Psoriatic Arthritis: How do you manage PA and flares?

First of all bless you for being a support to your extended family member. She needs a lot of support. When I was having my last PA flare I literally couldn't stand. My hip joint would not support any weight. At the hospital no pain medication helped and for two days they would rotate through several very strong IV meds with no good result. So, for 49 straight hours all I could do was lie there and cry nonstop. Finally, a breakthrough came when one doctor insisted that ibuprofen was needed. For the next 24 days it was put through the IV nonstop even though I wasn't supposed to have it due to ckd. The ibuprofen broke through the intense pain. The PA will never be cured by hopefully no more flares will be that intense. So, I say that to say, hang in there because your family member truly needs you even if she doesn't respond quickly. Sometimes just getting through a single day is an immense trial. Stay the course and thank you again for being a true support for her.

I’m posting this here since most of you seem very familiar with PA and how it manifests. I have an extended family member who has this. We communicate mainly with texts since covid. Based on her comments and photos, It appears she is very impacted physically. Does this condition normally result in immobility? And, joint replacements? I reached out lately, but think she may not feel up to chatting. I had a gift for her, but didn’t want to show up unexpected. I’m trying to understand and be supportive. I did send a card.

@happilyalive Wow, what you went thru is totally amazing!! And you’ve survived! Was that your first big flare? You mentioned not being able to stand because your hip joint just wouldn’t cooperate. Is that the only physical response you’ve had to the disease?

Hi, This was by far the worst flare that I have had with the Psoriatic Arthritis. I've battled psoriasis since I was a teen and no one ever found a cause for it nor for several other things that I've battled with over the years. All of my ANA tests came back showing nothing and until the flare mentioned above no one took me serious enough regarding my symptoms. Many of us know how this goes. So, I will always count that horrible flare and excruciating pain as a bitter blessing. The poor doctor told me that it was the worst 10/10 pain score he had personally ever witnessed and was at a loss until the other doctor helped him out with the iburprofen cure for it. Both he and I learned something from it. So, no matter how many years you must battle in finding a reason for your pain and afflictions, stick with it. Many doctors and medical professionals may shrug it off but at some point a reason may be found. I wish each of us the best in life and may no flares come anyone's way.

The afflicted individual soldiers through a sea of pain. This affects their chosen occupation. My daughter has taken up studies that won't require her to be always standing. Her condition is chronic, unfortunately.

I am so sorry to read if your immense pain with your flares. That type of thing does explain things that may be going on with her. She told me that her family is providing all of her care, so I don’t think she is mobile. She does not work and I think doesn’t leave the house. I will continue to reach out to her without being a bother, I hope. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Best wishes for your treatment moving forward. I hope things improve.

I’m posting this here since most of you seem very familiar with PA and how it manifests. I have an extended family member who has this. We communicate mainly with texts since covid. Based on her comments and photos, It appears she is very impacted physically. Does this condition normally result in immobility? And, joint replacements? I reached out lately, but think she may not feel up to chatting. I had a gift for her, but didn’t want to show up unexpected. I’m trying to understand and be supportive. I did send a card.

Yes the pain can be extreme! This is so severe that my daughter cannot even speak. Call your friend and ask her if she'd like you to make her a cup of tea or just watch a movie together. She will appreciate the understanding. They are in pain but still lonely!