Community Views: A Good Day with Psoriatic Arthritis

There is so much to consider daily. We know that managing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can significantly impact the quality of life. It's more than just the physical pain of swollen joints, sore skin, and foggy fatigue.

It's also balancing our body's limits with our body's expectations.

What does a good day even look like?

Every day can present a new challenge, a new struggle. Though, sometimes and I stress, sometimes, when the pain feels faint, and the fatigue isn't all-consuming, a good day appears.

Instead of focusing so much on the pain and the heavy toll of PsA, we wanted to ask those who live it daily how they define a good day. So, we turned to our Psoriatic-Arthritis.com Facebook page and prompted, "Describe what a 'good' day living with PsA looks like to you."

Here is what the community has to say.

Less pain

One of the top responses was having less pain. You measure a good day not being pain-free but having less pain. Days when the pain is manageable bring you joy. On those days, you might be able to complete a task or move with more ease.

"When I can walk without pain in the mornings."

"When I was up with very little pain and don't have to take a lot of pain relievers."

"A good day is when I get out of bed and don't have serious pain in one or more places."

"When the pain is manageable enough to be able to clean the house."

Energy

For many of you, a good day means less fatigue. Your energy when waking lasts all day. Options are open and not limited by finite energy.

"A good day is when I wake up with energy and limited stiffness/pain."

"Being able to play with my 2-year-old the way a mother should."

"No fatigue and limited pain make me feel like I'm on top of the world!!"

"When I have the energy to do something."

Tasks are possible

Completing basic tasks is a challenge with PsA. The exhaustion sets in, and you cannot get through your plan. There is energy for showering, cleaning, shopping, or cooking on good days. Your fingers work for fine-motor tasks.

"A good day is when I actually finish something I started and then get to take a shower before bed."

"When I'm able to do daily stuff – laundry, grocery shopping, cooking – and it is not a struggle."

"I can do up my buttons. I can change gears in my car. I don't limp when walking. I can raise my arm above my head without my shoulders screaming at me."

Less sleep

Exhaustion is a heavy cloud that hangs over life with PsA. Your energy reserves tap out quickly. You can go from one thing to the next without needing to rest. You require more daily sleep to function through the day. A good day is not needing extra sleep.

"I don't sleep all day, and I get one or two things done."

"Maybe if I didn't need a nap, that would be a great day!"

"Going a day without a nap, painkillers, and heat pack."

What is that?

Good days feel elusive for many of you. The pain, aches, fatigue, and spasms are always present. You cannot imagine a good day as too many bad days rule your life.

"It's been so long I don't remember."

"They are few and far between."

"What the hell is a good day?"

Connection

Connecting to something beyond the pain was a unique response. Focusing outside the body distracts the mind from your symptoms. Pain is present but as background noise.

"A good day for me is having something or someone to take my mind from the discomfort. I have found myself lost in a person or project and realized my thoughts (feelings) of direct pain are lost in those moments."

Defining the good

The reality of PsA looks different for everyone, good days and bad days. While it may feel like the bad days outnumber the good, this community will always be here to offer support and understanding.

Psoriatic arthritis is such a unique condition, and we're so grateful for everyone who chose to share their experience and reality. When the days are particularly tough, we hope you can find the smallest amount of good to carry you through.