Out of the blue I was diagnosed with psoriasis in 1997 and later developed psoriatic arthritis. Both can be chronic conditions and debilitating. I suffered for eighteen long years and felt like I was on a rollercoaster. It affected the skin on my hands, knees, elbows and other areas including my scalp. My joints were often very painful and I gained weight as a result of that and some of the medications I had been prescribed.

At my worst, I was prescribed methotrexate (a chemotherapy agent & immune suppressant) which I thought long and hard about because of the possible side effects but as my quality of life was not good and my mental health had been suffering, I decided to go ahead. Unfortunately, it was harsh and failed to work and l suffered side effects including hair thinning. I was left feeling the lowest I had ever felt.

I booked a last-minute family holiday to take some time out and think about what was next. On that holiday I met a lady as a result of our children playing together. She noticed my psoriasis and we got chatting about all the medications and treatments that I had tried over the eighteen years, and she asked me if I had ever looked into gut health. I was desperate but sceptical having had so many treatments stop working and so many disappointments over the years.

After doing some research I decided to improve my gut health and diet. Also, to stop any medication and treatments, only using natural products topically. I saw improvements within weeks which motivated me to carry on. I was feeling much better in many ways and other people started noticing the improvements too. After a few months, I was clear of psoriasis, feeling much better physically and mentally and began to exercise. I tried yoga initially and as my joints improved, I started other activities including couch to 5k and my weight improved. Improving my gut health changed my life. I have not had a flare-up in years and I am the healthiest and fittest I have ever been at forty-seven.

I have been clear for seven years and live an active healthy life (medication free) I still actively raise awareness and support the Psoriasis Association with their annual psoriasis awareness week, and any other help I can offer as a supporter of their excellent work.

Earlier in the year I attended their ‘active lifestyles’ photoshoot showing people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis living well with their conditions and shared how paddleboarding keeps me active and helps support my well-being.

If you have or know anyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, I recommend connecting with the Psoriasis Association as they have a lot of information and support available and also recommend stand-up paddling as you can go as easy or hard as you feel like and there are many benefits in spending time on the water.

Psoriasis Awareness Week 2022 (psoriasis-association.org.uk)

My Battle with Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis

Janine P - Psoriasis Association (psoriasis-association.org.uk)