Am I Next?

Am I next? Is this going to happen to me? It’s impossible not to think it when you’re faced with a relative battling living with psoriatic arthritis or other health issues. Heck, even if you aren’t blood-related the same fear and dread crosses your mind when you see a friend stricken with pain and limitations.

Handling the unknown

So, what do you do about it? Do you stress and worry yourself into a frenzy? Do you immediately go online and research every possible symptom creating an almost self-fulfilling diagnosis? Do you go get tested? Do you ignore the possibility completely?

There’s no right or wrong answer and every person handles information or lack thereof, with a different approach. My belief is we should do our best to live each day to the fullest without fear or anticipation of a day that may never come, but we shouldn’t do it with complete ignorance.

Understanding your risk factors

We know for a fact that if you have a history of PsA in your immediate family that you are more likely to be at risk, but there are numerous other factors that can play a part far beyond genetics and just because your parent has the disease doesn’t mean you’re going to get it.

We already know that currently there’s no way to cure or prevent the disease, so if it’s coming, it’s coming no matter what we do. That doesn’t mean we should curl up in a ball and wait for the impending storm. Instead, we should focus on enjoying every day and making some good decisions that are helpful for a healthy life whether you are stricken with PsA or not.

Managing stress

For example, one major factor we hear about continually is stress. Guess what, stress is a major villain in almost every major health story. Learning to manage stress will not only help reduce issues should PsA rear its head, it will help alleviate a countless number of other potential issues. So, stressing about whether or not you’re going to get PsA is not a good thing to do. Take time to chill out and relax whether you have time for it or not. Find your happy place and make it a priority. Look at other indicators and do the same. Learn to manage as best you can. If you have an immediate family member or loved one who is faced with the disease making an effort to work on weight management or reduce sugar can be a sign of solidarity for them, while also preparing your body to be the best and strongest it can be to fight ANYTHING that comes its way.

Learn from your PsA community

Learn from those around you with PsA. As those you care about learn to live with PsA they will learn what works for them to avoid a flare are diminish the effects of it. Again, a lot of these tactics are things that can help with general well-being even for those who are completely healthy. Rest when you need it, rally and get active when you know you need to move. These are all things we can implement in our daily lives.

Seek out help and answers

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you start experiencing symptoms, get to a doctor right away. If your fear is dominating, you without symptoms it’s still a good idea to talk to your doctor to put your mind at ease. And learn from the people you know who have PsA. I have no doubt your loved ones will happily share their stories, what they have learned and how to manage the worst day ever. Plus, should the day come where you too have the disease they will jump in and help you through just as you have helped them all along.

Don't forget to continue to live your life

But again, this is all a what if? We can’t predict the unknown and life is far too short to be terrified of a day that may never come, so most importantly get out there and enjoy it. Don’t be ignorant, but don’t spend hours scouring the internet and thinking every slight pain is the onset of a major life-changing condition. Live as healthily as you can, while still celebrating all the great things life has to offer and if that day comes where things change, you’ll be ready for it. Ready to battle and ready to make sure it will not overtake your life. You already have the tools. You already have the army. So, there’s nothing to worry about.