I have had juvenile idiopathic arthritis since I was 12 (onset at 10 years old), in my 20s I developed psoriasis and therefore, my diagnosis changed to psoriatic-associated JIA/Psoriatic Arthritis.
I have experienced both the physical, aesthetic and mental health impact of psoriasis and associated disease and it has shaped who I am today. Good and bad. Today, I actively campaign for awareness and change regarding arthritis, JiA, psoriasis and mental health. My writing has been published in several places, and I have featured in several media campaigns for national charities.
However, I want to do more.
I am passionate about change and want to share my story with more people. To build on this momentum and voice I have found over the last two years that I didn't even know I had. To explain how I went from a child in rheumatology waiting rooms terrified of people far older than me or with psoriasis to the man and father I am today who passionately talks about my experiences to help others understand the broader impacts of the disease. To try and break down the stigma.
Joel Nelson
Age: 40
Location: Norwich, England
Types of psoriatic disease: Psoriatic arthritis, Plaque psoriasis
Languages: English
