S.P.A.R.K.L.E.
Support Psoriatic Arthritis Research with Kindness Love & Education
About Erin
Erin is a 28 year old mother of two young
children. She and her high school sweetheart Joe have been married for
almost ten years. Erin began having minor joint pain after the birth of
her daughter in 2006. Then in late summer of 2008 her jaw locked and she
could no longer eat. A visit to the rheumatologist revealed advanced bone
degeneration in her hands, shoulders, jaw and right knee along with a diagnosis
of Degenerative Joint Disease. An oral maxillofacial surgeon specializing
in temporomandibular joint issues “TMJ” splinted her jaw; but unfortunately
this did not work. The next step was surgery to reconstruct the
jaw. The surgery was scheduled for December 10, but when the family could
only come up with a portion of the $11,000 required, the surgeon canceled
it. Insurance would not cover this surgery because of the procedure code
used by the doctors; they were calling it an elective procedure.
After several more months of setbacks and no answers the TMJ specialist asked a random question that resulted in an “A-ha” moment. After 9 months they finally had a new diagnosis that fit all of the other symptoms that she was experiencing; Psoriatic Arthritis or PsA.
PsA is an autoimmune disease, there is no known cure and treatment to slow the progression attacks the body just as chemotherapy would in a cancer patient. This particular case is now in the advanced stage; it is affecting her range of motion in her hands, arms, shoulders, hips and knees. The most advanced degeneration is in her jaw. A typical jaw can open to 56mm; due to the progression of the disease she has excruciating pain to open her jaw to its maximum, 12mm. On July 1 Erin underwent reconstructive surgery on both sides of her jaw. The recovery was difficult and painful requiring her jaw to be wired shut for more than six weeks. Unfortunately the surgery did not work as well as expected. She has more joint space but the arthritis is now attacking the soft tissue around the bones. She still has extremely limited range of motion as well as increased pain. A recent MRI showed this disease is spreading at an alarming rate. The disease is currently affecting more than 20 joints in her body.
Relieved to have answers, this family is now faced with a more physically, emotionally, and financially debilitating disease. The costly surgery was only minimally covered by the insurance company. She has currently lost 15% of her body weight and this has put her under 100 pounds. The drug treatments of Methotrexate only inhibit her ability to get adequate nutrition. After a few months on Methotrexate, her doctor already wants to place her on stronger biologic medications that can cost up to $15,000 a year.
Unfortunately this is just the beginning for Erin. There will be many uncertainties with this incurable, rapidly debilitating disease. Putting her teaching degree on hold, Erin has made it her new life’s purpose to educate others about this disease and advocate for her and others. She exudes strength and courage as she fights for her quality of life. She is a wonderful example of humanity for her children Isaac and Kendall.
Erin SPARKLES, do you?
After several more months of setbacks and no answers the TMJ specialist asked a random question that resulted in an “A-ha” moment. After 9 months they finally had a new diagnosis that fit all of the other symptoms that she was experiencing; Psoriatic Arthritis or PsA.
PsA is an autoimmune disease, there is no known cure and treatment to slow the progression attacks the body just as chemotherapy would in a cancer patient. This particular case is now in the advanced stage; it is affecting her range of motion in her hands, arms, shoulders, hips and knees. The most advanced degeneration is in her jaw. A typical jaw can open to 56mm; due to the progression of the disease she has excruciating pain to open her jaw to its maximum, 12mm. On July 1 Erin underwent reconstructive surgery on both sides of her jaw. The recovery was difficult and painful requiring her jaw to be wired shut for more than six weeks. Unfortunately the surgery did not work as well as expected. She has more joint space but the arthritis is now attacking the soft tissue around the bones. She still has extremely limited range of motion as well as increased pain. A recent MRI showed this disease is spreading at an alarming rate. The disease is currently affecting more than 20 joints in her body.
Relieved to have answers, this family is now faced with a more physically, emotionally, and financially debilitating disease. The costly surgery was only minimally covered by the insurance company. She has currently lost 15% of her body weight and this has put her under 100 pounds. The drug treatments of Methotrexate only inhibit her ability to get adequate nutrition. After a few months on Methotrexate, her doctor already wants to place her on stronger biologic medications that can cost up to $15,000 a year.
Unfortunately this is just the beginning for Erin. There will be many uncertainties with this incurable, rapidly debilitating disease. Putting her teaching degree on hold, Erin has made it her new life’s purpose to educate others about this disease and advocate for her and others. She exudes strength and courage as she fights for her quality of life. She is a wonderful example of humanity for her children Isaac and Kendall.
Erin SPARKLES, do you?