What is 1 thing only another person with PsA would understand?
When it comes to living with psoriatic arthritis, unless you have another chronic health condition, it may be hard for others to understand.
What is 1 thing only another person with PsA would understand?
Share your experiences with us in this forum thread.
This is a part of our World Arthritis Day Giveaway. As part of World Arthritis Day, we are giving away 1 lucky winner a set of compression gloves and the book, "The Psoriatic Arthritis Roadmap: Navigating an Integrative Approach," by rheumatologist Dr. Donica Baker. The giveaway starts on October 1, 2024, and ends on October 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. ET. To enter for a bonus entry, respond to the prompt below.
One thing that a person with PsA would agree is that diet, sleep and anxiety play a tremendous role in how productive we are, learning to listen to our bodies has helped me have more good days than bad.
, you're definitely not alone in finding that factors such as diet, sleep and anxiety have a huge impact. It's so important to listen to our bodies! That has really helped me too. Do you have any tips for anyone who's struggling to do so? Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
The constant pain, tiredness, lack of sleep
you know as difficult as it is routine I really believe it is a key for less flares, now life happens. Currently I am 50, I work 40+ hours a week and a full time student in an accelerated BHA online program, I have 2 adult children. So balance is vital for my survival. I won't say they aren't weeks that I spend my Saturdays and Sundays in my pj's doing my school work instead of much needed housework but allowing myself grace. And also knowing my own limitations is important so that I don't over do it. If I can share some advice is be open with your family, it's okay to say no, don't over obligate yourself. , I love that advice! Learning that it's okay to say no was a big one for me too, and it took a long time to learn (and I still struggle with it at times). Saying no does really help with putting ourselves first and not over-committing/-obligating ourselves, as you say. It sounds like your life is pretty hectic at the moment! I can totally appreciate how routine and balance help you cope, and I'm glad that you allow yourself grace and a few pyjama days when needed. Thank you for taking the time to share with us all. Please keep us all posted on how you're doing and best of luck with the BHA program! Warmest wishes, -Catherine, Community Moderator
Fatigue is a constant 24/7 battle. No one but a psoriatic disease sufferer would understand
I am suffering so badly with this. I’m only 35. I have two very young children and feel I am failing and miss my old self. I can’t really come to terms with my illness 
I'm so sorry you're suffering with this, having PsA and dealing with the pain and fatigue. I imagine that it is especially challenging have young children. One of our advocates wrote an article about PsA and parenting that I wanted to share with you, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/chronic-pain-affect-parenting.
You are definitely not alone in having those feelings of missing your old self, and struggling to come to terms with your illness. So many in our community can understand and relate to those feelings. They are a natural and normal part of adjusting to living with a chronic disease. So please know that this community is here for you! That being said, if you do feel like it becomes more than you can handle, please don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or medical provider. Taking care of one's mental health can sometimes get lost in day-to-day of managing physical pain and symptoms, yet it is just as important. Here's another article that one of our advocates wrote about her mental health and PsA, in case you're interested, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/mental-health-stigma.
This community is here for you, so please reach out here anytime. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
One thing that someone would not understand who doesn’t have PsA, is what you deal with on a daily bases. The pain & side effects from the medication you take to treat it. Not a lot of energy and fatigue just wanting to sleep in hopes it will disappear when you wake up!
absolutely, we hear you! It is a very challenging thing to have those around you not understand the daily difficulties of living with PsA. I hope this community can be a place you can come to for support and understanding, because the people here get it. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
