Ashley's Journey: From Reluctance to Resilience in Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

In this episode of The Psoriatic Arthritis Club, host Shelley Fritz talks with Mini, who shares her journey living with Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) — from decades of unexplained pain and delayed diagnosis to finally finding the right care team and treatment. Mini opens up about what it means to live with daily inflammation, the emotional and physical toll of feeling dismissed, and how she learned to advocate for herself and her care. Her message is clear: “Fine is not fine.” Speaking up and finding a doctor who truly listens can change everything. Listen now to learn how open communication and self-advocacy can help people living with axSpA reclaim control over their health and well-being. Contact Our Host Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to [email protected] The Psoriatic Arthritis Club is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and this episode was made possible with support from UCB. Learn more at creakyjoints.org/psoriatic-arthritis-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) are often misunderstood, leading to widespread myths that can make managing these conditions even more challenging. In this episode, patient advocate Jody Quinn joins host Shelley Fritz to set the record straight. From the misconception that PsA is just mild joint pain to the belief that only older adults are affected, Jody shares her personal journey and lived experiences to debunk these common myths. Whether you're living with PsA or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the condition with confidence. Contact Our Host Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to [email protected] The Psoriatic Arthritis Club is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and this episode was made possible with support from Takeda. Learn more at creakyjoints.org/psoriatic-arthritis-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Khattri, a triple board-certified dermatologist, rheumatologist, and internist, discusses the complexities and goals of achieving remission in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Dr. Khattri explains the concept of minimal disease activity, and the various measures to assess disease activity. The discussion also highlights the importance of patient-clinician collaboration, regular assessments, and addressing comorbidities for holistic care. Dr. Khattri emphasizes shared decision-making and tailoring treatment plans to patient needs and expectations. Contact Our Host Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to [email protected] The Psoriatic Arthritis Club is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, its arthritis patient community CreakyJoints, and this episode was made possible with support from UCB. Learn more at creakyjoints.org/psoriatic-arthritis-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, suspect you have PsA, or are experiencing worsening symptoms, this guide will help you prepare for more effective doctor visits to discuss treatment and improve your quality of life. Contact Our Host Angela Degrassi, Research Manager for Patient-Centered Research at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features rheumatologist Dr. Eric Ruderman discussing PsA management. He emphasizes patient-doctor collaboration and individualized treatment. The episode also delves into lifestyle factors and the latest PsA research and treatments. "It's a coordinated effort between myself, the dermatologist and the patient to try to figure out what's the best management strategy for that particular person taking into account all the aspects of disease that bother them the most," says Dr. Ruderman. Among the highlights in this episode: 3:06: Dr Ruderman shares that treating psoriatic arthritis is challenging because there are many different aspects of the disease and not every patient experiences the condition in the same way 4:41: Changes in skin and joint pain can be indicators that it’s time to make a change in medication. Dr. Ruderman shares how he talks to patients about making the decision to change 6:33: It’s normal for people to be hesitant to try a new medication. Hear what Dr. Ruderman says to patients that are concerned about medication side effects and how he guides the discussion to make sure patients are informed 8:18: Dr. Ruderman shares what information is helpful for PsA patients to share with their doctor during an appointment 10:46: Tracking symptoms over time can be helpful information that can be used by doctors and patients to make decisions about treatment 12:03: Angela, the host, and Dr. Ruderman talk about lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that may be complementary to PsA treatment 17:03: Dr Ruderman shares that it’s really challenging not knowing what treatment will work for each individual. He talks about how to tell if a treatment is working and when it’s time to explore other options 19:07: If your disease is under control, Dr. Ruderman recommends physical therapy for some patients 20:32: Hear what Dr. Ruderman wants all PsA patents to know about living with this condition 23:29: Ashley, a patient living with PsA, asks Dr. Ruderman about the latest research 25:26: Jon, A patient living with PsA, asks Dr. Ruderman about his strategy for knowing when it’s time to change medications Contact Our Host Angela Degrassi, Research Manager for Patient-Centered Research at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.