My LONG psoriatic arthritis story summarized: In 5th grade, I had my first knee surgery. My meniscus was ripped, flipped and separated from the bone. My orthopedic surgeon back then said it was most likely something I was born with and I injured it from dance and softball. But, from that point on it seemed like I always had issues with my knee. Year in and year out, I was in therapy for knee pain, some problem or in the OR for a surgery. In middle school, a rheumatologist said that I “might” have psoriatic arthritis, but since I wasn’t even through puberty yet he didn’t want to put me on heavy-duty drugs. Since there was no definitive test, he wasn’t 100% positive. This was the mid-90’s and biologics had just come out as well. I’m not even sure they were indicated for juvenile use yet!
Fast forward to when I was 27 years old. I was working and started having problems again with my SI joint and knee. Through the years, I had just become accustomed to these things. But, this time it got to the point where my knee swelled up so much it locked. I ended up having 2Â back to back surgeries that ultimately resulted in a week-long hospital stay. It was during that hospital stay that I was “officially” diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
So if you’re being technical, I was diagnosed in 2012. But, if we’re honest, I’ve had psoriatic arthritis since I was little. I just didn’t have a name for all of the different symptoms I was experiencing. Now it’s SO extremely easy to look back and connect the dots. All those surgeries I had – meniscus, baker’s cyst, plica (to name a few). All those aches and pains. All the other “one-off issues” like sciatica. They all point to psoriatic arthritis and chronic inflammation.
In 2016 I had the chance to present my patient case study at Stanford Medicine X. Watch my “Patient case study – My data. My research. My results. How I used my own data to create a precision medicine approach to my autoimmunity” presentation replay here.
Through the years, I’ve picked up many different tools in my Psoriatic Arthritis toolbox. I started my blog a few years ago to connect with others who were going through similar situations. On top of writing in this blog, I also write for other online sources as well.
The following resources are posts and articles that I’ve written over the past few years. My hope is that you read as many as you like. Let this information help guide you to talk to your doctor, make informed decisions and to live your best life possible! And make sure to share them with your psoriatic friends as well. Sharing is caring 🙂
If you’d like to read the story of what led up to my 2012 – 2016 disability leave and me starting my blog, click here. All of the blogs link to one another and you’ll be able to go from one to another easily!
Managing My Psoriatic ArthritisÂ
One of the best series I’ve done on my blog is “Managing My Psoriatic Arthritis”. This series was created after having been asked the question “Did an elimination diet help you manage my psoriatic arthritis?”.
Short answer – YES
Long answer – YES, but I’ve also done a lot of other things as well to help manage my condition. I focus on the following 5 areas to help manage my psoriatic arthritis.
Part 4: Meditation & Mindfulness
I suggest you start with reading those posts.
Your Psoriatic Arthritis Healthcare Team
Not sure who should be on your healthcare team to manage your psoriatic arthritis? Check out these posts to help you decide.
Building Your Psoriatic Arthritis “Dream Team”
Searching For The Right Psoriatic Arthritis Doctor
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment: How Involved Should You Be?
Take Charge Of Your Doctor’s Appointments
Medication For Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
Here are the medications that I’ve taken for my psoriatic arthritis. The only one that’s not on the list is Vicodin. Apparently, I’ve not written about it? I’ve used it for pain management purposes.
Approved Biologics & Biosimilars For Psoriatic ArthritisÂ
Biologics vs Infusions For PsA
Is It Time To Change Your Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment?
Psoriatic Arthritis & Biologics: What You Should Know
Biologics vs Biosimilars – Do You Know the Difference?
How Many Medications Are Too Many?
Humira
- Starting Humira
- Stopping Humira for a procedure – “Humira Withdraw”
- Biologics For Autoimmunity & Humira Update
Otezla
Neurontin
Supplements For Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
I truly believe in the power of supplements. I believe that they can help increase your medication’s efficacy and truly put you on the path to healing. Work with your own doctor’s to decide which are right for you. I’ve worked with functional medicine and natural doctors to come up with my plan.Â
My Current Supplement RegimentÂ
9 Supplements For Psoriatic Disease
My Journey Towards Managing Psoriatic Arthritis Sans Medication
Diet For Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
This is a topic near and dear to my heart. I truly think diet is an important tool that everyone MUST consider when they have a chronic condition. Here are just a FEW of the articles I’ve written through the years.
Elimination Diet – What, How & Why?
How My Diet Has Evolved Over The Years
Why Diet Is So Important In Fighting Psoriatic Disease
What You Need To Know About Elimination Diets Part 1
What You Need To Know About Elimination Diets Part 2
Cauli-Rice & Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 Diet Makeover Ideas For People With PsA
Foods To Avoid When Living With Psoriasis
How A “Vegan Paleo” Diet Can Help Your Psoriasis And PsA
There’s More To Meatless Monday Than Cutting The Meat!
Managing Flare-Ups Of Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
There are so many ways to manage your symptoms and flare-ups. Here are posts directly related to how I manage mine.Â
Combatting Psoriatic Arthritis Flares With Food
Your Psoriatic Arthritis Survival Kit
My Go-To “Alternative” Therapies
Fatigue: How Can I Increase My Energy?
Hand Pain & Stiffness
Dealing With “Arthritic Hands”
10 Tips For Managing Hand Pain & Stiffness
Exercises For Hand Stiffness And Pain
The Real Truth Of Flare-Ups
PsA Flare Up & How I’m Managing
How I Manage My Symptoms When I Am Flaring
Living Live With Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
You truly can still live an amazing life with psoriatic disease! Don’t take my word for it, check out these posts.
Chroniclife Hacks: My Daily Modifications For Psoriatic Arthritis
Transitioning Back To Work Off Of Disability
5 Social Life ChronicLife Tips
To Feel Supported, Support Yourself
5 Stages Of Grief & Loss With Chronic Illness
3 Tips For When You Feel Like Giving Up
We Are Not Defined By Our Diagnosis
You Talk Like You Were Once Great
Honor The Crazy Life Journey You’re On
Disliking The Way You Handle Emotions
3 Steps To Open Yourself Up To Healing
Taking Care Of You When You Need It Most
Your Health Is Your Fulltime Job
Mindfulness & Meditation For Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
I really believe that being mindful and adding meditation to our days helps our bodies heal and relax. Here are my suggested resources for you!
5 Ways To Incorporate Mindfulness Into Your Day
How Mindfulness Can Help Your Psoriatic Arthritis
4 Tips To Help You Stay On The Move with PsAÂ
An Easy Way To Add Meditation To Your Day
The Fastest Way To Healing Is Through Your Breath
Yoga For Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
I went from not even being able to put weight on my left leg for months to teaching yoga classes. We have to move at our own pace and honor our body. Modify your practice as you need to. I highly suggest hiring a personal yoga instructor at first to help you figure out modifications that will work for your body.Â
Yoga- An Important Treatment Aspect For Psoriatic DiseaseÂ
Why Yoga Could Be Part Of Your Strategy
How Chair Yoga Helped Me Handle My PsA
Full Chair Yoga Video Practice For Mobility Issues
6 Chair Yoga Poses For Your Psoriatic Arthritis
Poses For PsA: Chair Yoga Sun Breath Sequence
Chair Yoga: Modified Standing Postures for PsA
Loving Yourself With Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
You only get one body – so treat it kindly and love the crap out of it!
6 Ways To Love Yourself Despite Psoriatic Disease
3 Ways To Get More Vitamin L In Your Daily Diet
5 Dating Tips For Singles With Psoriasis
8 Negative Thoughts About PsA And How To Overcome Them
Life Never Goes As Planned – That You Can Plan On
As You Start On Your Way, The Way Appears
It’s Easy To Be Positive When Everything Is Good
Accept Where You Are In Your Journey
2 Tools To Remind Us We’re All The Same
Posts To Share With Your Friends To Increase Awareness
Here are posts that you can easily share with your friends and family members to let them know what you’re going through. Sometimes explaining it to them isn’t the easiest!
5 Ways I’m Suffering With PsA And You’d Never Know
10 Tips To Ensure You Receive The Support You Need
Managing Social Relationships With Psoriatic Disease – Educating Your Friends And Family
Not All Disabilities Are Visible – My Experience With TSA
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
My Fight Song – Psoriatic Disease Bloggers Remix
Illness Is Not Only Tough On You, But On Your Loved Ones As Well
Personal Story With Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis
Here are a few posts of my own personal story for your reference.Â
“I went Undiagnosed For 17 Years”
How Psoriatic Arthritis Helped Me Discover Whole Health
Psoriatic Arthritis Isn’t Who I Am
5 Take Aways From Conquering Personal Challenges
Speaking At The FDAÂ On Behalf Of Psoriatic Disease Patients
Learn From Other’s Psoriatic Arthritis & Psoriasis Stories
I think learning from each other is so important. Check out these links and stories from other psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis patients living their best lives!
Memo to Me – Psoriatic Arthritis Patient Stories
Memo to Me – Psoriasis Patient Stories
20+ Arthritis Bloggers To Follow
Psoriatic Arthritis Interview With Dr & Patient
Wishing You A Pain Free Day!
