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PushnThru
Hey everybody, I am a new name and new face. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2021 and Psoriatic arthritis in 2022. I have been struggling the last few weeks with the new me, meaning realizing I can't do what I did a year ago. I can't tolerate the heat and summer is just starting, along with my energy levels bottoming out and legs feeling weak before I can really get started with anything physical. I think the mental realization is as difficult for me as the physical is. The last 2 weeks I have been dealing with the results of anger, disappointment along with being emotionally confused because of the roller coaster of emotions I have been on. I would love to hear some encouraging words on how to adjust to this new me.
CathyD Moderator
Hi
I can relate to so much of what you have shared and I feel your pain. Becoming chronically ill is a really horrible thing to go through. How you are feeling is a completely normal and understandable reaction to having your life turned upside down by PsA and fibromyalgia. Have you heard of the five stages of grief? Here's an article that looks at how they can be applied to the experience of becoming and adjusting to being chronically ill: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/newly-diagnosed-whats-next I found it quite comforting to learn about those stages and realise that how I was feeling was "normal".
I spent many years in denial, unable to come to terms with the diagnosis and everything that comes with it. At the same time I felt very angry, let down and depressed about it all. I am thankfully coping much better now and mostly accept that this is my life now (although I do still feel frustrated and depressed sometimes). I think the main things that helped me come to terms with everything were connecting with others here in this community who have been through it all and understand, starting on medication that actually helped a bit, and just allowing myself time to process all the life changes that happen when you become chronically ill. As time has gone on I have personally found myself coping better mentally. It does take time to get there though, at least in my experience. Try to be gentle with yourself on this journey. Leanne also shares some great tips in the following article, which I thought may be helpful: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/accepting-new-normal-tips-from-someone-still-struggling
Hopefully others will chime in here and share their experiences/tips with you too. You're not alone in this struggle. Please do reach out here anytime you need to vent or connect with others who truly get it. Sending big hugs! -Catherine, Community Moderator
PushnThru Member
CommunityMember31 Member
CommunityMember31 Member
Best to you & others.
PushnThru Member
kenlip Member
Hi Cathy. I did some searching and found this alternative way to communicate. I want to make you smile today, and this forum allows me to show you this:
Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
@kenlip what beautiful dogs you have. I know @Cathy will feel the same way. I love that our community allows pics like this to bring smiles to everyone. You bring a smile to us being here in this community. Thank you. Vickie W., Team Member
CathyD Moderator
kenlip Member
Very nice of you to reply. Cathy and I have been writing to each other for some time. So nice to have met you all. Here’s something for you: I purchased Lifetones, a natural supplement for flushing out the uric acid that crippled me with gout from age 18 on. I’m hoping the battle against gout takes aim at my PsA inflammation, which hit me in the same joints gout used to - the base joint on both big toes. So far, I like the supplement, but I will reserve judgment before telling folks it works. I’ve committed to 3 months.
Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
Thanks for responding @kenlip. You peaked my interest with your post for sure. No way you could have known this but my husband just had his first flare of gout in his right foot. It was so painful that he barely could walk. He went to doctor who gave him some medicine. I will pass this Lifetones on to him. Please let us know if it helps with the psoriatic arthritis also. People in our community are always looking for natural supplements that help. Vickie W., Team Member