6 Ways to Scare Away PsA This Halloween

If your town is like mine, neighbors go all out for Halloween. From blow-up lawn pumpkins to spooky house lights and sounds, Halloween in metro Detroit is fast becoming many residents' favorite holiday. Unfortunately, when you have psoriatic arthritis, participating in the fun can be difficult. Here are six ideas to give you some smiles this season and spread awareness in your community this October.

1. Pumpkin carving

I’m sure you’ve seen the pumpkins carved with the insides pouring out. There are usually empty beer cans next to them, indicating the pumpkin is more than a little tipsy. I have a different take on this porch decoration. Instead of beer cans, try pairing the carved puking pumpkin with fake needles or an empty pillbox. Add a sign that says, “Methotrexate got me feeling like this. Thanks, psoriatic arthritis!”

If the joints in your hands hinder your pumpkin carving skills, ask a family member or friend to do the hard work. They can feel supportive or you and your disease, and you don’t have to have as much pain.

2. Dress up

Here are some costume ideas to consider:

• Throw on a granny dress or grandpa pants, grab a walker, and find a gray-haired wig. Add a name tag that says, “Help! Psoriatic arthritis makes me feel THIS old!”
• Stay in your pajamas, get a comfy blanket and hook yourself up with a fake IV. On the IV bag, write “Joint Juice” to show that medications and treatments for psoriatic arthritis aren’t easy.
• Get a clear bowl and some insulation foam in a can. Spray the insulation in the bowl in the shape of a brain. Use some light spray paint or markers to add some “brain” details. Put it the bowl on dry ice. Brain fog!
• If all else fails, you can get a shirt that says, “This is my Halloween costume.” Explain to everyone that psoriatic arthritis robs your energy and this is all that’s left.

3. Spooky sounds

Record your popping and snapping joints and your “oohs,” “ouches” and “screams” of pain to create your own Halloween soundtrack. As we already know, psoriatic arthritis is a scary disease.

4. Party on

Attend a Halloween themed event to support non-profits whose missions are to improve the lives of those living with psoriatic arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation hosts Bone Bash events across the country to raise funds for the organization. It’s a great way to meet other people living with arthritis and have lots of fun at the same time. Find a Bone Bash party in your area.

5. Movie marathon

If fatigue and joint pain keep you curdled up on the couch, invite your best friend over for a scary movie marathon. Not into scary movies? There are plenty of tame or funny Halloween movies that will fit the theme. Simple, fun and no stress.

6. Awareness days

Piggyback on World Arthritis Day (October 12) and World Psoriasis Day (October 29) to hold your own costume-themed parties. They can be as big or small as you want. Invite neighbors, friends and family to dress up and scare away psoriatic arthritis.

You can even take it one step further and charge a small cover for your spooky get-together. Then donate all of the money raised to a non-profit that helps psoriatic arthritis patients. If you choose the National Psoriasis Foundation, check out its DIY fundraising events as examples and then set up your own.

Halloween doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. Don’t let psoriatic arthritis keep you from having fun this October. Involve your friends and family and have a little fun scaring away psoriatic arthritis, while bringing a smile to your face.