Today Is My Anniversary

I am delighted to share my anniversary with the people I have come to love and adore. Today, I celebrate my 55th anniversary of having psoriasis.

55 years and counting

As I think back on my beginnings when I started this journey I’m filled with emotions. My heart is heavy because I have had this disease for so long. I know there are things (unrelated to psoriasis) that are a big deal to celebrate at 55 years. If you own a car or old furniture; when it reaches 55 years we call it an antique. When we look at marriages; we acknowledge 55 years of marital bliss. I know for wine connoisseurs it doesn’t become ready to drink until it has reached many years of maturity.

Celebrate even the small things

I just thought to myself one day, why not celebrate a day that changed your life forever. It is so amazing that I can remember everything that has happened in all those years with me having this disease. While it has not all been pleasant, it still is like a birthday for me and we celebrate our birthdays. I celebrate the month that everything changed for me. I want people to be aware of psoriasis and the fact that it is associated with psoriatic arthritis. I was in a conversation with a friend the other day and I was telling her that I had not been in a hospital in years and very seldom do I get colds or get sick. I count this as a blessing considering that I am in pain every day.

So today I will treat myself to a nice day. I started by getting my scalp treated to a hot oil treatment. It felt heavenly to have my scalp stimulated! I next treated myself to a massage. It felt so good!

Lessons from a 55 year journey

I have learned so much about myself over all these years. I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses. You could not have told me 25 years ago that I would have grown like I have. I have grown in leaps and bounds in my awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

What have I learned in these 55 years that I didn’t know then that I know now? I know that my psoriasis won’t just go away even with medication. I will never go into remission. I know that certain foods will make my skin react in a negative way. Drinking coke and other acidic drinks are not good for my skin. I know that Vitamin D is good for my psoriasis. I know that it is more than a skin problem; it is an autoimmune disease. People don’t mean to stare or point, they just don’t understand. I know now that I can live a normal happy life having this disease.

Sharing knowledge

I must celebrate today because of what I’ve given to others as my gift in having psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; which is knowledge. First, stop worrying about what others think of you. A few careless words from others can make or break you. This could really change your path in life. Next, don’t let this disease dictate what you wear or your mood on any given day. Stop feeling like you are trapped in your body. I have been there, it’s time to be free. I want you to know that I understand what an impact this disease can have on you besides the physical symptoms. Remember you are your biggest advocate when it comes to you.

Having psoriasis has truly shaped me and made me the woman I am. I celebrate the tears that I’ve shed over the years of living with this disease. I celebrate all the people who have been strategically placed in my path on this journey. I celebrate the love of my husband and children who have always been there for me. I celebrate every ache and pain that I’ve lived through. It’s not every day that you celebrate having a disease this long. This month I celebrate another year I’ve lived with psoriasis and the daily changes it brings to my body.

I no longer complain. I go about my daily life of working, spending time with family and friends and attending social events. I just smile and say, “I’ve made it another day”. It’s my anniversary and I say “Let’s Celebrate Psoriasis”.