My first flare

By karenkeslar

1 min read

I am recently diagnosed with PSA and am having my first flare. The pain is intense mostly in my hands, arms, and back. I am also severely anemic so the fatigue can be overwhelming. My husband is wonderful and does a lot around the house, but I am pushing myself to do my share. It's like if I give into this then I am weak, and I consider myself a strong determined person. Has anyone else gone through this, and how did you cope?

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melissagallo Member
I completely understand what you are going through.... This is my life! Its a daily struggle to do dishes and laundry! I have psych-therapy but not much else. I keep waiting for the miracle day to come when I can wake with energy and no pain. If I could just have one of those days.....
rackmani Member
I feel for you; sometimes it can all feel too much. Try to pace yourself; make sure you are on the right meds and try doing some gentle exercise; I find swimming really helps.
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hi Karen, I have been flaring for over 55 years with psoriasis and 30 plus years with psoriatic arthritis. You will have your good and your bad days. You will learn what your limits are. Don't push yourself too much, you will just tired yourself out.
ClairG Moderator & Contributor
Hi there <inline-mention user-id="3292899" username="karenkeslar"/> . I hope you feeling allot better by now. A flare can feel devestating. How are you getting on?
VickiN Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3292899" username="karenkeslar"/> , anemia is not uncommon for those with inflammatory arthritis (and totally contributes to the fatigue). Have you ever heard of the Lucky Iron Fish? It can help with iron levels: <a href='https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/favourite-things-products-compression-wear/' target='_blank'>https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/favourite-things-products-compression-wear/</a> Warm wishes, -Victoria, Community Moderator
hjay Member
<a></a><a></a><a><inline-mention user-id="3292899" username="karenkeslar"/></a> I have recently been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in the last few months and i find that Hot Yoga (Bikram Yoga) is extremely helpful. It sounds daft but I’d been having what I think is a flare up in my fingers and had been struggling to bend them with the swelling and pain. After my yoga class, I could bend it with very little pain and I had a surge of energy that lasted until the end of the next day. I know 1/2 days isn’t a lot but sometimes just those 2 days can be precious. It’s low impact and the heat is great for the joints.
josie Member
I was diagnosed in fall of 2017, I am now on Cosentyx my skin is 95% clear but joint pain still present; getting better but exhausted most of the time, I do have to push myself to take care of things in my home, but my husband helps me we are both retired now; I was nurse for 35 yrs. How I cope is my lord and savior if I didn’t have him I would be gone for good; I pray daily for his strength to get me thru each day. God Bless you.
kerry Member
I go through this often. Shoot me an email if you want.
kerry Member
I am sorry you have to deal with this terrible disease. I go through this often. I want to do all of the things I used to do. I have learned when I feel fatigue I rest and start again when I feel rested. Do not over do it and do not feel guilty. Taking good care of yourself will pay off in the long run. You are not weak, the pain is real and someday's you just cannot do much. Listen to your body.

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