New PsA diagnosis, how do I explain to my family?
Hi! I was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I’ve had psoriasis since I was 15 but last year started having random symptoms. I’m 29 now and I was finally sent to a rheumatologist and diagnosed with PsA two weeks ago. My long term boyfriend, father of my two kids ages 2 and 7, I don’t think really understands what I’m going through. I’m wondering if you have any articles available that can help me explain what I’m going through. I’m going to the doctor Monday to review labs and x-rays and to choose which medication I want to try, as of now I’m only using naproxen which honestly doesn’t do much for the pain and does absolutely nothing for my fatigue. Thank you for this page it’s honestly helping me get through a lot of my frustrations with it because I don’t feel alone. - Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
A new diagnosis and everything that comes with PsA can be overwhelming and difficult at times. So glad that you found us, and that the community is helping. You are never alone here!! <3
As you mentioned pain and fatigue, I picked out a couple of articles on these (perhaps your boyfriend could read them?):
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/a-pain-free-day-what-the-heck-is-that/
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/frustrated-with-fatigue/We also have a few articles which look at how those around us can best support us:
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/5-things-i-wish-my-family-knew/
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/providing-emotional-support-a-beginners-guide/
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/listen-to-me-dont-judge-me/And lastly, I found this one quite helpful: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/talking-pain-conversation-equation/ - it gives some tips for communicating what we're going through.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with links! Are any of these helpful? Let us know if there is anything specific you would find useful, and we'll do our best to find it for you.
I'll be thinking of you on Monday. Will you let us know how you get on?
-Catherine, Community Moderator
I didn't know what to say to my family at first about my disease. I know that with my close friends I planned a paint party and explain to them what I would be going though for the rest of my life. Of course they had lots of questions and were very curious why my life would change? Just be honest and upfront. Some people will understand and others won't. With the younger adults in my family I just said, "I'm in pain, and there just somethings I can't do anymore."
Thank you soo much Catherine!! I’m going to let him read these, hopefully he’ll get a better understanding although I know it’s hard since he’s not living it. But I just want him to be more aware. Thank you again and especially for the kind words!
Thank you
t, that’s a good idea to have a get together with close people so I’m not explaining it over and over, thank you so much
