The Anxiety Of One Psoriatic Flare Setting Off Another

It can be a constant rollercoaster ride to live with psoriatic disease, which is a combination of psoriasis (Pso) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Recently, on this journey, I have been at the risk that one flare after another is starting a chain reaction of symptoms. This put me in a full-blown flare. Not only was I bedridden from PsA and fibromyalgia, but my Pso covered over 80% of my body.

I want to share with you the uncertainty that comes with the fear that one psoriatic burst can trigger another. This is based on my own experience of course. PsA and psoriasis are closely related. A flare in one frequently makes a flare in the other for me.

Navigating psoriasis and joint inflammation

My current flare has been a domino effect. The first domino stands in for my inflamed joints and the second domino is for a psoriasis plaque. When one condition breaks down, the next will do the same. BAM. Before you know it, both are at their worst.

Anticipation was my first sign of anxiousness. My thoughts started to run the moment I noticed new psoriasis patches, and my joints started to hurt. I'm aware that both illnesses may be active for a while, making this a difficult time.

If you have ever had both illnesses at the same time, you know that managing irritation and heightened discomfort at the same time seems impossible. It takes both physical and mental strength to get ready for what is about to happen to your body.

Managing medication and mental health

On a physical level, you need to make sure you have plenty of medication at hand. I keep track of the expiration dates on my pills and keep plenty of PsA and topical psoriasis creams on hand. I want to be as prepared as possible to deal with this.

It's like preparing for a big snowstorm. I concentrate on keeping a positive frame of mind. Finding ways to relax is crucial since stress and anxiety can make me worse. My mental toolkit for preparation includes deep breathing, meditation, and asking friends and family for help.

Cry if you want to. I had plenty of tears this time around.

There is only so much we can manage when flares appear out of nowhere. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of controlling chronic illnesses when a psoriasis plaque causes a PsA flare or vice versa.

Navigating with support

My dermatologist and rheumatologist are crucial members of my healthcare team. They offer me information and assistance as I negotiate therapy modifications during these trying times.

The help of friends and family is essential. My healthcare team supports me emotionally. They recognize how bad I am and guide me through the most trying times.

Accepting the unpredictable nature of psoriatic illness is one of the most important lessons I've learned. Even if I try to manage and plan, there will inevitably be some outside factors that will creep in. Even if flare-ups come and go, my life is not defined by them.

I have been dealing with this for over 60 years now. I get through these trying times by being emotionally and physically prepared. As I have said many times before, we are not alone in this journey.