Coping with motherhood, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis in her early forties has been an uphill struggle, but Kate Thouless is determined to make the most of family life

I first started having pains in my knees following the birth of my eldest daughter in 2008. I went to the doctor about a year later who referred me to a physiotherapist as I was unable to sleep most nights due to the pain. For a while I was symptom-free but during my second pregnancy (in 2011) I experienced pelvic pain and the knee pain seemed to return with a vengeance about 18 months later.
I’m now 40 years old, live in Wiltshire in the UK and am a fulltime mum to my two gorgeous girls who are 7 years and 3 years.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with psoriasis and was then referred to a rheumatology unit as the pain spread to other joints, was unbearable during the winter, and was particularly excruciating when going up and down stairs, getting up from the sofa and even the toilet.

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knee and right hip and psoriatic arthritis was confirmed in my left knee. I have Heberden’s nodes (hard and bony swellings) on all of my fingers and pain in both knees, hips, right shoulder, wrists and my back. At my latest appointment the rheumatologist explained that most of my pain and joint issues are down to osteoarthritis but it is linked to the psoriatic arthritis too.

My regular medication includes methotrexate, leflunomide, folic acid and etoricoxib, and I’m on omeprazole for issues I have with my stomach.
I find it hard to walk too far, especially uphill and desperately struggle with fatigue, which we think is caused by the psoriatic arthritis and is a side effect of the medication I am on. I never seem to be completely pain free and am definitely a cold weather responder (roll on the warm weather please!).

I struggle with low mood because I feel I can’t do as much as I would like or as much as other 40 year olds. I’m hoping that now my medication has been tweaked and summer is around the corner things will improve, though I do miss the occasional G&T!

Diet
When I was only three years old I was referred to a paediatrician for chronic constipation and have been plagued with a sensitive stomach ever since. My symptoms changed about 2.5 years ago (coinciding with when my knees got worse). I had acute diarrhoea daily and relied on Imodium to leave the house whilst mentally planning the route to make sure a toilet was never far away.

A colonoscopy came back clear so I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and was left to it with permission to take Imodium as and when needed.

I decided to omit gluten from my diet and within two weeks my symptoms had improved drastically with only the occasional IBS flare. I lost three stone, an added bonus as I’m now back to my natural pre-baby weight and bearing less weight on my joints must be positive.

Stress
Stress definitely plays a part in my IBS. My trigger is leaving the house and symptoms seem to be worse when I know that we may be going somewhere where there aren’t any toilets. But I have learnt to breathe and calm myself down and more often than not I can now control my symptoms.

IBS is a horrible and often misunderstood illness. If someone thinks they may have IBS, their bowel movements have changed or are experiencing regular stomach pains, I would urge them to go to their GP. Depending on the symptoms, you may request further tests. I would personally suggest looking at diet, see if you notice any pattern or triggers and try playing around with it. Avoid foods that clearly don’t agree but as these are different from person to person it’s a case of trial and error.

Although stress doesn’t directly impact on my arthritis, my arthritis (in particular psoriatic arthritis) makes me feel more stressed. I am definitely grumpier and more on edge than I used to be (I guess chronic pain does that to you) and my moods are all over the place. I’m often low and tearful for no obvious reason and I nag the kids more than I should. There are times when I fear for the future. I want to enjoy the here and now and not miss any of the joy of bringing up my children.

I guess I am mourning my old life and lost energy whilst I come to terms with the new me.

I am currently exploring mindfulness for pain, stress and low mood. I am confident it can help me be more positive and relaxed, and hopefully lighten the discomfort on dark days. I’ve discovered I love hydrotherapy and go weekly, which is great exercise and a social event too. Next on my list is to enrol on that Pilates class! I will rediscover the old chilled out happy me who I currently only see glimpses of now and again. I won’t let this beat me!