Shutting Down Unsolicited Advice About My Psoriatic Arthritis

Living with psoriatic arthritis is like navigating an obstacle course that never ends. Between the constant pain and the never-ending search for relief, there's one thing I didn't sign up for: unsolicited advice.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how I can "cure" my condition, and while some suggestions come from a place of genuine concern, others are downright laughable. So, in the spirit of humor, sarcasm, and a bit of frustration, let's dive into some of the best responses to those well-meaning but misguided pieces of advice.

Responding to unsolicited advice on psoriatic arthritis with humor and sarcasm

Yoga will cure you, apparently

Ah, yoga. Its the magical cure-all that seems to work for everyone’s grandma. Whenever someone tells me, "You should try yoga; it helps my grandma with her arthritis," I can't help but smile and think about the endless possibilities.

Here are a few replies I've perfected:

• "Oh, I see! So, if I can balance on one foot like a flamingo, my arthritis will magically disappear? I'll start practicing in the bird sanctuary."
• "Your grandma must be super flexible. Maybe I should ask her to teach me the secret arthritis-banishing pose."
• "Yoga? Do you mean the ancient practice of twisting myself into a pretzel? I might as well add mustard and call it a day."

In reality, while yoga can be beneficial for flexibility and stress relief, it's not a universal cure for psoriatic arthritis. My joints have their own agenda, and sometimes, a gentle stretch is all they can handle. So, while I might dabble in a bit of yoga, don’t expect me to become a yogi anytime soon.

The mystical powers of diet

Next is the ever-popular dietary advice. "Well, maybe if you didn't eat this or that, you wouldn't hurt so bad." Because, of course, my immune system is directly linked to my love for pizza. If only life were that simple!

Here's how I handle these gems:

• "Ah, yes, I forgot the cure for psoriatic arthritis is hidden in my pantry. Let me just summon my inner chef and whip up some magic."
• "You're right! Next time I’m at the grocery store, I’ll look for the ‘pain-free’ aisle."
• "If only my taste buds could negotiate with my immune system, I’d be set."

In reality, managing psoriatic arthritis isn't as straightforward as cutting out gluten or dairy. While a healthy diet can certainly help manage symptoms, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Each body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, while I appreciate the concern, my dietary choices are a bit more complex than simply avoiding a slice of pizza.

Essential oils to the rescue

And who could forget the miracle of essential oils? "Essential oils healed my mom," they say as if I haven't tried every lavender-scented potion out there.

My responses usually go something like this:

• "Essential oils? Perfect! I'll just marinate myself in lavender and eucalyptus. If nothing else, I'll smell fantastic."
• "Maybe if I diffuse them while chanting, the arthritis fairy will finally grant me a wish."
• "Essential oils, you say? Does this mean I can replace my doctor with a diffuser?"

The truth is, while essential oils can offer some relief and comfort, they're not a replacement for medical treatment. My approach to managing psoriatic arthritis involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and, yes, sometimes aromatherapy. But expecting essential oils to cure my condition is a bit of a stretch.

Think positive thoughts

Oh, the power of positive thinking. "Have you tried just thinking positive thoughts?" Yes, because clearly, my immune system just needs a pep talk.

Here’s my take:

• "Oh, positive thoughts! Of course. I’ll think about unicorns and rainbows and watch my pain evaporate like morning dew."
• "Sure, let me just rewire my brain to emit sunshine and butterflies."
• "I’ll add ‘thinking happy thoughts’ to my daily regimen right after 'miracle stretches' and 'anti-inflammatory spells.'"

While maintaining a positive outlook can certainly help in managing chronic illness, it's not a cure. Positive thinking can be a great tool for coping, but it doesn't replace the need for comprehensive medical care. So, while keeping my spirits up, I’ll also follow my doctor’s advice.

The Exercise Enthusiasts

Last but not least, the exercise enthusiasts. "If you just exercised more, you wouldn't have these problems." Because obviously, my inflamed joints are craving a vigorous workout.

I usually counter with the following:

• "Exercise, you say? I'll just run a marathon tomorrow and expect to wake up arthritis-free. Sounds legit."
• "You're absolutely right. My joints are clearly craving a good sprint."
• "Of course, because nothing soothes inflamed joints like a vigorous workout. Thanks for the tip!"

In reality, exercise is an essential part of managing psoriatic arthritis, but it has to be the right kind of exercise. Low-impact activities like swimming and walking are more my speed. So, while I appreciate the suggestion, I’ll stick to what my body can handle.

The Reality of Psoriatic Arthritis

Living with psoriatic arthritis means navigating a world of well-intentioned but often misguided advice. While I appreciate that people care enough to offer their thoughts, it's essential to remember that every individual's experience with chronic illness is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and sometimes, all we need is a little understanding and a lot less unsolicited advice.

So, the next time someone suggests a miracle cure for my psoriatic arthritis, I'll be ready with a smile, a witty comeback, and the knowledge that I'm managing my condition in the best way I know how. Because, at the end of the day, the only expert on my health is me.

And if all else fails, at least I can laugh about it. After all, laughter might not cure psoriatic arthritis, but it sure makes the journey a little more bearable.

Do you ever receive unsolicited advice? What do you say? Share in the comments.