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Simple Injuries Aren’t So Simple With PsA

One of the most painful lessons of living with psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia has been that there is no such thing as a simple injury. What may seem and even feel like a minor injury to someone else, sets off a chain reaction of pain throughout my body. Once upon a time I could knock my arm into a car door or bump it against the refrigerator and the worst that would happen is that it would bruise. Pain was only felt if I put pressure on the bruise. However, thanks to my chronic illnesses, pain is often felt throughout my entire body. It starts at the site of the injury and then quickly spreads to nearby muscles, joints, and nerves.

Risky business

Some people may be surprised to read this, but I am terrified of being injured. Not just major injuries, but minor ones like an ankle sprain, bruises, or jarring my back while tripping. In some ways I am a daredevil - I like testing my body to see what it can do, especially since finding a pain management plan that has gifted me with energy and little pain. Although I like to test my limits, I do so with great consideration. I weigh the risks of what I plan to attempt and then decide if it’s worth taking the chance at that moment or not. The problem is I am not in control of everything that happens to my body. Car accidents, people not watching where they are walking, or my cat walking under my feet are just a few things that can cause bodily injury and possibly land me in bed for months.

On alert

To limit how much time I spend recovering from reactionary pain from injuries that were not initially caused by my chronic illnesses, it is imperative for me to constantly think about every movement I make and of those around me too! Being aware of and anticipating the moves of those around me can be exhausting, but totally worth the prize of avoiding unnecessary pain. The alternative would be to walk around in a bubble wrap suit, never leave the house, or suffer one injury after another.

What are some ways that you prevent experiencing unnecessary pain?

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