The Girl With Arthritis

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to boundaries and privacy around your health. It’s important to remember that you have the choice to share or say ‘no.’ Everyone needs boundaries and privacy, but they’re especially important when you’re chronically ill. You deserve to be comfortable with what you share, how much you share, and who you share it with. My boundaries have changed a lot since I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Some people are an open book, while others are more private. And there are physical boundaries to consider, too: are you open to sharing you’re canceling plans because of a flare, do you push through, or is there a third option? Reach the full article at Bezzy Psa

One chronic disease is hard to manage, but more than one makes life chaotic. Find ways to get organized, take notes, and, above all, be kind to yourself as priorities change. I always thought I was a good multitasker. Then I was put to the test when I had to manage multiple chronic conditions. I had lived with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since childhood, but adding a new condition as an adult threw me for a loop. Unfortunately, when you have one chronic disease, it’s not uncommon to develop another. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s a lot harder to manage multiple diseases than many would imagine. Sometimes, it can feel like taking care of two (or more) toddlers at once. There are times when it’s peaceful, when one won’t stop running around, and when there are non-stop tantrums. It can be chaotic. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

 While dealing with brain fog and constant appointments, my phone calendar keeps me on schedule. I often say, if something isn’t on my calendar, it doesn’t exist. I use my phone calendar frequently, calling it my “single source of truth.” While I have a good memory, I don’t trust myself to remember everything. And I blame my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on that. Between complicated medical schedules and too many reminders, it’s easy to get things mixed up. I feel like I see medical staff more often than I see some family members. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

When your normal is already skewed, it can be hard to notice if something else is brewing. Sometimes PsA overshadows other symptoms. When you’re starting to feel run-down, most people assume they’re getting sick. Me? I would assume my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is starting to act up. The same with any unexpected pain. (Or in my case, extra pain.) While others may assume they’ve overdone it at the gym or gotten an injury, I would just shrug it off and think my PsA must be a little angry today. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

 From research and tech advances to patient-doctor dynamics, care has come a long way since I was first diagnosed with juvenile arthritis almost twenty years ago. Since I first started seeing a rheumatologist, I’ve gone from carrying around a plastic hospital card to checking in for appointments on my phone. When I think of my experiences from where I started this journey almost twenty years ago to where I am now, the care seems somewhat archaic. It’s incredible how much medical progress I’ve witnessed over almost two decades. As the years went by, I started to have more options, more access, and overall better experiences as a patient. I was only twelve years old when I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, to be clarified as juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA) a year or so later. My 12-year-old mind would have been blown by everything we have today! Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

 I was pleasantly surprised by how different physical therapy is now, and I am grateful for what I have learned so far. I first started physical therapy (PT) for my juvenile-onset psoriatic arthritis (PsA) when I was around twelve, and even back then, I had mixed feelings about it. Every week, my mum loaded me into the car and brought me to a local physical therapy clinic for an hour. I remember going for months, doing the same exercises over and over, and never getting past a certain point. Even when I switched clinics, much stayed the same. While I was positive about it at first, it quickly became a chore. I don’t want to imply I had a bad experience, but I didn’t feel like it benefited me. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

Reflecting on my education and early career made me realize how my goals have changed. For the sake of my health, I had to adapt to a more flexible career path. Having been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in childhood, it affected many of my milestones. As a kid, things still felt very achievable because I had a lot of support. The accommodations I had at school made it easier for me to focus on my work, so I thrived even at the worst of times. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA 

Most people worry about picking the right prenatal to optimize their health before trying to have a baby. My psoriatic arthritis meant I needed a little extra help while planning to start trying. I’ve always been determined that living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) wouldn’t stop me from accomplishing any of my goals. One of those goals has always been to become a mother. After years of being the fun aunt and Godmother, I felt ready to have children of my own. So a few years into my marriage, my husband and I started to get ready to try a step that isn’t always necessary, but can be really helpful. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA

 My rheumatologist and I are a team; communication and trust are essential. So when I don’t feel heard or seen, it impacts my care. Last year, I ended up in the emergency room. My rheumatologist called me within an hour to make sure I was okay. She even followed up with me a few days later. I feel so grateful to have an amazing, dedicated rheumatologist. And even beyond this scenario, we have a great dynamic. Besides my rheumatologist, I’ve also had many great specialists who helped with different needs. But there have been a few doctors I didn’t connect with. For one reason or another, it wasn’t a good fit. In the past, I would stick around until I realized that staying with a doctor I didn’t feel comfortable with wasn’t doing me any good. Read the full article at Bezzy PsA