Conquering psoriatic arthritis: a journey from pain to triumph, by Katarzyna Lachawiec
When I was a young and hopeful 21-year-old in 2003, the unexpected onset of psoriatic arthritis symptoms sent shockwaves through my life. Little did I know that it would take two long years for a confirmed diagnosis.
The ordeal began with a persistent discomfort in my left ankle, which gradually evolved into an excruciating pain that seriously hindered my ability to walk, much less carry out my daily activities with ease. The initial treatment I received, sulfasalazine and methotrexate, showed limited efficacy, leaving me in a state of despair as I grappled with the relentless progression of this debilitating condition.
Months passed and the insidious grip of psoriatic arthritis tightened around more of my joints, transforming the simple act of dressing into a Herculean task. I could no longer manage basic functions independently, and the world around me seemed to be closing in. I will never forget the tears in my dad’s eyes, seeing how much I was suffering. It broke my heart.
Hospitalisation
Desperation pushed me to the edge, and the culmination of my suffering peaked when I was forced to spend an agonizing six weeks in hospital, desperately seeking respite from the relentless pain that had become my constant companion.
Hospitalisation marked a turning point. The treatment administered during those gruelling weeks proved to be a beacon of hope, gradually lessening the intensity of my pain. While it didn’t provide immediate and complete relief, it offered a glimmer of progress. With each passing day, the pain subsided slightly, and I could once again imagine the possibility of regaining control over my life.
The initial approach to managing my condition involved a combination of steroids and methotrexate, which, for a time, provided respite. However, as I inched closer to a dose of 25 milligrams injection, my body began to reject this treatment, thrusting me into a state of anxiety and uncertainty.
It was 2009, and I found myself faced with a life-altering decision – should I put my faith in a relatively new form of treatment, a biological medication called Humira? I grappled with the fear that this new medication might not work or, even worse, lose its effectiveness prematurely. The prospect of returning to the agonising pain of earlier years and the dependence on others for my daily tasks weighed heavily on my mind.
Game changer
Despite my reservations, I took the leap of faith and began treatment with Humira. The relief I experienced was miraculous. I began to regain a sense of normalcy. I was able to perform tasks that had once been unattainable, and the spectre of unrelenting pain receded.
Reflections
Living under the oppressive shadow of long-term chronic pain is a uniquely harrowing experience. The torment gnaws away at one’s happiness, replacing it with a constant, relentless worry. The anguish saps your hope and drains your willingness to continue the battle. The world takes on a different hue when every step is a struggle, and even the simplest tasks become daunting trials.
Fourteen years later I find myself reflecting on this remarkable journey. Over the years, I’ve faced my share of trials, enduring three to four relapses that necessitated adjustments to my medication. While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I am deeply grateful for the advancements in medical science and the continued support of my healthcare team. Today, my life is a testament to the power of perseverance and modern medicine.
Psoriatic arthritis no longer looms as a shadow over my life; instead, I embrace the present with gratitude and optimism, celebrating the beauty of ordinary moments that were once a distant dream.
The future
Remarkable strides have been made in the medical field. The introduction of biological medications provides a lifeline to people like me, offering the prospect of a life unburdened by the tyranny of chronic pain.
In a commitment to contributing to the ongoing battle against psoriatic arthritis, I have joined Dr Ryan Hum and Prof Pauline Ho’s research programme. The programme aims to shed light on the complexities of this illness. I hope that one day, we may unlock the door to a cure for psoriatic arthritis, ensuring that no one else has to endure the pain and suffering that marked my early years with this condition.
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