This Holiday Is About Family Not Psoriatic Arthritis

What has me so excited about this holiday season? When compared to last year’s season, just being able to celebrate it with family is a world’s difference.

How was my holiday season last year?

Last year, through no fault of my own I was laid up on a couch unable to walk. It made for a very miserable and lonely holiday season. Between the broken knee and my psoriatic arthritis flaring I was in too much pain to have family over. There was also mental anguish on my part going on because of what had happened. There really was nothing I wanted to celebrate. Most of the time all I really wanted to do was cry. No holiday should be spent like that. I still have hurdles to jump over but I am determined to do that. Psoriatic arthritis will not stop that even.

How is this holiday season different?

One big difference this holiday season is the fact that I can walk. It’s been a long road, but I can walk without having to use any assistance like a cane. With that in mind we are traveling to each of our children’s houses during this time. Traveling anywhere has gotten to be a bit of a challenge for me. I used to love to go on long trips. I found peace in traveling and listening to music. The more the psoriatic arthritis has progressed the more it is harder to take those long trips. Sitting for an extended period of time makes me stiff and makes my back hurt. It means that I must stop about every hour or so to move my body around. However, given what happened last year, I am happy to deal with whatever it takes to get us to our destination.

Who will I get to see this year?

This year the word on my heart is family. Last year was a misery. I will get to see each of my sons and their family. That means plenty of hugs to be given and plenty to give. We have 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years old. The gifts for everyone have been bought so we get to watch their eyes light up in excitement. That is the best part of gift giving for me. The ultimate gift I will receive will be seeing each and every one of my immediate family.

How do I plan to work around my psoriatic arthritis?

There is no doubt in my mind that those visits will be tiring. It will bring on some pain where my back is concerned especially when it comes to picking up the younger grands. When that pain comes about, I will remind myself of last holiday season. I will rest up when I get home. While I am lying there in my bed, I will have nothing but memories to look back on. Compared to last year I say my journey with psoriatic arthritis and the knee will not hinder my holiday season this year. I want to erase the memory of last season and I think I am well on my way to doing that. May your holiday season be filled with love, memories and little or no pain brought on by psoriatic arthritis.