Surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO) helped improve my condition of psoriasis. Working from home has not only saved me the stress of driving to work every day, but it also means that I need no longer sit in an air-conditioned room all day, which made my skin dry and flaky.
Although the condition of my skin improved, I was still struggling with joint pain and mobility issues. This has been one of the worst aspects of living with psoriatic arthritis for the past 11 years. Because of the pain and discomfort in my shoulder, neck, and jaw, I often have a hard time sleeping at night. It can be frustrating when I toss and turn all night and wake up feeling tired and unrested in the morning.
I was fortunate enough to get the funding for 16 biologic treatments. I was initially sceptical about biologics, as I have tried so many treatments and medications in the past, and nothing helped. But thanks to my doctor's advice, I decided to keep an open mind, gave it a try, and hoped for the best.
Shortly after my first biologic treatment, I saw and felt improvements in my condition. The psoriasis patches on my skin recovered, and my mobility improved. My joint was not as tight and stiff as they used to be,
and I could move and turn my neck a little more than I used to. This is incredibly reassuring because my doctors had once told me that the bones in my neck had fused, and the damage was irreversible.
Another significant relief was the improvement in my sleep quality. After receiving treatments that helped my condition, I finally got the seven to eight hours of sleep I needed. After years of not sleeping well, it felt so good to finally wake up refreshed and invigorated in the morning. Sometimes, we forget about the importance of an adequate sleep and how it can impact our lives.
Now, I fully understand the importance of seeking proper treatments and medications. Besides this, we also need to practice a healthy lifestyle such as maintaining a good diet and exercise routine. Psoriasis can also affect our mental and emotional well-being and it is essential that we get the support that we need to manage our overall well-being. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and support system to help me go through it.
Vin
CTX.PsO.02/ MY2112140138
