What I Wish I Knew About Developing Psoriatic Arthritis So Young
India Bolton experienced the onset of psoriasis during her college years and later developed psoriatic arthritis while preparing for motherhood, a condition that was initially misattributed to pregnancy symptoms. Despite the pain and limitations posed by psoriatic arthritis, Bolton continues to pursue her life choices, including being a mother, and manages her condition through self-care and non-pharmaceutical treatments due to a gene mutation affecting medication response. She reflects on the limitations she faces compared to her peers but maintains that the condition does not overly restrict her life. Bolton expresses concern about her children's potential risk of developing similar conditions, especially due to strep throat, a trigger for psoriasis. Her journey underscores the importance of self-management, awareness of genetic factors, and the impact of early-life health events on chronic conditions.
India Bolton was managing psoriasis during her college years, an autoimmune condition that results in inflamed and painful skin patches, which later progressed to psoriatic arthritis during her first pregnancy.
Her symptoms were initially dismissed as normal pregnancy aches, but persistent pain in her hips, feet, and hands led to a diagnosis a year after giving birth, highlighting the challenge of diagnosing psoriatic arthritis.
Despite the pain and limitations, Bolton continues to live an active life, planning around her condition and using self-care strategies like heating pads and Epsom salt baths to manage symptoms.
Bolton discovered she has an MTHFR gene mutation, which complicates her response to certain medications, prompting her to manage her condition with alternative treatments rather than pharmaceuticals.
She reflects on her condition's impact on daily activities and her ability to participate in certain social events, feeling frustrated but determined to adapt and continue enjoying her life.
Bolton is concerned about the hereditary nature of psoriasis and the potential for her children to develop related conditions, particularly because strep throat, which she frequently had as a child, is a known trigger.
Her story emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic predispositions, the potential triggers of autoimmune conditions, and the need for effective management strategies to maintain quality of life.