Psoriatic Arthritis: How do you manage PA and flares?

thank you for sharing. on another note, it's not the quantity of doctors, it is the QUALITY. it is easy to give up. every time i do i am right back up again. what else is new? try, try again. don't let the doctors treat you as a ginie (can't spell) pig. they make good money that way. i thank the fact that there are still the "good" doctors out there. rambling on and on. for what it's worth, enjoy, turn on a movie. just watched "deep water horizon" WOW!.

i forgot to add. yes, the pain and swelling will return again and again. and then stay away for years. who knows? maybe for good. try to enjoy it when you can. i had my miracle for the day. watching a hummingbird fly from one flower to another.

and on another note. while seeing a pain management doctor for more than a year i was dismissed. she did me a favor. do not get hooked on the controlled medications. why do i think this way? perhaps because of the 80 years of experience? just one word WAIT!

@peach414144 I am like you, Peach. I stay away from the pain medications. It seems that the more you take, the more you need. And when you try to stop taking them, the pain is even more excruciating. I understand some people need it. I, however, have only taken them for a day or two after surgery. Then I stop. Not to be gross, but they also constipate me and that is just an awful feeling. I have enough to deal with! I swim two to three times a week, I try to walk, I listen to up-beat music, I count at least 5 blessings every day, I sleep on a Thermapedic mattress, I take warm jetted baths, I go to physical therapy when I need it, and I pray. I am by no means all sunshine and smiles every day! Some days I get extremely mad and frustrated at the pain and my circumstances. I allow myself a day in bed or some time to vent and be angry. Then I start putting one foot in front of the other again and try to fight the good fight. The answers to pain are different for all of us. I, personally, would be so willing to try medical marijuana, but it is illegal in my state. If it does become available, that is one pain remedy I would try.

@peach414144 Sometimes people in pain lash out. And, yes, people who apologize should be given a second chance. I know I have at times been unkind when I am in pain; especially when I feel frustrated by my husband asking "well, why do you think you hurt today?" Don't get me wrong, he is very supportive but sometimes not so bright when it comes to verbalizing! LOL! At any rate, I always try my best not to take things too personally. We are each on our own journey. Some of us agree one way and some agree another and some don't agree with any of us. That's okay. People being different is what makes life challenging but also fun! Hang in there!

My joints so bad they are replacing my knuckles on one hand, only take meds when needed, been on for over ten years no problems

@djfd Wow - that sounds very painful. I am so, so sorry. I am glad medication has worked for you! I can't imagine what you would do without it. I am, thankfully, not to the point you are in this crazy health ride! I am keeping you in my prayers. I so hope you find some new ideas and helpful connections on this site. I know I have found Mayo Connect to be a source of information and comfort.

you are right blindeyepug.  the intestinal tract is compromised.   especially with sjorgrens which drys more than the eyes and mouth.  it can be deadly when the stool is hard like rocks.  have experienced this personally. 

i did not write to hurt anyone. what is going on here? what have i said? please tell me. this is not good for anyone. there is a hurt going on here and it is not coming from me. am i not supposed to be upbeat at times. i refuse to be constantly depressed. it is not healthy.

what did i say. what were my words so i may not repeat what is hurtful to you.