Take ACTION for Psoriatic Disease 2024

Take ACTION for Psoriatic Disease

Hi, I’m Elizabeth! She/Her

I was first diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis when I was 24 years old. With no family history of psoriatic disease, it took years to get to the bottom of what was causing my joint pain. I was young, active, and seemingly healthy, but always had aches and pains that no one else had. My Mom insisted that I needed to wear better shoes. My Dad thought I needed a new bed. My primary care physician told me I needed to exercise more and to focus on running and jumping. I had always had back and foot pain that seemed to get worse for no reason.

Eight years ago, I was in such a bad flare that I took myself to urgent care. I was having trouble breathing due to inflammation in my ribs and back. My knees and ankles were so stiff I couldn’t bend them and could barely walk. A nurse practitioner saw the psoriasis on my scalp and ears, recognized my joint symptoms, and told me to see a rheumatologist. She had a family member with psoriatic arthritis and felt confident she knew what was going on, even if she couldn’t officially make the diagnosis.  

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can be overwhelming. There is new terminology to learn, testing and imaging to do, and new doctors to see. I experienced a sense of loss. After my diagnosis, I was in so much pain that I had to quit my job and was unable to do many of the activities I had looked forward to in my twenties. Fortunately, after some challenging months, there was light at the end of the tunnel - modern treatment options.

It took a few tries to find the solution, but once I got on a biologic that worked for me, I felt so much better!  I remember walking into the kitchen and kicking my leg up and saying to my Mom, “Look what I can do!” I turned my head from side to side for the first time in months. My skin was clear and flake-free. It felt like magic. I felt like I was in a commercial. My attitude and outlook had done a 180.

It’s been 8+ years since my diagnosis, and while it hasn’t always been like a magical commercial, my disease is under control and managed through medication and self-care. My rheumatologist at Kaiser Permanente has been instrumental in keeping me healthy and pain-free by listening to my needs and staying up to date on the latest research. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I am grateful to be able to share my story and offer one perspective on living with psoriatic disease. Thank you to NPF and their commitment to supporting patients and searching for cures!