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Tag: purple

  • Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’: Plant of the Year for 2026

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    The Garden Club of America (GCA) has named Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’ Plant of the Year—which, according to its website, “is awarded annually to acknowledge the cultivation and use of native plants, trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, and perennials that are little known but deemed worthy to be preserved, propagated, promoted, and planted.”

    “We engage with a small group of horticulture professionals from various botanical gardens and arboreta in the US. They receive all nominations and rank the plants based on growth factors, ecological services, adaptability, etc.,” explains horticulturalist and Freeman Medal vice chair Cynthia Druckenbrod, of the selection process. “They chose Vernonia lettermanni ‘Iron Butterfly’ because of its late season color, compact growth habit making it successful in backyard gardens, and drought and disease tolerance.”

    Above: Photograph by Krzysztof Ziarnek via Wikimedia.

    While ironweed itself is not unknown, this cultivar is a recent addition. “More nurseries are growing and selling this cultivar now. It was a relatively recent introduction in 2014, and Mt. Cuba Center’s trial of Vernonia cultivars was conducted between 2020 and 2023. During that time, their botanists ranked V. lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’ very high,” she shares.

    The cultivar has a lot going for it—and landscape designers have taken notice (Piet Oudolf has been known to incorporate the plant into his landscapes). With beautiful, almost fern-like narrow leaves, it adds soft mounds of texture in the garden. Its clumping habit makes it well behaved. It can tolerate drought as well as the occasional deluge, making itself happy in just about any part of the garden that has full sun. It can grow in poor soil and doesn’t require much attention, but can benefit with a Chelsea chop in May. Its purple-ish flowers bloom as early as July and can continue to frost, providing food for migrating hummingbirds and butterflies.

    A 5-inch deep pot of Iron Butterfly Ironweed is $17.99 at High Country Gardens.
    Above: A 5-inch deep pot of Iron Butterfly Ironweed is $17.99 at High Country Gardens.

    “Gardens should provide nectar sources for pollinators equally during spring, summer, and fall if possible. I think most tend to focus on mid-summer blooming perennials. Fall-blooming perennials are a real delight providing color until frost and important food resources for insects that overwinter or are laying eggs in the fall.”

    One last thing, if you are wondering if the plant was named after rock band Iron Butterfly, the answer is, yes! Steve Castorani, from North Creek Nurseries, gave it its name as a nod to the band and to the plant’s toughness and ability to thrive in poor conditions.

    Cheat Sheet

    Above: Joe-Pye weed and Vernonia lettermannii in a Pennsylvania garden. Photograph by Larry Weaner, from Garden Visit: Out with the Lawn, In with the Native Plants.
    • Native to Arkansas and Oklahoma, the hardy perennial does best in zones 4 to 9.
    • Tolerates a wide range of soils.
    • Grows to 24- to 36-inches high and 18- to 36-inches wide. Clump forming.
    • Drought tolerant once established.
    • Low maintenance. Happy in a prairie as well as a rock garden.

    Keep It Alive

    A 1-pint pot of Vernonia lettermannii �216;Iron Butterly�217; is $19 at White Flower Farm.
    Above: A 1-pint pot of Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterly’ is $19 at White Flower Farm.
    • Prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. Too little sun will make the plant floppy.
    • Quite happy in poor soil, since over-rich soil will do the same as too little sun.
    • Very disease- and pest-resistant.

    See also:

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  • Saffron Crocus: How to Grow the Flower That’s Behind the Most Expensive Spice in the World

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    Saffron Crocus, Crocus sativus

    If you do a search for the top ten most expensive spices, you’ll find a varied list. However there is one spice that is always at the top of that list: saffron.

    Saffron spice is made by collecting the stigmas, also called threads, of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), drying them, then grinding them into a powder. There are three stigmas in each flower, and it takes about 75,000 to make a pound. That pound could cost you around $1,500.

    Above: A field of saffron crocus. Photograph by Shellie via Flickr.

    Or you can buy about 30 bulbs for less than $20, plant them, and grind your own saffron. Before you start dreaming of riches, know that you’ll need 167 flowers, with three stigmas each, to make just one gram of dried saffron. You’re not going to get rich planting a patch of saffron crocus, but you will have some pretty fall flowers and be able to make a few batches of saffron rice with your harvest! Not to mention the satisfaction that you grew the most expensive spice in the world in your own backyard.

    Here’s what you need to know about growing saffron crocus in your garden.

    Cheat Sheet:

    Above: Above: Gardenista contributor Marie Viljoen planted 50 fall-blooming saffron crocuses, “enough for a couple of very good bouillabaisses and a risotto,” she writes in February To-Do: 10 Flowers and Ferns to Preorder Now. Photograph via Dutch-Grown.
    • Crocus sativus is a perennial and part of the iris family. It grows up to 4-inches tall from corms and produces small lilac flowers with bright orange stigmas.
    • It blooms in September and October; its also known as “autumn crocus and “fall flowering crocus.”
    • It has poisonous lookalikes in the lily family; Colchicum autumnale is highly toxic and can be fatal if eaten. Only harvest stigmas from saffron corms you planted yourself.
    • The saffron crocus is believed to originate in the Mediterranean. There are some that think Greece may be the place (crocus comes from the Greek word krokus), and others believe that it’s the near east, in what was Persia.
    • It is now cultivated in many parts of the world, with Spain, Italy, Iran, and India being the top producers.

    Keep It Alive:

    Above: Plant this side down. This is the base of the corm. Photograph by Joy Yagid.
    • In the US, saffron does best in zones 6-8.
    • Plant it 2- to 4-inches deep in late summer or early fall, in fertile, well-draining soil. Flat side is the bottom of the corm and the pointy side is the top. Fertilize in the spring with a mix for bulbs.
    • It likes full sun. It does best in locations with dry summers, but does need water during the growing season.
    • To propagate, divide the corms every three to four years, as the flowers are sterile.
    • To harvest, using tweezers, pick out only the deep orange stigmas and place on paper towels in a warm, dark, and dry place. Store in an airtight container when dried.
    • Saffron crocuses have few pests, but squirrels do like the corms. Consider planting the corms within a hardware cloth box if you are concerned.

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  • The Purple Pig’s Founding Chef Departs After 15 Years

    The Purple Pig’s Founding Chef Departs After 15 Years

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    Jimmy Bannos Jr.’s last day at the Purple Pig ended with little fanfare as the chef sold his stake in the Loop restaurant. As of Wednesday, October 23, Bannos Jr. is no longer involved in the restaurant he co-founded 15 years ago.

    The Purple Pig will continue without Bannos Jr., who says this was his choice and “it was time to move on,” and that he needs to concentrate on his new Greek restaurant in Northwest Suburban Niles. Father Jimmy Bannos is also involved in Koukla, pegged to open by winter’s end in February or March at 7620 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

    “I’m really, really excited about it,” Bannos Jr. says. “Am I going to miss being in the city all the time? Absolutely, but it doesn’t mean I’m not ever going to open up a restaurant in the city again.”

    The deal to buy the former Amici Ristorante in Niles was “too good to pass up.” Amici closed in the spring after 37 years. Bannos Jr. says he’s been talking to Brasero and El Che Bar chef John Manion, an open-fire cooking aficionado. They’re using the same folks who make Manion’s grills at Koukla. While the Purple Pig blended food from different Mediterranean countries, Koukla will focus on Greece.

    It’s a challenge to separate Bannos Jr. from the Purple Pig. The chef won accolades including the 2014 James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef. The restaurant was a fixture in many “best of” lists in Chicago, including the Eater Chicago 38. Bannos Jr. says he sold his stake to his existing partners and that he hasn’t been at the Purple Pig much over the summer as he’s focused on Niles. So there wasn’t much of a goodbye on his final day. Bannos Jr. says he wishes his old partners nothing but the best.

    The past few years have been challenging for Bannos Jr. and a time for growth. After a landlord dispute, the restaurant moved from its original location, which has since transformed into a Chick-fil-A. The new location opened in 2019: “Part of my like soul died,” Bannos Jr. says. “It was so hard to deal with because we really couldn’t do anything.”

    The chef candidly talks about frustrations that built up during the pandemic saying he was “angry at the world.” He went through a divorce and was arrested in 2019 for a bizarre altercation involving employees from Mi Tocaya Antojeria which took place at a Chicago Gourmet auxiliary event. Bannos Jr. appeared in court but the charges were thrown out. The pandemic made it oughter while trying to keep the restaurant from closing: “It was the lowest point in my life,” Bannos Jr. says, adding “The Purple Pig was not an easy place to make happen every day.”

    When he walked into the vacated Amici space, Bannos Jr. says it felt similar to when he entered the original Purple Pig space for the first time. His imagination began to run wild with ideas. He now holds a much brighter outlook in life while working with his father on their new restaurant. Kevin Stack, who has worked with Bannos Jr. for 13 years, is coming over to Niles as chef and partner. Stack’s fiance, Audrey Witte, who also worked at the Purple Pig, will be general manager.

    Bannos Jr. comes from a family of restaurant owners. His father, Jimmy Bannos, is known for Heaven on Seven. His son notes how father hasn’t gotten the hang of retirement, figuring out some means of staying in the restaurant industry, whether it’s a gumbo drop in Logan Square or something else.

    The family will have more news on their new restaurant in the coming weeks.

    Koukla, 7620 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, planned for a February or March opening

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    Ashok Selvam

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  • ‘Purple Rain’ With Bill Simmons and Wesley Morris

    ‘Purple Rain’ With Bill Simmons and Wesley Morris

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    Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to rewatch a movie called Purple Rain. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Wesley Morris dive deep into Prince’s 1984 acting debut, starring Prince, Apollonia, and Morris Day.

    Producer: Craig Horlbeck

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Stitcher / RSS

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    Bill Simmons

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  • Before & After: Converting an Unusable, Exposed London Rooftop Into a Tranquil, Private Terrace – Gardenista

    Before & After: Converting an Unusable, Exposed London Rooftop Into a Tranquil, Private Terrace – Gardenista

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    We generally save the “before” images for the end of our articles, but in this case, it’s helpful and inspiring to see upfront the space pre-remodel. Take a look at this entirely drabby and exposed rooftop. If a tiny, depressing roof can be transformed into a private urban oasis, one that invites lingering and relaxation, then anything’s possible.

    The incredible terrace makeover is the work of London-based landscape designer Lis Eriksson. Her client gave her free rein over the design but did have a few requests: 1) adequate shade as he is fair-skinned; 2) low-pollen plants on account of his allergies; and 3) flowers in shades of purple, his favorite color.

    Here’s what Lis delivered.

    Photography by Rachel Warne.

    Before

    The roof of the Victorian coach house pre-transformation. Skylights protruding onto the roof made it unusable for the homeowner. The entire space measures just 9 square meters (or 29.5 square feet).
    Above: The roof of the Victorian coach house pre-transformation. Skylights protruding onto the roof made it unusable for the homeowner. The entire space measures just 9 square meters (or 29.5 square feet).

    After

    The client can now walk out directly onto a tranquil rooftop deck. Partitions composed of Sapele slats, lightly brushed with Rustoleum paint in Chalk, provide privacy.
    Above: The client can now walk out directly onto a tranquil rooftop deck. Partitions composed of Sapele slats, lightly brushed with Rustoleum paint in Chalk, provide privacy.

    Everything, from the plant design to the custom built-ins, was designed by Lis. A pergola offers ample shade, as promised. “I also added a heater hanging from the pergola so that he can comfortably enjoy the space in the colder months,” she shares. 
    Above: Everything, from the plant design to the custom built-ins, was designed by Lis. A pergola offers ample shade, as promised. “I also added a heater hanging from the pergola so that he can comfortably enjoy the space in the colder months,” she shares. 

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  • Growing Pansies

    Growing Pansies

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    Pansies are annual garden flowers (blooms for only one year, then dies) that are usually the first you find for sale in stores in spring.  Pansies have been around for many years and are popular, being easy to grow and so colorful during the cooler days of spring and fall.

    In cool northern climates, pansies will bloom well into summer when temperatures turn hot.  In warm southern climates they’re often planted again in fall, lasting into and even through the winter.  Keeping flowers picked off after bloom (if you have just a few in containers) will keep them more tidy and promote more blooms. If you’re lucky, they’ll self-sow seeds, coming back in future years.

    Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are hybrids of several species, the most common being the viola known as “Heartsease” (Viola tricolor).  While the terms viola and pansy are often used interchangeably, there actually is a difference.  Flowers of violas are usually smaller, those of pansies larger.  The real difference, though, is that pansies have four petals pointing upward and one pointing downward; violas or violets have three petals pointing upward and two downward.

    Pansy flowers usually have blotches or markings, making them resemble a face.  This was first discovered on a sport (mutation) in the late 1830s, at the time that pansies were first becoming popular in Europe and England, with hundreds of varieties.  Originally, pansies began as wildflowers in Europe and western Asia.

    Pansies continue to be bred, with colors ranging from white to almost black, and most any color and combination in between.  There are ones with large flowers such as the Majestic Giant series (3 to 4 inches across), medium such as the Crown and Imperial series (2 to 3 inches), and multiflora such as the Maxim series and the orange Padparadja (one to 2 inches).  Series are simply groups of cultivars (cultivated varieties) that differ in color but share other traits such as flower shape, size, and hardiness.

    Several pansies have been All-America Selections winners such as Majestic Giant White Face in 1966, Imperial Blue in 1975, and both Maxim Marina and Padparadja in 1991.  Some pansies have a pleasant scent—generally yellow and blue ones—the scent most noticed in early morning and at dusk.

    There even is a new category of trailing pansies, which spread over two feet wide.  WonderFall and Cool Wave are a couple of these to look for in stores. They are best in hanging baskets, as groundcovers, or spilling over edges of large containers.

    If you want to start pansies from seeds, plan on plenty of time—14 to 16 weeks before planting outside in early spring.  This means you’ll need to start them in late January or early February indoors, under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.  It will take several weeks for the tiny seeds to germinate and grow a couple sets of true leaves, at which time you can start giving them a dilute fertilizer.  From sowing onward, make sure to keep the soil moist.  A well-drained seed-sowing mix should be used for sowing and growing on, not soil.

    If you don’t want the challenge or have the time to start your own pansies, you can buy them in spring ready to plant in the garden or pots.  Use a good potting mix for containers such as windowboxes, adding some slow release or organic fertilizer (according to your choice), at the labeled rates.  Use such fertilizer too in the garden, to which you’ve added an inch or two of compost.  Keep plants watered, especially after planting, but avoid overhead watering—water the soil instead to prevent leaf and flower diseases.  Roots may rot if soils are waterlogged and too wet.

    There are few pests that bother pansies, and even aphids and spider mites that may get on them usually do little harm.  If you find slugs eating your pansies, there are many remedies to try including saucers of beer (slugs are attracted to them, then drown), copper strips, egg shells, even coffee grounds sprinkled among plants.  Put a roll of moist newspaper in the garden which slugs may hide in during the day (they tend to feed at night), then just remove the paper and slugs.

    Plant pansies six to ten inches apart. Even the largest stay under one foot high and wide.  Full sun is fine in cool, northern climate.  Morning sun is best in warmer climates.

    Other than just enjoying pansies for their cheery spring color in containers, along walks and edges, or massed in borders, you can eat the flowers in salads and dessert.  Their flavor is slightly minty.  Or, pick them to dry and use in potpourri.  In the Language of Flowers, popular in Victorian times, pansies represented the thoughts of lovers.  The word pansy comes from the French word “pensee” meaning thought or remembrance. During the 19th century they were used for “love potions”.  Others have used the flowers as a natural dye.

    Related to pansies, but with much smaller flowers, are Johnny Jump-Ups.  Although traditionally in purple, lavender and yellow, you can find these with other colors such as white, wine red, and pastels.  They’re great to interplant with spring bulbs, and usually come back each year from self-sowing.

    For its ease of growth and color, pansy was named by the National Garden Bureau as the annual Flower of the Year for 2017.  You can learn more about this and other flowers of the year on their website (ngb.org).
    Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor Emeritus
    University of Vermont

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    Dr. Leonard Perry

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  • Our 2024 Movie Resolutions, ‘Anyone but You,’ and ‘The Color Purple’

    Our 2024 Movie Resolutions, ‘Anyone but You,’ and ‘The Color Purple’

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    ‌

    Sean and Amanda give some box office thoughts from the last couple weeks, before honing in on two films in theaters right now: Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s sex comedy Anyone but You (15:00) and the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple (49:00). They close by each sharing three New Year’s movie resolutions that relate to the show (1:04:00).

    RSVP for a chance to attend The Big Picture’s OPPENHEIMER screening at the IMAX campus in L.A. here: uni.pictures/oppenheimerbigpictureevent‌.

    Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
    Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Stitcher / RSS

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    Sean Fennessey

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  • Here’s How To Turn Your Bedroom Into A Tranquil Relaxation Zone

    Here’s How To Turn Your Bedroom Into A Tranquil Relaxation Zone

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    As we approach fall and go back to work and school, it’s time to think about how we decorate and the impact of our homes on our mood. One of the most important rooms to consider is the bedroom. A bedroom where you feel relaxed is truly crucial for overall well-being. Fortunately, creating these spaces to maximize health and sleep isn’t too much of a challenge. Here’s how the experts suggest transforming your bedroom from a crashpad into a tranquil haven.

    Invest In A Good Mattress

    There’s nothing that feels quite like getting into bed every night and lying down on a comfortable mattress to help lull you to sleep. “Nine out of ten Americans don’t wake up feeling refreshed each morning. Having an older or low-quality mattress can exacerbate the problem. It can retain heat making it harder to fall asleep or lack support which will increase night awakenings and morning aches and pains,” says Kristen Olson-Turner, Senior Director of Merchandising at Purple.

    Purple is a unique company because its mattresses are engineered a bit differently than traditional mattresses. “Purple’s proprietary GelFlex Grid uses a repeating geometric structure to create cushioned comfort. The grid shape adjusts to pressure points while supporting broad areas like hips and backs. This structure has been shown to reduce aches and pains and prevent heat retention,” says Olsen-Turner.

    Purple’s mattresses don’t use box springs but are incredibly thick for a high-up, hotel-like feel. They’re incredibly luxurious.

    Buy The Good Sheets

    According to Olson-Turner, sheets can be just as important as finding the perfect mattress. “It can make all the difference when it comes to your comfort and temperature control throughout the night. When choosing the right bed sheets for you, consider factors like the material used, weave, and thread count.”

    So, consider the material before you click add to cart. “For example, if you’re a hot sleeper, you may consider percale, linen, or Tencel sheets to keep you cool through the night. Cold sleepers may want to look for thick sheets that can act as insulators, such as flannel, satin, and combed cotton sheets.”

    Adjust The Thermostat

    Sleeping at the right temperature is also essential. “An average range between 66 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit serves as the recommended sleeping temperature. However, your ideal body temperature will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your age, gender, and personal preferences. Your body in bed generates heat and often our mattress and covers can trap that heat resulting in night awakenings,” says Olson-Turner. “It’s hard to fall asleep if you’re too hot or cold, and it’s hard to stay asleep if you’re too hot or cold.”

    One easy way to ensure the temperature in the room is always ideal for sleeping is to get a programable thermostat that can be integrated into your smart home system.

    Install Blackout Curtains

    Olson-Turner also suggests installing blackout window treatments. Today’s blackout treatments are very different than those ugly white roller shades of yesteryear. The Shade Store has lots of unique blackout window treatments including drapes, shades, Roman Shades, and blinds. These treatments can be a part of your decor and elevate the tranquility of the space.

    Use Neutral Colors

    Neutrals have been a major design trend in recent years. There’s a good reason for this. “Your home can be your stressor or your sanctuary, but it cannot be both. Bedrooms are meant to be a serene shelter where you get to climb into your comfy bed with soft sheets and let out a relieved sigh. To achieve this, examine the components of your bedroom,” says Joshua Smith, principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc.

    He advises steering clear of bold colors. “Scientific studies have shown that colors can influence our mood, and vibrant tones can be overstimulating. So, steering clear of bold colors that will keep you energized is a good place to start,” explains the designer.

    However, that doesn’t mean everything has to be white or eggshell. Smith recommends considering blue, green, light purple, and soft pink shades. “No matter what hue you choose, take some time to experiment with color—make your space personal and discover what truly works for you.”

    Accessorize With A Rug

    Rugs aren’t just a great way to accessorize a bedroom by adding color and texture into a space—there are other benefits as well. “Carpeting your bedroom or adding a soft area rug helps soften any harsh noises like footsteps.” While wall-to-wall carpeting isn’t ideal for most spaces, it can work incredibly well in a bedroom.

    Reevaluate The Lighting Scheme

    The right lighting is crucial in all rooms but especially bedrooms. According to Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo, “Lighting can greatly affect the way we perceive and experience a room. We love layering lighting in the bedroom by adding cans, chandeliers, and table lamps for soothing ambiance options. Often in Arizona, we have to bypass a beautiful chandelier for a ceiling fan because it gets so hot, so we may add in pendants but still always layer with cans. We always go with soft white for bedrooms, aiming between 2700 to 3000 Kelvin.”

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    Amanda Lauren, Contributor

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  • What it’s Like to Be a Black Woman With Psoriatic Arthritis

    What it’s Like to Be a Black Woman With Psoriatic Arthritis

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    By Nicole Cech as told to Hallie Levine

    When I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 2 years ago at the age of 24, I almost wept with relief. For years, I’d experienced puzzling symptoms. Dark purple-brown flakes on the back of my neck and in the cracks of my feet. Bouts of fatigue were so disabling I couldn’t concentrate at work. Joint pain kept me from doing my favorite workouts.

    Suddenly, it seemed that pieces of a missing jigsaw puzzle had appeared. While it was hard to digest that I had a form of inflammatory arthritis, I was also relieved that I knew what was going on. Hopefully, I could move on and live my life.

    Unfortunately, it did take me years to get a diagnosis. My story isn’t uncommon. Research suggests psoriatic disease – both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis – is underdiagnosed in Black patients. We’re also less likely to get appropriate treatments for our psoriatic arthritis such as biologics. Here’s my story, in the hope that it will help others.

    A Puzzling Rash

    I experienced psoriasis for years before my official diagnosis. I first noticed it at the age of 7, after a bout of strep throat. I experienced a full-body outbreak like my current psoriasis flares. My doctors were completely puzzled as to what it was. They diagnosed eczema, even though it didn’t look like it. My rash wasn’t red but dark purple-brown. It also didn’t itch.

     

    As I got older, I noticed other, unexplainable symptoms too. I’ve always been active, often walking as much as 5 miles a day. But that level of exercise began to cause backache. I noticed that I couldn’t get through workouts without experiencing joint pain. I remember doing a class that involved a lot of jumping and running, and by the time I got halfway through it, I began to cry. My primary care physician sent me to specialists, including dermatologists and rheumatologists, who told me the pain was all in my head.

    A Moment of Clarity

    I spent 3 years working at a skincare company. I spent my days with dermatologists and was very well-versed in medical journals. I began to realize that something about my diagnosis of eczema didn’t add up. I decided to seek out a Black dermatologist. The first thing she said to me when she saw me was, “it’s not eczema.” She explained to me that while many dermatologists look for pink or red patches with silvery-white scales to diagnose psoriasis, on black skin, they usually appear as purple patches with gray scales.

     

    She also took the time to ask me if I had any other unusual symptoms. When I brought up the fatigue and joint pain, she told me that she thought I might have psoriatic arthritis. She prescribed Cosentyx, a biologic often used to treat the condition. It works by targeting a certain protein, interleukin 17 that’s associated with psoriatic inflammation.

     

    After I saw the dermatologist, I went to see a rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis. I left the appointment in tears. She was very dismissive. She literally said to me, “It sounds like your dermatologist has it, so I’m not sure what else you want me to do,” and left the room without even saying goodbye. As soon as I got into my car, I did a Google search for other rheumatologists in my area. I found a great doctor who took a much more holistic approach. She said to me that her goal was for me to live my life and do anything I wanted to do. She eventually prescribed me a new biologic, Humira, which was even more effective for my symptoms than Cosentyx. She also kept a very close eye on me. She would give me steroid injections to relieve extreme joint pain, and made sure that other medications I took, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, didn’t mess up my stomach.

    Living My Life

    Today, my psoriatic arthritis isn’t gone, but it’s well managed. I’m on a different biologic called Enbrel, which I take as an injection once a week. I’ve also changed my mindset. My goal is pain reduction, not 100% freedom from chronic pain. I want to just keep it controlled enough that I can do what I need to do, both at work and at home. I’ve also learned to mentally adjust to my limits and to be kind and gentle with myself when I hit a wall of fatigue.

     

    Part of my adjusting to life with psoriatic arthritis is also adopting a role as an advocate. As a Black woman, I realize that many medical professionals simply don’t see my pain as real. As a result, I’m conditioned to not see it as real either. I think that’s one reason that even with my diagnosis, I was still hard on myself if I couldn’t do everything I wanted or needed to do. There’s this unspoken expectation that as a woman of color, you’re not allowed to feel pain, and if you do, you must push through it. I don’t need to look any further than my mom and my grandmother. They grew up in eras where if they did feel pain, they just kept going. While neither of them has psoriatic arthritis, there are lots of Black people who live with it and aren’t getting the care they need. 

    That’s one reason why I’ve become involved with CreakyJoints, the international digital community for patients with arthritis and their caregivers, which is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life of people who live with chronic illnesses such as psoriatic arthritis. I’ve spoken with Shilpa Venkatachalam, PhD, MPH, director of their Patient-Centered Research Operations and Ethical Oversight, about some of the glaring health disparities we see in psoriatic arthritis. She’s made the point that although it appears that more often white populations are diagnosed with this disease than people of color and black populations, there may be many Black and Latinx people living with this disease who simply go undiagnosed or underdiagnosed owing to disparities in access to care and other insurance-related barriers that lead to suboptimal care. 

    Differences in care are compounded by the fact that lesions on darker skin often go unrecognized, misdiagnosed, or overlooked at the time of diagnosis. The solution isn’t to just tell patients that they need to advocate for themselves. While that is important, we need to address system barriers, for example, medical schools need to build larger and more inclusive image banks so that they can adequately train students about what psoriatic lesions look like on darker color skin. The sooner patients get diagnosed, the more quickly they can be treated with cutting-edge medications such as biologics, which improve their prognosis. 

    As for me, I consider myself lucky that I followed my instincts and went to see a Black dermatologist who listened to me. I’m also lucky to have an incredible husband, who supports me and doesn’t dismiss my symptoms. He has his own health issues, so he gets it. I’m also very fortunate to have my own creative outlets. I write and make art, and those two things have allowed me to get through the harder pieces of my diagnostic journey. It brings me joy, especially on those days when I feel trapped in my body. It’s a powerful way to help me cope.

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