Living with Psoriatic Arthritis and a toddler

rarar196
rarar196 Member Posts: 1
edited 22. Oct 2024, 20:10 in Living with arthritis

hi there I’m Rachel, I’m new to this community, I was diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis at 19. I am now 33 and have a 18month old. I’m reaching out as I am currently struggling with a bad flare up in my knee, struggling with pain, fatigue, etc just feeling very overwhelmed at the moment and on top of it all trying to be the best parent I can be to my son. Are there any other struggling parents with young children on here? I would love to connect. Please reach out, thank you. 🙂

Comments

  • MaryL44
    MaryL44 Moderator Posts: 91

    Hello @rarar196 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well. I'm sorry to hear how you're feeling at the moment and, whilst I am not in the same situation as you I would say that our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

    Also, there will be members of our community who's experiences are like yours so keep checking back here for their responses.

    Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

    If you would like to discuss anything with our Help line experts their contact details are at the bottom of my message.

    Best wishes

    Mary

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Ponee
    Ponee Member Posts: 14

    Hi @rarar196 welcome to the community.

    I can't say I share your exact experience, but being the same age with PsA and thinking of starting a family I can definitely say what your experiencing is something I've had on my mind! Parenting looks different for everyone and I've no doubt that despite feeling overwhelmed you're probably doing amazing!

    I don't think I can overstate the importance of making sure you're in a good place for yourself and your toddler. Taking time to rest may feel like accepting defeat when you have a little one but you can't pour from an empty cup. I hope you have people in your life you feel comfortable being able to lean on for support, I highly recommend not suffering in silence and share your concerns with your friends and family.

    We're always here to chat also :)

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,908

    Hi @rarar196 lovely to meet you.

    I am not now a mother of young children and mine were 10 and 12 when this kicked off for me so not the same at all.

    However what I do know is that children need their Mums full stop. If all you can do is watch TV, with your toddler, read to them or watch them play with their toys while you lie on the sofa so be it. Your voice, encouragement, praise and love are a huge part of being a good parent.

    Hopefully you have some help from family or friends with some of the more physical aspects of looking after a small child?

    @stickywicket will bear me out she was a Mum of boys when we didn't even have DMARDs just paracetamol. I also hope some other people parenting with the condition see your post and you can support each other that would be ideal.

    Have you seen this

    Jessica has a blog which might be interesting for you?

    Anyway sorry I can't help more but please remember you are doing a great job.

    Take care

    Toni x

  • Arciere
    Arciere Member Posts: 49
    edited 22. Oct 2024, 18:58

    Hi There

    Yes, I’m in the same boat - although the children are a little older. I used to be frustrated by the advice to just rest when practically this wasn’t an option.

    The fatigue was the worst. I’ve felt awful about the lack of physical activities I’ve done with my second child due to pain and fatigue.

    This may not help - but I started on biologic medication in February this year. I continued to feel the fatigue really badly until I made some substantial changes to my diet. The fatigue has practically disappeared and I feel so much better and productive.

    This might be a coincidence of the biologics but I’m convinced the diet change is really helping. I have essentially cut out all gluten, artificial sweetener and deadly nightshade. I also try really hard to stay hydrated.

    So if you haven’t already - do look at diet. I have also removed some stressors from my life which probably helped too.

    Hope the is interesting if nothing else.