From Fatigue & Flares to Self-Advocacy: Chaylee’s Psoriatic Arthritis Experience

Editor’s Note:
At The Patient Story, we’ve built a platform where real stories empower people facing cancer—but that same storytelling power can uplift those living with other serious health conditions, too.

We’re expanding our reach to include chronic autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis—a condition that’s often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, especially in young adults. In this story, Chaylee shares her experience navigating overwhelming fatigue, joint pain, and years of frustration before finally getting the right diagnosis. From treatment setbacks to mental health challenges and moments of advocacy, her story offers raw honesty, encouragement, and a reminder that no one should face chronic illness alone.

When Chaylee started feeling wiped out all the time and noticed her joints swelling, she knew something was wrong, but she didn’t expect it to be psoriatic arthritis. At the time, she had just graduated high school and was starting college. Instead of soaking up her independence, she found herself stuck on the couch, too fatigued to move and dealing with painful, swollen joints. It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it was life-disrupting.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Her first doctor brushed her off with a fibromyalgia diagnosis and a prescription that left her feeling foggy and unable to function. She dropped out within a week of starting college, losing her full-ride scholarship. That low point was painful, but it pushed her to take control. Chaylee moved six hours away to Boise for better care, which paid off. A new rheumatologist listened to her, took her symptoms seriously, and finally diagnosed her with psoriatic arthritis in January 2023.

Looking back, the signs were all there, especially the scalp psoriasis Chaylee had dealt with since she was a pre-teen. But no one ever told her that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis often go hand in hand. That lack of awareness was frustrating, especially since early intervention makes such a big difference.

While navigating chronic illness as a young adult isn’t easy, Chaylee found ways to adapt. Community played a huge role. Connecting with others online who understood what she was going through made her feel less alone. She also tapped into creativity, making spoon jewelry to connect with fellow patients and joining the Young Patients Autoimmune Research and Empowerment Alliance (YPAREA) to help make research more accessible for people her age.

Chaylee’s treatment took time to figure out. Celecoxib didn’t work and methotrexate helped but came with heavy side effects. Eventually, she started adalimumab injections, which gave her more consistent relief from psoriatic arthritis symptoms. While flare-ups still happen — especially in cold weather or under stress — she’s found ways to manage them.

Some of Chaylee’s biggest lessons? Self-advocacy is everything. Learning to speak up, ask questions, and request better care changed her life. She’s also passionate about mental health — reminding others that your worth isn’t defined by productivity and that it’s okay to rest. Psoriatic arthritis may have changed her plans, but it’s also helped her discover new passions, connect with others, and live more intentionally.

Watch Chaylee’s story to learn more:

• Discover how Chaylee rebuilt her life after her chronic illness disrupted her future plans.
• See how a correct diagnosis turned confusion into clarity and relief.
• Learn how finding creative outlets helped transform isolation into empowerment.
• Explore how Chaylee is breaking stereotypes about psoriatic arthritis and young adults.
• Get inspired by how she balances work, advocacy, and well-being despite chronic pain.

• Name: Chaylee M.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • 19
• Diagnosis:
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
• Symptoms:
  • Severe fatigue
  • Swollen fingers and face
  • Joint weakness
  • Flaky skin
  • Rashes
  • Long-term scalp psoriasis
• Treatments:
  • Celecoxib
  • Methotrexate
  • Adalimumab injections

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

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Symptoms: Painful cracked skin on the scalp, inflammation on the top of the foot, joint pain in the foot
Treatments: Shampoos, creams, injections, pills, prescription medications, biologics

Chaylee M., Psoriatic Arthritis



Symptoms: Severe fatigue, swollen fingers and face, joint weakness, flaky skin, rashes, long-term scalp psoriasis
Treatments: Celecoxib, methotrexate, adalimumab injections