Readers Story
In my darker moments I feel that the condition
is only going to worsen, that I’ll be able to
do less and less. I’ve noticed that I’ve been
watching peoples hands more often, especially
on TV. When they’re doing something that
requires a lot of dexterity or strength I feel
obsessive and jealous. Those feelings, quite
frankly, p***** me off.
Do you speak to your family or friends
about PsA?
All of my family and most of my friends know
and are all supportive. My sister recently
asked me how it was all going and said that I
never talk about it which I hadn’t really noticed
but is true.
I don’t like to talk about it, I usually can’t be
bothered to explain it all and I don’t want to
make a fuss. There’ll come a time when I’ll
need people to make a fuss but while it’s
managed okay I’d rather get on with it.
How do you deal with joint flare ups?
My worst flare ups are in my right fingers,
wrist and elbow, the best thing I’ve found to
help are supports, so I’ve got a big chunky
wrist support and a smaller one for if I need
a bit more movement.
In my fingers, it feels like an ache right down
the middle of the bone and I’ve recently got
some little furry elastic supports which work
really well.
There’ll come a
time when I’ll
need people to
make a fuss..
Do you feel there is enough information,
research & support available?
I’ve felt recently that there’s a lot more
information available, it might just be that
I’ve spent more time looking since I’ve had
problems in my hands and since I’ve met
the PSAZZ group. I suppose there can
always be more research, one day they’ll
figure it out and no one will have arthritis.
What things do you think would make
the most difference to your living with
this disease or make life a bit
better/easier?
I really feel that the
perfect combination
of medication and
lifestyle is just
around the corner,
just nailing that
would do the trick.
If you would like to share
your story simply email us at
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