Time Traveling with Psoriatic Arthritis

If I could travel through time, I'm not sure if I would want to go back to the past or into the future. On the one hand, it would be interesting to see firsthand how psoriatic arthritis and other chronic illnesses have impacted history.

After all, these conditions have been around for centuries, and it would be fascinating to see how they've shaped the world as we know it.

Either way, time travel would be a unique experience

On the other hand, I might prefer to travel into the future to see how medical science has progressed. Maybe by then, there will be a cure for psoriatic arthritis! Either way, time travel would definitely be a unique experience.

If I had a time machine, the first thing I would do is travel back in time to before I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I would go back to a time when my joints weren't swollen and painful, and I could do things like go for a walk or spend the day at Disneyland without worrying about flare-ups.

I know that's not possible, but it's fun to dream. Would it be as wonderful as I remember it to have been? Would I appreciate what my body could do? Or would I be let down by my grandiose dreams?

What would the past reveal?

Receiving four chronic illness diagnoses within three years was chaotic. And with endometriosis being the most destructive and painful then, I didn’t have the time or strength to deal with psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and fibromyalgia adequately.

Going back in time would allow me to focus on all my chronic conditions. With that said, going back in time with the knowledge I have about psoriatic arthritis now would allow me to talk to my doctors differently.

Instead of appointments where I just rattled off my current symptoms and pain levels, I would have asked more about the conditions themselves and the effect they could have on my future.

I would share how much cannabis and other alternative forms of pain relief and treatments help with my past self, hopefully prompting a sooner move to a state that legalized cannabis.

Taking a glimpse into the future with psoriatic arthritis

I prefer to have how and when I die to remain a mystery. With that said, I'm curious to see how psoriatic arthritis and my other chronic illnesses will be treated in the future. Will a cure for psoriatic disease be found? And if not, what kind of treatments will be available?

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when I was 33 years old. At the time, I was relieved to finally have an answer for the pain and fatigue that I had been experiencing for years. Over the years, I have learned to accept my illness and live a normal-for-me life. But sometimes, I wonder how much worse it will get.

The thought of my arthritis progressing and causing even more pain is scary. I don't know if I'm ready to face that reality. That's why I have no desire to know how far psoriatic arthritis and my other chronic illnesses have progressed in the future.

I fear that I would give up if I didn't like what the future holds. Or maybe I wouldn't work as hard to improve my health. For now, ignorance is bliss.

Which would you choose?

Whether traveling in the past or fast-forwarding into the future, both have pros and cons – it comes down to personal preference. Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you had heard about a particular treatment earlier than you did?

Let me know in the comments whether you would travel to the past or future and how psoriatic arthritis factors into your choice!