Living

Between school and work, the majority of my life has been spent sitting. I spend more than eight hours a day seated, and most of those hours are spent at...

Just when I think I have a handle on the implications of living with psoriatic arthritis, the monster rears its ugly head again, and I’m knocked down a few more...

I’ve experienced quite a few changes in my life since psoriatic arthritis made its grand entrance. Many of which include anywhere from moderate to severe emotional side effects. I’ve struggled...

The pre-emptive strike. Knowing and anticipating what’s about to hit and putting pieces in place to make sure the fall isn’t nearly as brutal as it could be. If only...

Like most other women, my body lets me know when that time of the month is approaching. My body begins to crave chocolate and salt. I also sob when the...

If you’ve ever tried to start a new exercise regime, then you have likely heard the advice, “Listen to your body.” But when you have psoriatic arthritis, sometimes this can...

I used to laugh at the notion that exercise could decrease my pain level. However, once I found the forms of exercise that my body could handle, I discovered that...

I wish I could say that I have loved myself through every stage of psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis, but I haven’t. In fact, there were times when I absolutely...

Many days, I feel like I’m not only losing my mind, but my memories as well. Here in the psoriatic arthritis (PsA) community, we talk a great deal about brain...

"You're on the road for osteoporosis." My heart sunk. At nineteen years old, it was the last thing I ever expected to hear. My new rheumatologist was looking through reports...

Changing health insurance providers is not something I like to do. It often requires having to find a new primary care physician and specialists. Spending a few dollars more is...

I wouldn’t even begin to know where to start if I tried to count all the tears I’ve shed because of psoriatic arthritis. I’ve cried for the uncertainty of my...

Pain, frustration, anger - all of these impact our ability to be patient with life’s daily struggles. Let’s face it, working around my psoriatic arthritis pain and symptoms often tops...

Physical pain from psoriatic arthritis and my other chronic illnesses forced me to utilize mobility aids for much of my chronic life. Sadly there have been times when I chose...

Sometimes, I feel as if all I ever say are apologies. If I had a dime for every time I said, “I’m sorry,” I might actually be able to pay...

It can be very difficult for people who do not have psoriatic arthritis to understand some of the choices we make. To be fair, they aren’t necessarily always the most...

It is no secret that I only use natural and alternative pain relief options for psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and my other chronic illnesses. Not everyone has access to all of...

Welcome back, daydreamers! If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 of this article series here. Now, I want to get to some of the other reasons why I think...

There is no community in this world like the chronic illness community. We support each other, offer encouragement and understanding, and help each other feel a little less alone with...

This is a question I have to ponder over and over again in my mind. I’m sure I started with some value, but what is it? Value is simply the...