Adapting lifestyle to live better with Psoriatic Arthritis

binglybob1

A little about me - I’m a 38 year old, white British male and I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis when I was 21 - my left knee became very swollen after a squash game. I had it aspirated and then begun my treatment journey - 10 years of Methotrexate, then various anti-TNF drugs and finally landed on Infliximab via IV, which is working very well.

I wanted to share that I took the decision to quit alcohol nearly 2 years ago after an extended flare up that lasted 18 months plummeted my mental health and resilience. I was in chronic pain and unfortunately my wife saw the worst of me (despite her being very patient and understanding).

After a much needed marital nudge (respect to my wife for balancing her needs with my exacerbated condition) I took the decision to quit alcohol. While alcohol is obviously inflammatory the main reason was to protect my mental health, maintain healthy relationships and be able to navigate life better while living with this condition.

I don’t mean this to be a preaching story but it has helped me immensely to keep my focus on life’s priorities and not slip into depressive or anxious “slogs”.

It’s come with various pros and cons:

Pros:

clarity of thought

Better quality time with family and friends

Higher performance and stamina at work

No hanxiety

Saved money (and post drink bad food)

Better husband and father

Double-down in my love of going to the cinema solo

Cons:

FOMO

Some social situations are more challenging

Im really interested to hear from fellow arthritis sufferers who have taken this life route and how they have found their experience?

MaryL44

Hi @binglybob1 .Welcome to our community and thanks for such a positive and helpful post 😊. You seem to have everything sorted but do remember to check our website for any questions you may have.

Personally, I take methotrexate and I'm careful with my alcohol intake - though I haven't given it up completely! I admire your willpower but you obviously have found that the benefits of abstinence far outweigh the negatives.

Well done. Keep checking the forum to see responses from our members.

Mary (moderator)

frogmorton

Fabulous story @binglybob1 (love the name BTW) well done you

I reckon you might be interested in some of what @Arthuritis and I think @jamieA have to say too.

I myself don't drink it doesn't help me and I also look after my gut microbiome? I believe personally that our immune system is hugely affected by our diet. I am a whole food plant based vegan. I dodge, as far as possible, processed foods and do the 30 a week rather than 5 a day. That means 30 different plants/nuts seeds etc in one week. I start on Monday and have usually done 30 by weds although I still carry on! eat the rainbow as they say to help my gut and hopefully my whole immune system.

@Arthuritis has some nice wines non alcoholic….

Toni x