged, I left with no answers. It would be a long road until I found a GP who understood my situation.

Finding the Right Care and Relief

Fast forward to late 2022. My new Nurse Practitioner, Kadira, listened to my concerns about the unexplained pain and fatigue, and I mentioned PsA as a possibility. She ordered different blood tests, including an Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test, which revealed an overactive immune system (positive ANA). A referral to an Orthopedic specialist confirmed healthy bones and an autoimmune issue. Finally, a Rheumatologist solidified the diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis.

Treatment and Taking Charge

My treatment plan includes Methotrexate, a medication commonly used for PsA, along with a steroidal cream and scalp shampoo to manage the plaque psoriasis. The difference has been significant. My joint pain has reduced by 50-75% on most days, although stress, weather changes, and barometric pressure can trigger flares. Fatigue is also much less of a battle. Getting up in the mornings used to be a struggle, but now it's a breeze.

Living Well with PsA

People with Psoriatic Arthritis are at a higher risk for comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Exercise might seem like the last thing you want to do with sore joints, but getting in shape can significantly reduce your risk of these comorbidities and even lessen PsA symptoms.

This newfound focus on health, combined with my growing appreciation for androgynous fashion, led me to try Zepbound, a medication for weight loss, to further reduce my risk of comorbidities and manage PsA symptoms. With less pain thanks to the arthritis medication, I could finally become more active. However, losing 50-60 pounds on my own felt daunting. When you try to lose weight, your body often thinks it's starving and fights back with hunger pangs. Zepbound helps by making you feel fuller for longer, allowing you to decrease calorie intake. After a month, I'm already down 10 pounds and well on track to reach my goal by Thanksgiving. I've also embraced a healthier diet, as fatty and greasy foods can worsen arthritis flares.

The Takeaway

If you suspect Psoriatic Arthritis or another autoimmune disease, finding a doctor well-versed in these conditions is crucial for diagnosis. Trust your gut feeling about your body, but also seek medical confirmation. Remember, leading an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy diet are even more important with PsA or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Visit Arthritis.org for more information on various types of arthritis and treatment options. You are not alone in this journey!