Fatigue and Mild Psoriatic Arthritis

Yes, even though I have mild psoriatic arthritis - I still experience fatigue.

Some people assume because I have mild psoriatic arthritis, that I don't experience the fatigue that often comes with this disease. I DO experience regular fatigue. The fatigue for me has at times been overwhelming. It has at times become so overwhelming that I find myself taking a midday nap to combat it on the weekends. Through the week, I try to go to bed early in order to be well rested throughout the day, so that I can be as productive as possible. Some days I would even describe the fatigue as the worst part of this disease for me.

Stress and fatigue

Stress has a way of making anything worse and there is no exception when it comes to living with mild psoriatic arthritis. When stress hits, the fatigue gets worse. I try to keep stress minimal, but having two young boys to worry about and chase after gets anyone a little stressed.  Add to that, a full time job, the demands of keeping a household running - well that just equals more stress, and more stress for me usually means more fatigue and more joint pain.

How to manage fatigue

To manage fatigue, I have to manage my stress levels and for me that means being organized. I can't have heaps of laundry sitting around because I know that it will result in being stressed, so I regularly make sure the laundry is done. It sounds like such a small thing, but for me, it triggers stress. If I am experiencing fatigue, I take a rest. I may take twenty minutes to just sit down with a book and read or if it is really bad, I take a nap. I may even go to bed earlier than usual to get the rest I need in order to feel good the next day.

Exercise and fatigue

Exercise they say will combat fatigue, but it sure is hard to exercise when you feel like just lying down. I am trying to listen to my body, and if I am feeling good, I walk and try to be active. If I am feeling the fatigued, I rest. That being said, I know that one thing I need to do is get on a regular exercise program. I know that for me variety is best, I need to be out walking, riding, and even swimming.

So yes, for those of us with mild psoriatic arthritis, fatigue can seem to run our day.