Patches of plaquepsoriasisfirst appeared on my knees in kindergarten and developed in more places as I grew older.
Then, when I hit my 30s, the joint pain and swelling started.
Im fortunate that Ive found a medication that works well to keep my most severe symptoms at bay.
Living with psoriatic arthritis means you might have good days and bad days.
Psoriatic arthritis can make even the simplest actions a little (or a lot) harder.
Take for instance morning stiffness, which is one of the hallmarks of joint inflammation.
When you have psoriatic arthritis, you actually have to build time to loosen up into your routine.
The heat helps her ease the pain while her joints get moving.
Being at an early job was difficult, she says.
Work doesnt stop for psoriatic arthritis, but modifications can help.
Finding ways to work around your symptoms is a fundamental part of life with psoriatic arthritis.
Every situation requires a plan according to how you feel on a particular day.
For Crook, that meant looking for accommodations like avoiding stairs, since her knees are most affected.
I got a classroom right off the elevators.
Sitting for long periods of time will send searing pain down my thighs and tighten my lower back.
To manage this, I have both a standard desk and astanding workstationso I can mix it up.
Another modification Ive made is to never take a phone call sitting down.
Instead, I walk and talk.
Anyone with arthritis quickly learns that regular movement is necessary to relieve stiffness and lessen discomfort.
When Im chopping vegetables for long periods of time my hands just get stiff, he says.
Fortunately, Brinson has the flexibility at his job to change tasks in the kitchen to accommodate his needs.
When feeling good, some people work till they dropand then theyre drained and have to start over.
While this is good advice, its often easier said than done.
Discussing physical limitations like this with your doctor is often the first step to finding solutions.
Sometimes this might mean a medication change.
Other times, this could mean physical therapy.
Physical and occupational therapy really does help increase mobility and decrease pain, Dr. Lohr says.
Dr. Ruderman stresses, That is part of my job as a rheumatologist.
They may be able to assist you in asking for a reasonable accommodation.
Psoriatic arthritis can even impact your relationships.
I have definitely tested the in sickness and in health portion of my marriage vows.
While communication is key in any relationship, thats especially the case when chronic illness is involved.
People often put others above their own health, Dr. Lohr says.
And these emotions are not limited to the person with the diagnosis.
I feel that were closer than ever.
Illness can make you feel especially vulnerable.
Mental health mattersespecially when you live with psoriatic arthritis.
Unfortunately,depressionis a very real problem inpsoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Ruderman says.
They are not just there for bloodwork and X-rays.
