I saw another doctor back in KL when I was 26 and was getting treatment twice a month. When it didn’t work and I didn’t see any improvements, the doctor told me it was because I was overweight. He told me that I needed to lose weight if I wanted the treatment to work.
It was really hard for me to lose weight in the beginning. I didn’t believe that my weight was connected to my skin condition. I was also prescribed biologics, but I had to stop treatment due to unforeseen circumstances.
It wasn’t until 2019, when I got divorced, that I got diagnosed with psoriasis arthritis. The major triggers were my divorce and the shocking words he uttered when we were in a fight. He told me that I don’t take care of my skin and body. He also said, "I’m so disgusted by your skin." It made me think, is this really the reason why he cheated on me and is leaving me?
When I was diagnosed with psoriasis arthritis, I was experiencing pain in my ankle, and initially thought that I had sprained it. It progressed to pain in my hands and other joint areas. When I walked, I felt like I was falling, and I found it hard to drive because my legs would really hurt. My nails also became brittle and started developing tiny dots on them, which I was later told was nail psoriasis.
With my psoriasis progression and divorce, I felt so alone and helpless. I was really struggling with my mental health and didn’t even want to leave the house. I really hate it when strangers come up and ask what’s wrong with my skin or when people give me unsolicited advice. It took me a while to overcome my sadness. Therapy really helped me deal with my divorce and the changes that were happening in my body.
I remember this one incident that happened at Bangkok's airport. My sister and I were travelling back to Malaysia after our holiday, and the airline staff refused to let me board the plane because they saw my skin and were afraid that I was contagious. After arguing with them for hours, I was finally allowed on the flight.
Another frustrating incident I remember was when I went to a spa for a massage. The masseuse walked out of the room when she saw my skin and refused to massage me. They made me get off the bed, put my clothes back on and leave the premises. These two incidents really scarred me for a long time. I have become very self-conscious of my skin, especially when meeting new men, I worry that they will be disgusted by my skin and leave me like my ex-husband did.
Today, I am in a better place physically, mentally, and emotionally. When I look back to where I was when I was in pain, I realised that I have come so far. It was not an easy road, and it took a lot of pain and suffering to get the right treatment, but I am proud that I went through it. Thank God that I am still standing today, much happier and healthier than I have been in a long time.
Chiq
By True Complexion
Approval Code: MY2207143319
