A Newfound Appreciation For My EntourageMy family and I often make light of the roles my chronic conditions have required them to take on. Since I need my husband to drive me most days, we...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Reflections of a Mom on Mother’s Day Living with Psoriatic ArthritisBeing a mom is hard. Being a mom living with psoriatic arthritis can feel downright impossible. When I first found out I was going to be a mom, I had...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Path to the Right Diagnosis with PsAThe journey that leads to a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is as unique as the people who have it. Some people exhibit symptoms and are diagnosed at a young...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Talking Pain: The Conversation EquationMy first symptom of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was a case of swollen knuckles that resulted in bulbous disfigurement at each finger's bend. I woke in tears each morning afraid to touch, well, anything...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
To My Dear Friend, Newly Diagnosed with Psoriatic ArthritisI know you are scared. I know you are in pain and very confused. You are filled with self-doubt and worry. You are frustrated. Maybe you are even angry. Yes...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
The Ghost of Past Fears: Stigma of Using Mobility Aids When TravelingLiving with multiple chronic illnesses and having limited mobility has forced me to face fears that I never expected to. The stigma that society has placed on who should use...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Pajama PartyIn the 17+ years of living with multiple chronic illnesses which includes psoriatic arthritis, my life has become one big pajama party. Adjusting to this wasn’t easy as I was...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
"Shoe" Pain AwayLike many women, I love clothes, make up, and accessories. But, alas, my biggest struggle with my love for clothing is my love-hate relationship with shoes. I absolutely love shoes...Reactions0reactionsComments12 comments
Managing Fatigue: Sleeping Beauty and the Chronic BeastFatigue is a cruel beast that wreaks havoc in the lives of those of us who live with a chronic illness like psoriatic arthritis. It has no respect in regards...Reactions0reactionsComments28 comments
Is Your Exercise Plan Doomed to Fail?The worst mistake I made while attempting to come up with an exercise program since being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis was trying to force my body to do what it...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Daily Struggles with Psoriatic ArthritisObviously, getting out of bed is probably the biggest struggle every single day. That is a given. But I am constantly surprised at how, even with medicine, there seem to...Reactions0reactionsComments18 comments
My Productive Appointment ProcedureOnce upon a time going to the doctor meant that I just needed to list my symptoms and share how I have tried to treat them. That all changed after...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Volunteer to Help Those with PsANational Volunteer Week is April 23-29. This is a great time to help those in the psoriatic arthritis community in many ways: mentoring, starting a support group, getting involved in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Recognizing that PsA Wasn’t Just My ProblemI used to think of my chronic conditions solely as my problem and not something that would also affect my family. While they slept, I was the one up all...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Driving Miss CovertPrior to being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, I loved driving. I had the freedom to go wherever I wanted when I wanted. In the beginning of my chronic life, the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Pediatric to Adult Transitioning with PsAYou know you have psoriatic arthritis when you visit your rheumatologist more than you visit your family. Eventually, you really come to know and trust them, and this is especially...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Parents, Children with JPsA: You Are Not AloneOur family’s psoriatic arthritis story does not begin with me. It starts with my son who was diagnosed at age 4 with psoriasis and age 5 with juvenile psoriatic arthritis...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Five Things I Took For Granted Before My IllnessAfter being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, I expected to experience some level of physical pain on a daily basis. I also expected that I would have to make some changes...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
The Benefits of Organic Coffee for Psoriatic ArthritisEvery caffeine aficionado knows a cup of Joe is so much more than freshly grounded coffee beans and boiling water. The unmistakable aroma of a morning coffee breathes life into...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File for DisabilityI didn’t file for disability after receiving my diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. I had left the workforce 4 years prior to being a stay-at-home mom and we were living well...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments