The Girl With Arthritis

The transition into adulthood can be challenging for most, but it’s even harder when coping with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It’s not easy to balance new responsibilities with evolving symptoms. I was recently explaining to a loved one that I’m planning to use a wheelchair on my upcoming vacation. Even though I was able to handle all the walking on this trip when I was younger, now the rebound PsA flares I get from pushing myself hit a lot harder and stay longer. And I’d rather not return to work dealing with a post-trip flare. They nodded understandingly and said, “You’re not as young as you used to be, and you don’t bounce back as quickly.” I honestly never expected to hear someone say that to me, considering I’m only a 20-something-year-old. I’ve always heard things get harder when you get older, and they were right. My body doesn’t bounce back from flares the way it used to.  Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

Chronic illness can be complicated to navigate in relationships. Here’s how I ditch the guilt and approach physical affection. Less than a year ago, I married my now husband on a beautiful spring evening. Everyone said our love and happiness were contagious, and we’re still clearly crazy for each other. But it hasn’t all been honeymoon bliss — when my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) flares up, physical affection is often the last thing on my mind. And that can be hard for both of us.  Read the full article at Bezzy PsA.

 Ironically, for someone who shares my medical experiences online, I am a very private person in real life. There are some details about myself I'm quick to share, like being a crochet enthusiast! But there are several things I keep private, one of them being that I have psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Click here to read the full article at Psoriatic-Arthritis.com.

When family and friends don’t respond well to what you share about your health journey, it’s disappointing and hurtful. Here’s how I determine my inner circle and respect my own boundaries. A few months ago, I was caught off guard by someone asking how my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was doing. They had heard my health wasn’t doing great and wanted to check in and offer a recipe for a home remedy. While I appreciated that they cared, I was also surprised they knew about my flare-up: I generally don’t discuss my health with family and friends. It sounds a little ironic, considering I write about my experiences living with PsA. But hear me out: It’s so much easier to share about my life with PsA with a community that “gets it” than to talk about my health with those who don’t understand. Even though family and friends are often the first place we turn to for support, this group isn’t always the most empathetic. For this reason, I’ve decided to keep my health details private, aside from a fe...

  Watching my mother break out with psoriasis was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It was so emotionally and physically painful for her. Just watching, I knew it was something I never wanted to go through. And, knock on wood, I haven't. Yet. It's been years since I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. However, I've never actually dealt with psoriasis. My family history, nail issues, and other symptoms fit the bill for psoriatic arthritis. I'm thankful for every year that goes by without psoriasis, but I know it could happen one day. And for years I've lived in fear of it. Read the full article at psoriatic-arthritis.com

 This month, I've been binge-watching Call The Midwife. I picked it up again after missing a few seasons and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Through the happy and sad tears, my favorite part is how much the sisters and nurses care for their patients. Sometimes, I wish I could be their patient! It's not the first time I've wished to have the medical teams I see on TV.  Click here to read the full article at Psoriatic-Arthritis.com.