Making Ends Meet With Severe PsA

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you could no longer work and make money? For me, that question was answered many years go when I got a call asking me if I wanted to write and moderate for our community.

This would be my lifeline that puts bread and butter on my table almost a decade later. Doing this has allowed me to stay on top. They allow me to go to different communities, write articles, manage discussions, give positive feedback, and more.

My daily routine and coping strategies

I have had this disease since the beginning of time. Things started out mildly and developed to severe over time. Life was not easy, but I persevered, went to college, and had a great career in government.

However, the corporate world did not suit me well because people judged me based on my condition, so I chose writing, for which I have acquired a profound passion. To make matters worse, I have been diagnosed with several other chronic illnesses over the years, along with back and joint pain.

My mornings begin at 6 a.m and are almost the same each day. This is especially important if we add in the terms of activities.

My doctor has suggested that I do 15 minutes of yoga when I get up. I would do this before making my bed. This would include cleaning up blood stains and scaly flakes caused by itching the scaly areas on my body.

After cleaning my linens and changing my bed, I take a shower and use anti-inflammatory drugs. My next step is to applying heat to my painful joints. If I am not too sore, I take a short walk and apply a moisturizer daily with creams.

Finding comfort and growth

My doctor added physical therapy to target some of my joints. It hurt so badly that I could not do it for long. I am now on a new biologic, to see if it will help.

After I establish that everything is in order, my next task is to dive into what I enjoy most and do it every day, which fuels my passion and motivates me to be a dedicated patient advocate.

Most days, I shut myself in my room and spend 60 minutes reading and the rest of the time writing. This is such rewarding work that has helped me grow over the years.

I'll take a break to have my favorite tea while I inspect my other projects and take care of my itching skin and pain. After a day of writing and reading, I spend some of the evening walking for 30 minutes.

Walking lessens my tension and anxiety. I know this sounds weird, but the only thing that stops me from scratching is pain. Is that crazy or what?

I have started attending counseling two days a week, which has benefitted my life. For some reason, I have been feeling lost. Honestly, I think it is because I'm getting older, but just writing those words gives me comfort.

Moving forward and sharing my journey

My next step is to keep moving forward. So, when I write, moderate, and share my journey, nothing else matters.

If you are looking to keep your mind straight. Reach out and touch someone. This could be the beginning of a whole new career.

We are all in this together.