The first signs of my psoriasis appeared in 1957 when I was 21 years old. The disease progressed until about 20% of my skin was affected. Psoriatic arthritis (PA) began three years later, and eventually over the course of 39 years, PA has affected my toes, fingers, lower spine, upper spine and neck, rib cage, both shoulder joints and both hips.

I began treatment for my arthritis with a rheumatologist in 1961 starting with gold shots and then aspirin therapy. Over the years I have used many brands of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone shots and several other oral medications.

I started taking methotrexate in 2002, and then in 2005 I starting taking a biologic medication, which I inject myself. As a result of these treatments, my skin psoriasis has cleared up almost completely.

My psoriatic arthritis has improved; however I still have many arthritis-related problems. I recently had the joints of two toes surgically removed because I had developed hammer toes (a condition where the toes become permanently bent at the middle joint), and I face additional joint loss in the near future. I receive cortisone shots in both sides of my lower back about once every 3-4 months to reduce inflammation.

I consider myself fortunate that my physical abilities have remained somewhat stable for my age. Also, a healthy mental attitude goes a long way toward helping to keep these two diseases at bay.

Editor’s note: Jack has been a longtime advocate on behalf of psoriasis patients, and for many years he edited a popular column in a psoriasis internet newsgroup sharing the latest news in psoriasis research and treatment. He’s living proof that psoriasis need not defeat you, but let’s hope that patients diagnosed this year are not still facing the kinds of health issues in 50 years that Jack is still battling after a half a century living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

###

Write to Congress about psoriasis research. And check out our 2008 Psoriasis Cure Now Video Contest.