Vicky's Story

After developing severe psoriatic arthritis and multiple health challenges, Vicky’s life changed dramatically. Despite everything, she remains a devoted mum who chooses to keep going, finding strength in her family and joy in life’s small, precious moments

.My name is Vicky. I am a 45-year-old mum and I work in charity. I use a wheelchair, walker, and walking stick. My house is full of mobility aids to help me function, including a stair lift.

Between the ages of 36 and 37, I started experiencing aches and pains. My doctors thought it was a lack of vitamin D, and I remember thinking, “Great,” and started taking supplements. But the pain and aches got worse. The pain got so bad, along with stiffness, that I sometimes had to call my husband to come and pick me up because I was struggling to walk.

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Then COVID hit, and I was referred to a physiotherapist. We only spoke over the phone, but she asked if I had been tested for autoimmune arthritis. I said "yes, rheumatoid arthritis, I think, and both my siblings have it." She explained there were other types and said she would write to my doctor.

Around this time, my nails became very thin, some even falling off, and I developed unusual skin sores on my hands. My doctor prescribed steroids, which caused me to gain a lot of weight

.I saw a rheumatologist, who carried out scans and tests and confirmed psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which was already quite advanced. I started on methotrexate, but it didn’t help - if anything, it made me very poorly with inflammation in my eyes, and at times one eye would close up. I also had multiple infections due to being immunosuppressed, as well as sepsis, where I nearly lost my life. It was a very scary time for my family.

I then started adalimumab, which helped slightly but caused chronic sinusitis. I have now been on Cosentyx for five weeks and am struggling with it so far.

I also have other medical problems on top, too many to list. Someone once told me that once you develop a chronic illness, more turn up to join - and they were right. I also have a pars defect of the spine, with nerve damage. I had two surgeries last year to try to help, but it can’t be fixed.

I’ve lost friends as I became disabled, but I’ve also found some truly amazing people. The hardest thing for me has been not being able to run around the park with my youngest like I did with my oldest - that hurts more than all the pain. But I know I am a good mum, and my girls are loved and supported.

I try to turn everything around and show them to never give up. There are times when I struggle and feel sad about the pain, about how inaccessible the world can be, and how cruel people can be to disabled people. But one thing I’ve learned is to keep going and to enjoy all the precious little moments in life.

I lost my sister two years ago to cancer. She was my inspiration - a strong woman. I won’t let her down, or my family.