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Woman slumped over at her desk at work while clouds and lightening representing a flare roll in to overtake her

A Short Lived Psoriatic Arthritis Flare

I would like to share with you an experience that I had with my psoriatic arthritis that I have never had before. If you have experience with this, I would love to hear from you and how you handled it.

Please do not let this title mislead you. While this flare was short-lived, it came with a bang and was one of the most painful I have ever had.

When the unexpected psoriatic flare hits

There I was sitting at work, minding my own business, planning the day ahead of me with a cup of tea in hand. Being in remission sure had its advantages. I flare seasonally and summer for me is a good time. Skin is clear, joints feel better and inflammation is down.

You can imagine my surprise when my body starting aching. It started small enough. My legs started paining and within five minutes flat, it felt as though a train had collided into my body.

Don't get comfortable with remission

Everything hurt, like nothing I felt before. Being accustomed to a certain level of pain made me realize just how bad this was. My bones were throbbing, every muscle in my body ached, truly as if someone had set fire to my body and not informed me.

Tears streaming down my face, I started digging through my bag. I know without a doubt that I have an emergency dose of good pain medication. See, life has taught me not to get too comfortable with remission. Man oh man, am I grateful that I listened.

Symptoms of my short-lived flare

Within five minutes I was a mess, a huge fever spike and pain like I have not known. What am I supposed to do with this body now? I think it is officially broken and I might need to go to the emergency room.

While waiting for the pain medication to kick in, I just sat there. Taking in every moment and trying to figure out what the hell just happened. I feel dazed, confused, extremely tired and fatigued. Timer set if I do not start feeling better within 30 minuted of taking pain medicine, I will need to get someone to drive me to the hospital. 

An instant short flare indeed

Twenty minutes later the pain meds starting kicking and relief slowly started seeping into my body. I am deeply blessed to work with people who understand and help in any way they can.

Even if it just getting water for my medicine. Bringing tissues for the tears and being ready at the drop of a word to head over to the closest emergency room.

First & last of its kind

According to my doctor, I am in good health. Yes, I am one of those mysterious ones. I do hope this instant flare was the first and last of its kind. It took me two days to recover from this incident.

I have no idea what triggered it or where it came from. This too shall pass, albeit like a bucket of fire and brimstone.

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