Psoriasis and Other Diseases

It seems like every time I go to the doctor there is always something wrong with me. First, it was high cholesterol, then high blood pressure, and now type 2 diabetes. I have always known that with me being diagnosed with psoriasis that I would have a higher risk of developing other diseases. This has made me watch my health over the past few years. When I got diabetes I noticed that my weight would go up and up. My doctor even told me once that I was obese. This has been a real struggle for me over the years. It seems like everything is working against me in this body. I’ve noticed that when my diabetes numbers are high my psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is out of control which makes my blood pressure high and cholesterol high which can eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Making it all work

My doctor has told me that inflammation is behind a lot of my diseases and that chronic inflammation is caused by psoriasis. Diabetes has inflammation as well and psoriasis arthritis has an effect on the immune system. I have been making lifestyle changes for a few years now. I don’t drink or smoke because these are unhealthy lifestyle choices for me. I can’t do a lot of exercise, but can walk some each day. This is also a lifestyle change that I’ve made. I try and walk at least 3 times a week. I know that being overweight can cause a lot of health problems, so I choose to keep my weight under control. This has not been an easy task.

I eat lean meats, vegetables and drink lots of water. These things will help keep me healthy with the diseases that I have. I manage my high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol with medication. I want to be as healthy as I can. Just making a few lifestyle changes will improve your overall health.

Changing some things in your life can change your diseases which can make them more manageable and controllable. It’s up to us to make those decisions. I know that if I don’t make a conscious decision to do certain things that I will end up in a wheelchair which I don’t want.

Change can be good

I hope everyone will take this seriously about taking care of their health. It’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We are dying every day because of diseases that can be managed, mostly because we’re not taking the proper medications when we are supposed to, not seeing our doctor on a regular basis, keeping appointments and refusing to change bad habits.

I loved ice-cream. I could eat it daily, but I know it’s going to affect my disease and my life; so I don’t eat it often anymore. I stay away from drinks and foods that contain a lot of acid and sugar; like soda. I know these things aren’t good for my psoriasis and make me itch pretty badly. Eating healthy has made a big difference in my life. I am determined to live a much better life.

No matter what we have, whether it’s psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure we can do what we're supposed to do to stay alive. These are very serious diseases that can be kept under control. We know what happens when we don’t take our medications; our body just gets out of whack and our psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis start flaring.

Of course, before making any drastic lifestyle changes, consult with your doctor. I made some changes along with proper rest and eating right and taking my medication when I’m supposed too. It works. I knew that I had to change and only then did I see the fruit of my labor.