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My name is Penkoff, I am 44 years old, the mother of an amazing 9 year old

son and the wife of a fabulously man that I have been privileged to be with for

nearly 22 years. I have two great dogs and a home that we love. I am a web

retailer and author of the book Girlfriend Generation. I have a very busy life.

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 5 years ago. Although I have

lived with it for about 9 years. My psoriasis (the skin condition) flared up

visually for the first time when my son was about 2 months old. It wasn't a

small thing either. Out of the blue my hands were like " hamburger meat " , as my

husband so nicely put it, and my face wasn't much better. I refused to leave the

house. It was not long after that that I started having joint pain, stiffness

and sore muscles. There are days when I can barely function, but, I try. Since

psoriatic arthritis doesn't only effect your joints, but your muscles and

internal organs, it confused many of my doctors as they were unfamiliar with the

disease. I have had just about every test under the sun, in an attempt to

diagnose my condition.

<DIV><BR>About a year and a half ago I had a muscle spasm that encompassed my

entire mid-section and lasted about 30 minutes. When it was done I had to spend

2 days in bed, because I was so sore, and had pain that lasted in the area of my

kidneys, for 3 months. That pain comes back on and off and last several weeks

each time. I have been to all kinds of doctors to make sure that there is

nothing wrong with my kidneys and have been told no. It is your arthritis

attacking the muscles in that area. I have mixed feelings about that. The devil

know vs the devil unknown sort of thing.

Many days I get up in the morning and the heel of my foot hurts almost too much

to walk. Many days I feel like I got beat up. I get ear infections due to this

an my nails are effected in big ways. I have lost numerous toe nails and my

finger nails are extremely dry. Since appearance is very important to me, I have

my nails done every 2 weeks. I have found after years of searching, products

that I can use on my skin so that most people don't even know I have psoriasis.

I have also managed to avoid medication, for I know once I start, I will never

come off of them.

NO ONE knows I am sick unless I tell them. I like it that way. Today is one of

those days. I was on my feet all day yesterday outside, and today I am having a

difficult time functioning. EVERYTHING hurts.

The good news is, I still go out dancing with the girls, in 4 inch heels and go

about my life. I pay for it later, but, I refuse to give in. I can't yet. This

is my life.

I need to make it work.

Penkoff <girlfriendgeneration@...>