Welcome

I would like to welcome you to my personal website. The purpose of this website is to share my experience of living with psoriatic arthritis. I was first diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 1998 when I was just 21 years of age. Even though I have been living with arthritis for close to 17 years most of my family and friends do not know that I have this disease, or understand what it’s all about. I figured that this website will help my family and friends learn about this type of arthritis and allow me to share my experience with them.

Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joints. There are two major types of arthritis -- osteoarthritis which is the "wear and tear" arthritis, and inflammatory arthritis that happens when the body's immune system does not work properly. Both Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are both inflammatory arthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects not only the joints, but also the skin and possibly the tendons, eyes, spine, heart and lungs. Normally, the immune system (the body's natural defense system) protects your body from bacteria, viruses, or other foreign agents. When you have Psoriatic Arthritis, your immune system incorrectly attacks the linings of the joints and skin. This causes uncontrolled inflammation—leading to the joint and skin symptoms usually experienced with Psoriatic Arthritis

This website will allow you to better understand what Psoriatic Arthritis is. In my opinion the information I have provided accurately describes what I am living with and how I feel. The photos I have attached are actual photos of my skin. These photos may come as a surprise as I have not been open with friends and family about how severe it is. I also feel like this website will help me talk about my illness with you all when I see you and not feel so self conscious about it. Thank You

Please remember that even though I am going through all of this I am optimistic that things will get better! And with the great support of my husband we know we will get through this. And on the bright side there could be a lot worse illnesses that we could be dealing with.....:)