A year into psoriatic arthritis. Are you feeling alone?

bosh
bosh Member Posts: 1,162
in Say Hello

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about a year ago. I’m getting by, but there are times when I feel every day is a struggle. I find non - arthritic people can often be lacking in sympathy and I feel very alone, does anyone else feel the same? Thanks.

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  • Shell_H
    Shell_H Administrator Posts: 551

    Hi @bosh , welcome to the online community!

    We have a lot of info on Psoriatic Arthritis, and I know you've said it's been a year so you may well know a lot already but I thought I'd give you a link to some info in case it helps!

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/january/all-about-psoriatic-arthritis/

    Sadly a lot of us with arthritis and other chronic conditions do find that those without just don't understand the fact that it's a constant thing. We do have a few discussions on it which I'll give you below which may help. There's also a theory which a lot of us use to help explain or discuss with other people what it's like, which might be helpful for you:

    https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

    This is a theory of trying to explain a chronic condition, with it's ups and downs and constant worries, which may be an easier way for people without a chronic condition to understand.

    Some discussions which may well be if interest to you are:

    The community is very friendly, so do jump in and chat with others as you feel interested!

    It's lovely to meet you!

    Shell

  • Hairobsessed123
    Hairobsessed123 Member Posts: 106

    Hi @bosh

    Im 6 months in myself ! I have felt positive days and lots of down days !!

    I felt my family didn’t realise what a struggle everyday can be , until I went to London for a 4 day break now my husband can finally see what’s it’s like when I say I’m struggling to walk and he cud see me in pain doing things that I used to take in my stride !

    my son is very understanding but my daughter thinks I’m lazy when I can’t do much I think it’s because I’m still a young 44 !! And she doesn’t understand big hugs 🤗

  • teabe
    teabe Member Posts: 4

    Hi @bosh I am about 18 months into my diagnosis, after years of struggle to get my Dr to take my pain seriously. My grown up kids & husband don't seem to understand the struggles, since being diagnosed and given medication I have had a remarkable improvement of daily life, such as being able to walk up and down stairs without feeling like I am 90 years+ (I'm 48).

    Unfortunately I have recently had to take breaks from the medication to have 2 carpal tunnel ops, and for some reason, some areas of my body are relapsing and not responding to increased doses, this is starting to get to me as people around don't "see" anything wrong, and I don't like to say anything as if I did I think I would be complaining any time I move on a bad day 🤣

  • bosh
    bosh Member Posts: 1,162

    Thanks @Hairobsessed123 for your comment. I’m also in my forties and “look young for my age” and I guess what I’m saying is that appearances can be deceptive. One friend recently asked me if I go on runs, I know the condition affects people differently, but even though she’s a nice person, I don’t think she’s been listening to a word I’ve been saying.Again, nice to hear from you. Take care.

  • Hairobsessed123
    Hairobsessed123 Member Posts: 106

    Horrible when people don’t care enough to listen !! @bosh !!

    I’m fortunate that my best friend has RA and she has been a huge help and she can see when I’m having a crap day !!!

  • Hairobsessed123
    Hairobsessed123 Member Posts: 106


  • bosh
    bosh Member Posts: 1,162

    Hi @teabe thanks very much for your comment. I also went through a very long time of not being able to use stairs without immense pain, it was terrible. Glad there have been some improvements, v sorry about the carpal tunnel syndrome and other problems. Medicine has also helped me too, but progress was slow and I can’t help thinking about how things used to be. Good to know that your family is as imperfect as mine though, no offence! Take care.

  • foodgloriousfood
    foodgloriousfood Member Posts: 2

    Hi @bosh

    Sorry to hear you feel very alone - it can feel like that absolutely but know that there are so many individuals with the same diagnosis who experience exactly the same emotions you are going through. I’ve definitely been there and I’ve found forums like this useful. 

    I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 7 years ago, in a lot of pain before being moved on to biologics which helped manage the pain and gave me a sense of normality for several years. I’m 40 and have experienced my first physical flare up in 3 years which has been quite a shock to the system. 

    Trying to explain arthritis pain to friends and family can be difficult when there isn’t anyone with a similar diagnosis. You’ll have good days and bad days - on the bad days, be kind to yourself - it’s something I’m still learning to do. 

    Whenever you do feel alone - reach out on here as you have done. Stay strong and take care x

  • bosh
    bosh Member Posts: 1,162

    Thanks for your nice and kind comment @foodgloriousfood

  • Brynmor
    Brynmor Administrator Posts: 1,831

    Hi @foodgloriousfood welcome to the Online Community - great to have you here.

    Explaining arthritis pain to someone can be extremely difficult. I found some very helpful suggestions in the section on "Your Relationships" on the website page Emotional Wellbeing which helped: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

    Do join in across the Community, ask questions and continue to give great support! You will be most welcome.

    All best wishes

    Brynmor

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