A PsA Quiz: Talking Treatment

The impact of psoriatic arthritis can be all-consuming. When researching, understanding, and discussing treatment options are thrown into the mix, well, let's just say feeling overwhelmed is simply an understatement. Whether it's finding that first successful treatment or that first successful treatment stopped working, there are a lot of feelings and mental olympics that can occur when on your PsA treatment journey.

Let's get started!

Depending on the severity of the disease and specific symptoms that are the most problematic at the time, many people with PsA have to try more than one treatment option to find the best one. A treatment combination to manage symptoms is usual where people find themselves. How can that not be intimidating and overwhelming?

There is so much hope, doubt, and confusing feelings that come when one faces treatment expectations and reality. Based on community conversation and insight from our 2021 In America Survey, there are many treatment options and many different factors to consider when creating a treatment plan. Let's test your knowledge on the many options and insights into psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Diving deeper into PsA treatment

While there is no cure for PsA, there are many treatment options that can help. In some cases, treatments may lead to long-term remission of symptoms. Remission may mean reversing the functional impairment, minimal or no worsening of joint destruction, and the possible healing of a damaged joint.¹

The severity of PsA determines the treatment approach. Mild disease generally means PsA that only affects a few joints. Moderate disease has more of an impact on the daily tasks of living and physical functions. Severe PsA greatly impacts a person's quality of life. With severe disease, a person with PsA cannot perform major daily tasks of living without pain or dysfunction, and there is a large impact on both physical and mental well-being.²

There are also several complementary and alternative treatments that some people with PsA find helpful. This includes massage, acupuncture, and herbal remedies. Before starting treatment with any type of alternative therapy, it is important to talk to your doctor.

What else do real patients have to say?

There is no one who understands the impact of treatment fatigue just like those who have been through it. This statement holds true for our very own advocates here at Psoriatic-Arthritis.com. Cynthia shares how her treatment expectations have changed while Leanne asks and faces the question "When is it time to move on to another treatment?"

We dive deeper into this topic within our Ask The Advocate series, where our advocates share their own treatment experiences.

The results are in!

Whether you're an expert in psoriatic arthritis or not, understanding effective treatment and setting realistic expectations is imperative to the PsA journey. Tracking your ongoing symptoms and conducting your own research will allow you to be more comfortable with facing what needs to be faced.

Looking to take your PsA knowledge to the next level? Take on our additional quizzes:

• A PsA Quiz: Facing The Fear of Progression
• A PsA Quiz: Flares, Flares, Flares

There is a lot of bravery that comes with living with chronic pain, understanding and selecting treatment is no different. Difficult conversations are just that, difficult. It's important you feel comfortable consulting with your doctor to develop a treatment strategy that works for you. Find some validation and assurance by joining our online community!