What are your best tips for someone living with PsA?
What are your best practical daily life hacks for managing PsA-related stiffness and joint pain, especially in the mornings or after long periods of inactivity?
I have had PSA for 44 yrs. My best advice for the arthritis is to listen & pay attention to your body. Don't push or over work your joints . If your body is telling you that you are tired Rest .Regarding any medication that you take ,Keep a record of all you take, name, started, stopped, side effects etc. This is a life time disease- also helps your doctor keep up on what medications & and his plan of care to help your condition .
I have to take Prednisone 5 mg every morning. Steroids can thin your bones and raise your blood glucose but it really helps me. 
I agree, 100% with your advice. I follow the same rules, but every now and then I do break the rules in the price for a couple of days knowing that I will. When I have the grandchildren, I don’t care that I’ll pay the price for a couple days after they leave we’re having a great time that day!
Keeping track of what medications you take and what you may have done that day to cause a flareup or pain or simply fatigue is great to discuss them with your doctor or Rheumatologist. I went through several Rheumatologist before I found the one that actually listened to me and took the time to discuss what I had to say to her. We went through my concerns and she had her questions for me that concerned her which impressed me 100%. Then she scheduled various tests for me such as a bone scan, and of course bloodwork showing my inflammation markers and watching my liver, especially due to the medications I’m on.
The right doctor makes a huge difference, so don’t give up to those who might be ready to! There is a doctor out there that will listen. And that makes a huge difference.
Everyone take care of yourselves and listen to your bodies. Don’t give up on trying different medications to help you out and a doctor most importantly that will listen to you and come up with a game plan to help you.
Warm regards and happy holidays!
I have only been diagnosed for about 4 years, dealing with symptoms for 5. One of my favorite pieces of advice is to embrace the suck, but don't live in it. We are going to have days that suck more often than not, allow ourselves to hate that in the moment, but don't live in it. We are more than our disease, and we are not less than because of it. Also, LISTEN to your body, even if your mind is trying to push you. If you are in pain, or tired, REST. We must listen to our bodies. While movement is medicine, it is also important that we rest as our bodies need it. Lean on your loved ones, a therapist, or both when times get hard. Last but not least....love yourself 😉
this is all such great advice! Thank you for sharing it with the rest of the community here. Wishing you a gentle day and one also filled with love for yourself. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Keep moving- even on your hardest days. Also, practice positive self talk. You need to forgive your body and you need to give it care and respect for the strength it takes to keep you moving. Play your favorite music and dance a bit, take a hot shower with steamers an or a bath with scented Epsom salts. Water can soothe you. Rest daily- practice breathing in and out and take time to sit in a quiet space-
Listen to your body. If you need rest try to take it or ask for help. I'm the caretaker for my husband the past 2 years dealing with everything for him, house and dog. I can hardly keep up, I will lay down in the middle of the day if I need it. Don't push yourself farther if your body and mind is needing your attention.
