Member Profile Stacey Fox I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when I was 20 years old. I was a junior in college, and there was no major stress in my life. I was and still am overweight, which adds to the situation, but I don't think the weight is what caused the onset. Just one of those things, I guess. Because I was so young, it took a while for the doctors to arrive at the correct diagnosis. But I think I knew even before the doctors did. When my fingers started hurting, it was just like the tv commercials with the elderly lady who can't move her fingers (I think it was for Bayer Arthritis medicationor something). In the 12 years since being diagnosed, I've had arthritis in just about every joint at one time or another: jaws, sternum, toes, fingers, knees, and everywhere in between. I don't think I've really done anything differently because of my arthritis, I've just done things more carefully. I try to always think about the ramifications a few days later of what I do today. Initially, I started the gamut of NSAIDS, eventually settling on indocin as the best for me. Eventually, though, just indocin wasn't enough, and after an allergic reaction to sulfa, I found the best medication in the world -- methotrexate. I was on methotrexate (coupled with indocin) for 6 years, with monthly blood work for the entire 72 months. I never had any major side effects, other than some nausea once in a while, which usually lasted no more than 24 hours. Then in February of this year, I stopped the methotrexate and started prednisone, in preparation for trying to get pregnant. While I stayed on the prednisone until September, I stopped all medications when I got pregnant, in hopes that the arthritis would go into remission. I am now 7 weeks pregnant, and the arthritis pain is very manageable. I am prepared to resume the prednisone if necessary, but haven't needed to yet. On the other hand, however, the psoriasis is everywhere!!! A small price to pay, I know, but it's still unsightly. After lengthy discussions with a pharmacist, I've recently started using a topical steroid to treat the psoriasis. It's a little better, but not much. I've been lucky enough to have had jobs that were completely supportive environments. My sick days were never questioned, and when the stiffness was especially bad, there were always co-workers willing to help with what I couldn't do. I've had some incredibly supportive bosses. It's been my experience that when you're willing to work hard, most places are willing to "adjust." I do use a wrist rest on my computer keyboard, and I'm aware of the need for correct posture, regular breaks, etc., so I'm pretty proactive in the workplace. I've found swimming and walking are the best forms of exercise. However, ladders into pools are often too difficult for me. I'm trying to find an indoor pool in the Chicago area with steps to walk into is difficult at best. So I've purchased a treadmill, and try to walk for at least 20 minutes 3 times a week. Easier said then done, I might add! The biggest "adjustment" that I made was for my wedding day. Although it is common practice for brides and grooms getting married in the Catholic Church to kneel throughout the ceremony, Scott and I sat down for much of the ceremony. We only knelt for a few moments during the Liturgy of the Eucharist -- the holiest part of the mass. Recently, my sister arranged for a similar "adjustment" when I served as her matron on honor when she was married. When the rest of the congregation knelt, I sat. And I didn't feel self-conscious at all. What do I hate the most? The nasty looks when I park in a handicapped parking space. Although I have a placard, I only use it when I am truly in pain. I really wish more people were educated as to "silent diseases." My sister has fought many a verbal battle when she's accompanied me in these occasions. She's quite the defender when she thinks someone is passing judgment. Sometimes I think she's more sensitive to the glares than I am! My support comes from my wonderful husband and my incredibly supportive mom, sister, and grandma. I don't think there's a moment when they're unaware that the arthritis is and will probably always be around, but it's never been a hindrance. It's just one of those things that we work around.   Back to Profile Homepage   Send us your profile Entries become the property of CreakyJoints and may be edited by the CreakyJoints staff. Your name: Your email address: Write (or cut-and-paste) your story:   Unfortunately, due to the volume of email we receive, we may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your story.