> [Original Message]
> From: gingerchloebee <aj1@...>
> To: <Psoriatic-Arthritis@yahoogroups.com>
> Date: 1/21/2006 3:03:17 PM
> Subject: [Psoriatic-Arthritis] psoriatic arthritis
>
> I'm a 50 yr old female looking to hear from others about how this
> disease affects their life & how they cope.

I am a 43 yr old woman just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis this past
year. The symptoms seem to wander--I had pain and inflammation in my right
knee for months, now the knee is better but my right wrist has been
affected for over a month. I try to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs
unless absolutely necessary, but I do have some prescription strength
ibuprofen on hand just in case. I have also just started experimenting with
some dietary changes generally recommended for arthritis of all types,
namely cutting down on dairy, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant,
peppers), and coffee.

Two other symptoms that appeared along with the arthritis, and which I've
read often go together as part of this disease are slight pits in my
fingernails and occasional blurred vision in one eye. The skin symptom,
which on me usually manifests as small outbreaks on both elbows and one
knee, does not seem to have worsened, and is pretty much the same as it has
been for the past 16 years since it first appeared.

I am still learning about this disease and what I can do minimize its
impact on my life.

Leda