Kimberly

When I re-branded the blog, I wasn't sure how much I would share about my Psoriasis. That said, this post was not in my original plans today. When I woke up yesterday and checked Timehop though, I was reminded of when THIS HAPPENED at Old Navy three years ago. Suffice to say, I remember that day very clearly, and the reminder of it inspired me to write something for you now. We'll see where it goes.

The specifics of my condition have changed since that post. Since then...

• My medications have changed. While I still take 2 shots weekly, I am no longer on Neoral, I am on a drug called Otezla. It's a much lower dosage of medication as far as mg ingested, but I still take it twice a day.
• With that in mind, I don't have to see the dermatologist monthly anymore to monitor my blood levels like I did with Neoral. I've gone from 12 visits a year to just 4.
• I shaved my head 8 days after posting this; my hair has grown back well with the same texture and color, thankfully.
• I still have a number of Psoriasis spots on my legs and my hands/feet's conditions have definitely worsened over time.
• In the past couple of years I've developed what we're calling "stress allergies." Meaning, when I get stressed, my body decides to be allergic to whatever it feels like being allergic to. It's awesome.
• The arthritis is probably what has really become the worst over time. It's in every joint I have, but really impacts my knees the most.

It's hard to believe that it has been SIX years since starting on this journey. It's hard to believe what things I've battled (and overcome). It gets overwhelming some days, because just like anything else... every day is different. Weather definitely plays into things, so do products (shampoos, lotions, etc.) that I use. But as best as I can, I'm managing.

I have been blessed with people in my life who love and support me no matter what. People who when my leg starts gushing blood in our Houston hotel room tell me to elevate and apply pressure with a towel without batting an eye. People who call and advocate for me when it comes to my medications and insurance. People who see me as Kimberly, rather than a person with 5 skin diseases.

SIX YEARS LATER --