i guess im posting here just to introduce myself. im 21 years old and im a french teacher finishing up my degree at east carolina university in NC. i love college football, playing games (board or video) and french grammar. i've had joint pains (mainly hip as a child) since i was very, very young. i remember having to go to the doctor at 5 years old because my hips would be in so much pain that i couldnt walk properly. the psoriasis didn't start until much much later, when i was about 18 or 19. it has escalated in the past year from a small patch on the bottom of my back to a large area of my back, covering my chest area down to my stomach, and it also goes from the bottom of my neck up mid-way through my scalp. although it's embarrassing (especially haircuts and going to the pool) and painful, it's really not that bad to live with. the arthritis is what is the worst for me. I wake up each morning with frozen hands and now my big toe as well. being a teacher, i am on my feet all day. it's hard to find a pair of shoes to accommodate my heels which are now starting to push out farther from my feet?!?!
anyways, enough about my aches and pains... im really just here for some emotional support time to time, because there are times when i feel like no one understands. all my friends want to go out and drink, but i cant because my arthritis will flare and besides... im just too exhausted most of the time. are there any other younger people with psoriatic arthritis on here?
Not me, Pirates, I’m OLD. A broken down relic. LOL But I was a teacher before I retired, so I can relate to the foot and fatigue issues.
That said, there are several young people on this board, you’ll just need to keep a look out for them by checking their profiles. You might even consider starting a group of young PsA-ers and see who joins.
I sigh with sympathy at your mentions of fatigue, frozen hands, stiff toes and cranky heels. What meds does your rheumatologist have you on? Are you doing any other kind of therapy? It really sounds as if the PsA is cramping your style.
I’m glad you found us here. We DO understand what you’re going through, even if a lot of us are ancient. wink
hello there I am not young anymore but just wanted to welcome you I have had this terrible diease since my earily days I believe that most people have been brought up to the fact that only old people get arthritis I actually got papers on it and showed it to people who not understand and with me that seemed to help hope things get better for you and god bless
I recommend Dansko clogs for your feet. I wore them exclusively when my feet were bad. More important than this is your treatment though. What is your doc doing for you? Whatever it is, it could be better. Just because you have PsA, does not mean that you have to live like this. Always be on the look out for a better treatment, especially if you aren’t doing well.