Living & Loving With Psoriatic Arthritis

A diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is not just a part of life, it's a lifestyle. It the center of the wheel that outreaches to all different aspects of life: physical and mental health, family, friends, career and yes, those imperative loving relationships.

Whether you're dating, in a new relationship, already found yourself a great partner or have chosen to focus on gaining your strength independently, loving relationships will continue to be a part of life - chronic illness or not.

How psoriatic arthritis affects loving relationships

We know lives change because of psoriatic arthritis. This includes the lives of more than just the patient, but caretakers and loved ones. Psoriatic arthritis affects relationships in many ways, both positive and negative.

With new relationships, finding new ways to communicate can be a challenge but an opportunity to validate the importance of the condition and its effect on daily life. In long term relationships, it's important to set the ego aside and accept help from a loved one. Then loving yourself, of course, finding time to make time for oneself and prioritizing self-care.

Loving yourself through your chronic illness

Don't let anger and frustration win. Go ahead and enjoy the good times and be proud when you fight through the tough ones. Make a vow to love and care for yourself no matter the severity of your condition. Started by making better choices and listening to your body.

The more you work on improving the areas of your health that you can control, the more time you will have to do the things you want to do. You may not always like my body, but remember, it will always be yours.

Showing and spreading the love

Living with chronic illnesses and psoriatic arthritis makes life uncomfortable. Those who live with the condition are uncomfortable 24/7, through daily tasks, while in bed, and sadly, also in their own skin. Treat yourself or someone you love to the following gift suggestions. They can add comfort to an uncomfortable life.

• Slippers: A pair that doesn’t require bending or use of hands to put on are a winning option!
• Robes: Choose a comfy fabric that won't irritate the skin!
• Support Pillows: Can not only provide comfort at the moment, but may provide some degree of long-lasting pressure relief.
• Healthy Snacks:Diet is so important in the management of PsA. Having a variety of healthy snacks on hand during the next flare can make the intolerable a little more tolerable.

Allow psoriatic arthritis to bring the love

Psoriatic arthritis can help create more empathy and understanding within relationships. From the understanding of last-minute changes and the empathy that a quick nap or day at home isn’t going to fix everything.

Support and loves help us all feel comfortable and encouraged to take care of ourselves.