Rude Awakening

By PushnThru

1 min read

My husband and I have been together for 32 years this fall. I have always been by his side for fence clearing, hauling, and cutting wood for simple projects. For several years I have wrestled with back issues on and off, but that didn't stop me.

Increasing psoriatic arthritis pain

Then probably 7 or 8 years ago, major stress hit us and I started having more pain issues. Then 2 winters ago, we were clearing a fence row and I became so weak and drained of strength. After that and COVID this past August, I just haven't been able to do a lot of the stuff I enjoyed helping my husband with.

Out of all of the issues like pain, lack of strength, and whatever else that comes along with fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis, I feel cheated because I can't be outside a lot of times helping my husband and having fun and goofing off while working together as we have always done together. That is what has affected me most of all.

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Jill.Brodie Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="PushnThru" user-id="4660056"/> thank you for taking the time to share with us. I can hear how difficult this is for you. It is so hard to have to make adjustments to the things you love the most. We understand and we are here for you! Sending you hugs. Jill, Team Member 
1. PushnThru Member
 <inline-mention username="Jill.Brodie" user-id="3290804"/> thank you for your kind words. What short time I have been apart of the group I feel a load has already been lifted from me. 
2. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 I am so glad to hear that our community is helping you @PushnThru! You are welcome at any time. Jill, Team Member
Krystal Member
I had a similar decline. I've had back pain for years. But back in March 2021, the pain suddenly got much worse. I'm now using a cane and a wheelchair to get around outside of the house. I hope you're finding some pain relief.
jvbs Member
 I can really relate PushNThru. I love to help out, and I'm quite handy myself, but over the last 10 years, there's been a steady decline in my physical ability. I miss dancing, getting on the floor to play with my grandkids and great grandkids, going for walks and hikes, gardening, helping with the upkeep around the house, etc. But the biggest thing for me is that, while he doesn't say it out loud, I know my husband thinks I exaggerate my pain. He doesn't understand how I can feel ok one day, then hardly be able to get out of bed a couple days later. When he asks for help and I tell him I can't today, he kinda rolls his eyes and say you could ______________ yesterday. 
1. jvbs Member
 <inline-mention username="Abigail Covert" user-id="4217116"/> It doesn't help that I have 3 other autoimmune disorders, including Lupus, and my Rheumie thinks treating the Lupus is most important because kidney disease runs in my family. I hope someone is doing research on how to treat multiple autoimmune disorders, my Rheumie says that if she was to treat my PsA as well as the SLE, it would lower my immunity to virtually nothing.
2. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 I wish you didn't have to choose between the two, <inline-mention username="jvbs" user-id="3285289"/>. Have you ever considered showing your husband some of the articles on this site? I know that not everyone is receptive, but sometimes people are more open to learning about health conditions and their impact when they get the information from another source. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)