Howdy! Firstly thank you for taking a look at my blog. This is my first blog and I learning on the job, so please hang in there!

I have decided to start this blog to help me make sense of my journey, find a new “me” and also help others a little. I am not a health professional and all views are entirely my own.

I have gone from being super active and sporty to being someone who struggles to get their socks on! In the space of four weeks everything shifted. In March 2019 I developed pain in the top of my right arm / shoulder, this stopped me swimming, cycling and running. Who knew how much you use your arms for running. The pain affected my sleep to the point were I was lucky to get 3-4 hours a night, I was so sleep deprived. The GP prescribed various painkillers but none worked.

I persuaded the GP to sent me for a private MRI which showed tendinopathy, impingement and joint effusion. The physio arranged a steroid injection which helped with the movement but not the pain.

Aside from the arm / shoulder pain I was also struggling with extreme fatigue. In June the physio thought that there was something else going on and suggested seeing a rheumatologist. The GP referred me, first appointment was 24.01.2020. My heart sank.

In July I saw a private rheumatologist who considered it might be psoriatic arthritis, but I still had to wait until until Jan 2020 for my NHS appointment. I asked the GP, endocrinologist, any one who might be able to expedite the NHS referral. To no avail. My mood slumped to very low, dark places.

In late September I had an ache in my hips, I just thought I had overdone things at yoga class. The situation deteriorated to the point where I could barely walk, stairs were impossible and putting my socks was agony. The new GP saw what a state was in and prescribed oral steroids. Miracle. Two further blips in early and late November. Luckily one blip was when I saw the NHS rheumatologist. The NHS rheumy checked my joints, did a detailed medical history and ordered a MRI, x-rays, bloods and gene tests. And then it was a wait for the results …

Jan 2020 I returned to see the NHS rheumy for results. Diagnosis – spondylo psoriatic arthritis. Given a steroid injection in my bum and started on DMARDs or disease modifying anti arthritis drugs.

This blog is my journey from this point; trying to find a new identity for myself, finding the limits and letting go of all expectations.

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