Mine started when I was 28, at the inside my left eyebrow, then my left eyelid. Then also my scrotum and then my scalp. STD tests negative. Dermatologist said "seborrheic dermatitis" and gave me a shampoo. Spreading to my elbows and knees it finally presented, and was diagnosed, like classic psoriasis.
Lulls and flares. Topical medicine was like a treadmill, barely containing what I had and not preventing any new areas. Then mild fatigue began with the flares. Hard to get up some days. Reminded me of the major depression I had conquered in a previous life. Blood tests were fine.
Then knee pain. "Just arthritis - you're 31 but getting older." Get some orthotics, do some PT. Tailbone pain. Fingers too stiff to get dressed. How much Naproxin can I take safely? Orthopedists just thinking of ways to treat pain - killing nerves or opioids. The cyclic nature makes it so that just as it's getting unbearable, or when I can finally see a new doctor, everything is pretty much fine.
A new dermatologist finally suggests I see a rheumatologist that it could be PA. Looked for the best in my region, did a lot of tests and at least I finally had a name for this. Psoriatic Arthritis. Took Otezla which helped my joint pain, gave me a lot of migraines, and seemed to be a multiplier for the topical medication, but after 9 months it was not keeping up with the flares.
Now I'm taking Humera injections instead for the last 3 months. My skin is almost clear and I haven't had any flare ups. The potential side effects are scary. Hoping to become more informed and find some alternatives to move to. For the first time in 8 years I feel almost normal, but my hunt is not over. Right now I've made a deal with the devil for some normalcy - I believe a lifetime of this medicine could kill me. It would also cost $33,000 a year without my great job and insurance.
The article's point that an umbrella autoimmune specialist is needed is so true. For me the closest I came was my rheumatologist - she knew more about psoriasis than any of the dermatologists I've been to.
Lulls and flares. Topical medicine was like a treadmill, barely containing what I had and not preventing any new areas. Then mild fatigue began with the flares. Hard to get up some days. Reminded me of the major depression I had conquered in a previous life. Blood tests were fine.
Then knee pain. "Just arthritis - you're 31 but getting older." Get some orthotics, do some PT. Tailbone pain. Fingers too stiff to get dressed. How much Naproxin can I take safely? Orthopedists just thinking of ways to treat pain - killing nerves or opioids. The cyclic nature makes it so that just as it's getting unbearable, or when I can finally see a new doctor, everything is pretty much fine.
A new dermatologist finally suggests I see a rheumatologist that it could be PA. Looked for the best in my region, did a lot of tests and at least I finally had a name for this. Psoriatic Arthritis. Took Otezla which helped my joint pain, gave me a lot of migraines, and seemed to be a multiplier for the topical medication, but after 9 months it was not keeping up with the flares.
Now I'm taking Humera injections instead for the last 3 months. My skin is almost clear and I haven't had any flare ups. The potential side effects are scary. Hoping to become more informed and find some alternatives to move to. For the first time in 8 years I feel almost normal, but my hunt is not over. Right now I've made a deal with the devil for some normalcy - I believe a lifetime of this medicine could kill me. It would also cost $33,000 a year without my great job and insurance.
The article's point that an umbrella autoimmune specialist is needed is so true. For me the closest I came was my rheumatologist - she knew more about psoriasis than any of the dermatologists I've been to.
Good luck on your journey.