“How are you feeling?” It may be a simple question, one that typically doesn’t generate much of a response.
But for those with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), it’s a big question with no one suitable answer. Explaining how much pain you’re in, or how tired you are from not being able to sleep through the night, or even how frustrating it can be to not be able to predict how you’ll be tomorrow, can be exhausting. Because no matter who you’re talking to — whether it’s your spouse, your best friend, or your rheumatologist — oftentimes, your answer isn’t enough to convey your experience.
The only ones who really get what you’re going through are other PsA patients. Let their words here give you a sense of peace knowing others are dealing with the same levels of pain, fatigue, and frustration that you are.
"My feet don’t even look like feet anymore, and I feel like stairs are my archnemesis." – Jason M. Shiflett, living with PsA
"Exercise has been very important to me in my overall health and keeping my joints flexible. I find that doing some walking is a great way to keep the muscles and joints from stiffening up. I actually tried relaxing in the water, which seems to be a great way to make the skin feel better." – Diane Talbert, living with psoriasis and PsA and blogger at CreakyJoints
"First-, second-, and third-degree burns!" – Sanne Erikstrup, living with PsA
"I know I will never be what I once was, even if I achieve clinical remission. I have too much permanent damage. That is a reality. I can hope for a lower constant level of pain. A level I can function with most the time. A level that I can sleep with. Expecting the impossible is not going to improve your quality of life, just like giving up and letting the disease run rampant won’t." – Heather Grant, living with psoriasis and PsA and blogger of Sausage Toes and Scales. Living Life with Psoriatic Arthritis.
"No matter how comfortable with yourself and your condition you are, you will meet people every day who will judge or fear you." – Ernie Fuglevand, living with PsA
"Painsomnia and itching are the absolute WORST. ESPECIALLY when they hit you at night while trying to sleep. You don’t get enough rest, wake up tired, and have trouble functioning through the day. This leads to being in AGONY the next day, only to do it again that night." – Summer Scirocco, living with psoriasis and PsA and blogger at Fight the Flare