Aimee’s Story - w. Psoriatic Arthritis

Hello!

“My name is Aimee and I’ve been living with psoriatic arthritis for 15 years. Finding community and advocating has allowed me to help others, and it’s given me a purpose that words can barely begin to describe.”

My PsA Diagnosis

“I’d been experiencing pain in my joints and back since my teens, but I wasn’t diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis until age 22. It was quite a shock to me. Up until my diagnosis, I honestly had no idea this condition existed.”

Growing up with PsA

“I had been dealing with psoriasis flares since age 12, but I didn't get my official diagnosis until around 16 or 17 years old. During that time, no one had even mentioned psoriatic arthritis as a possibility.”

What is PsA?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. With PsA, an abnormal immune response causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Symptoms can affect any joint in the body. Over time, PsA can lead to permanent damage and loss of mobility.

My Fears with PsA

“Panic and fear flooded me when I was diagnosed. My father had been chronically ill my entire life and suffered from severe arthritis. I felt that joint replacements, chronic pain, disability, depression, and isolation were things I was bound to go through, like my father did.”

Breaking the Stigma

“In 2014/2015 I began sharing my story on social media. I didn’t want to hide the fact that I have a chronic illness, I didn’t want to feel like it was something shameful. My followers just kept growing. I realized there were so many others with similar experiences that needed to be shared.”

Challenges I’ve Faced

“I feel like some of the biggest challenges that I've had to face with psoriatic arthritis have been more mental and emotional than anything else. Having to grieve the life that I thought I would have by my age.”

Feeling my best with PsA

“Some of the things that make me feel my best are acupuncture, breathwork, and yoga.” Like Aimee, many people with PsA have an interest in complementary therapies, and this is a topic worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

A Typical Day w. PsA

“I definitely plan my day around my body. Every day. I don't think that there's one day where my body is not the main focus and everything around it has to be a little bit more flexible—but of course, I have to remain flexible too.”

Finding my Purpose

“I spend a lot of time with animals. I do cat rescue, I’ve done fostering of other animals, I’ve even done bunny rescue. Being in nature and helping animals is what helps me feel most satisfied, and it’s helped me find purpose with PsA even when I can’t rely on my body.”

Building my PsA Community

“In my mid 20s I decided I don’t want to be a victim of PsA, and I got motivated, I got passionate about getting involved in my community. Getting into advocacy and meeting people from all over the country has opened a whole new world and made me feel so much less alone.”