The big question…

I was interviewed recently, by a writer who is formulating my story about Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis, and they asked me a very difficult question at the end of the interview. The big question was ” What has psoriatic arthritis taken from you and taught you?”

At first I needed a moment to truly gather my thoughts and wrap my head around the first part of the question. What has PsA taken from me? I wanted to cry. Holding back a lot of emotion, I decided to answer the question as honestly as possible without completely breaking down…. I said “it’s taken everything”, “it has robbed me of a normal life” “it has taken a perfectly healthy person and has destroyed them from the inside-out” “it has taken so much from me, but I don’t let it stop me or define me” I proceeded to go on and the interviewer just kept writing tons of notes “I feel as though it’s taught me how strong I am, how determined I am, how persistent I am, to just keep going and fighting the good fight.” “You have to be strong, be your own advocate, do your research, have an incredible health team behind you and support system, and you have to show the world that you got this, it doesn’t have you” I wanted to keep on going, but I knew at the end of the hour and a half interview I felt exhausted. I felt like I had reopened so many wounds, and emotions I felt when I first got diagnosed.

I was spent. So I felt like that big question is a question that all of you can relate to. You can choose to let this disease take over you and consume you every day, or you can choose to fight like you’ve never fought before.

It’s a long journey that you’ll have to deal with for the rest of your life but we are all in it together. Keep fighting the good fight, keep your head up, and remember that YOU are a psoriatic arthritis warrior!!!!!!!

Go With The Flow

When you have PsA (Psoriatic Arthritis) you must always go with the flow. What I mean by this is simple…. if you’re having a good day, do what you can (try not to overdo it)…. if you’re having a so-so day, just take it easy and do a little… if you’re having a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day… then don’t do anything!

Going with the flow means doing what you know you can do and what your body will allow you to do at any given time. It doesn’t by any means mean to just go crazy and try to do everything on your to-do list! You have to be picky… you have to choose what’s really important and should be done first no matter what… just literally go with the flow. If the first task wipes you out, then so be it! Stop right then and there, and take a break. Take a nap, sit down, relax, breathe, stretch, call a friend, close your eyes…. just chill. I mean it.

The worst thing you can do with PsA is tell yourself that you should push yourself to the max. We all know how those end up… in a serious amount of pain and suffering! You don’t want to strain your body, or your joints, stress yourself out for no reason, or cause a flare-up!

Be realistic! Just keep in mind what your body is telling you to do. Sometimes we think we are superhuman or a superhero and can conquer the world, even if that just means getting dressed in the morning. The small victories no matter how small, should all be celebrated. Do what you can when you can, and don’t let anyone or anything stand in your Way!!!

From one PsA Warrior to another… trust your mind, body, and gut instinct and go with the flow!!!! You got this!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Weekend Warrior

Not only are we PsA Warriors, but we are Weekend Warriors!

I don’t know about you, but some weekends I just want to do absolutely nothing. My body is telling me to slow down and take it easy. My body sometimes is just putting on the brakes…..I sometimes feel a bit sluggish or achy…

Rest is so important when you have psoriatic arthritis and allowing yourself to take that much needed break is vital, especially on the weekends!

Some weekends, I have 1,000 things to do on my to-do list. Some weekends, I have only a few things to do…either way, I always try to make time to just stop, breathe, and relax. You need to do this as well. NO EXCUSES! The weekend is when I can recharge my PsA battery so I can take on the next week, and tackle any obstacles that come my way.

Without recharging my PsA battery, I am doomed right on Monday morning. I can feel my body shutting down…I can feel my brain fog settling in…I can feel my eyes hurting…I am just not as sharp as I need to be! My body needs a full recharge or the start of the new week, is a NIGHTMARE!

Sometimes my weekends have other plans…Work, family obligations, weddings, parties, travel, chores, and cleaning….but that doesn’t mean I don’t take time for myself. When you have PsA you have to be a little self-centered sometimes. You have to tell people you need a break sometimes. You have to be vocal about your needs/wants. You also have the right to rest. If someone in your life is not allowing you to rest, that’s a problem. Learn to say no, not yes! Never, ever say yes to doing something when you know your PsA wants you to say no! I learned that lesson over the years, and it have fully changed my life.

People in your life will understand. And if they don’t? Get rid of them. Toxic people who do not allow you to rest or say no to doing certain things, need to go…say goodbye! Out with the negative, in with the positive! You need people in your life who understand your condition, understand that you need rest, and most of all, are just patient with you and your feelings.

You have the right to be a PsA Warrior and a Weekend Warrior (even if that means you don’t leave the couch and live in your PJS)….because after-all…we need to sometimes!!!!

Chronic Lifestyle Hacks!

We all could use a hack or two or three here and there….and these are the absolute best hacks I could think of to share with my followers, groupies, and fellow warriors!!

The first hack is simple:

You need Amazon PRIME!

Why? Because who doesn’t love free shipping in two days! You can literally get everything you need right at your fingertips, without leaving the house….and it comes right to you! I don’t know what I would do without my prime membership!!!

Prime is just $5.99/month for qualifying customers in select U.S. government assistance programs such as holders of the EBT card. –

Plus: Enjoy the benefits of Prime at almost 50% off the regular monthly price

Click here to enroll in PRIME!!—-> https://amzn.to/2CMzEM7

The second super life-changing hack is:

AMAZON-FRESH!

There are some days I cannot even get dressed, let alone get into my car, drive, and physically go into a supermarket or store to go grocery shopping…some days IT AIN’T HAPPENING!!! So why even bother? Why even try on those days to overexert myself or even attempt something I know will end up being a big fail? The answer is AMAZON-FRESH! Seriously…a game changer for anyone with a chronic, debilitating illness, that needs their groceries, STAT!

Click here to take advantage of the FREE TRIAL (YES FREE!) https://amzn.to/2CIlXxW

The third game-changing lifestyle hack is:

PRIME PANTRY!

Save yourself a trip to the store, and enjoy access to exclusive selection of low-priced items in everyday sizes with Prime Pantry. After the free trial period, Prime customers pay just $4.99 per month to receive free shipping on Pantry orders $10 or more. All Prime Pantry boxes are shipped using ground shipping, and may take 1-4 business days to arrive.

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The fourth fun lifestyle hack is:

AMAZON MUSIC! (Unlimited FREE TRIAL!)

Because..we could all use some more music in our lives!! To sing to, dance to, fall asleep to, drive with, mediate, travel, and just relax to!! You can literally listen to tens of millions of songs on any device anywhere, available for both Prime and Non-Prime members!! Plus they let you have an unlimited FREE TRIAL! Yes FREEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Start your trial today! https://amzn.to/2HNrqaF

The fifth fancy lifestyle hack is:

AMAZON HOME SERVICES!

Need something done around the house? Like, literally anything from small to big to hey I don’t even know where to being kind of project?

Check out Amazon Home Services!

I bet you had no idea that Amazon Home Services offers customers over a thousand different services from quality, hand-picked pros and backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee. Top services available for Customers to purchase include: *House Cleaning *TV Wall Mounting *Smart Home Device Installation *Equipment and Furniture Assembly *Plumbing and Electrical *Handyman *House Painting*

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The sixth fabulous find in our hacking game is:

Amazon Kindle! (Duh)

Who doesn’t love to just sit around (while suffering) and read? I know I do….especially when I am having a really bad flare-up and just need to keep my mind off of life for awhile…I always grab my tablet and read a great book to escape reality for awhile! Try a kindle unlimited membership plan today! Why? Here’s why….

Did you know that Kindle Unlimited 6, 12 and 24-month membership plans are available? You will receive access to *Unlimited reading from over 1 million ebooks *Unlimited listening to thousands of audio-books *Read on any device *Membership plans are also gift-able

Try Kindle today! https://amzn.to/2OA0hc3

Our seventh super hack is: Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial!

Did you know that Amazon prime membership programs offers all kinds of special benefits including: * Instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes * Borrow Kindle books * Get unlimited FREE two-day shipping (no minimum order size)???

What are you waiting for? Sign up NOW! https://amzn.to/2HOg72c

Our eighth hack is a No-Brainer! Audible!!

If you don’t want to read books, you can listen to them! I love using audible in the car and while I wait at doctors offices! It keeps me relaxed, calm, and listening to my favorite books! If you are a student, you can even listen to your textbooks, instead of reading them. This is the best hack ever…especially if your eyes hurt (like mine do from my PsA) and I just want to listen to a book instead of read it!

Amazon has all kinds of free audible trials going on right now! Sign up for an Audible Gift Membership, which is available in 1, 3, 6 and 12-month membership options! Sign up today for a free trial, and earn two free Audiobooks!

Try your free trial now!—-> https://amzn.to/2CJbja8

Our Nifty ninth hack is: AMAZON FAMILY!!!

Do you have a family? Why not try a free 30 day trial with Amazon Family!? Amazon Family offers special benefits including: *Save 20% on diapers subscriptions *Exclusive Coupons and Deals from Amazon Family *Exclusive Baby Registry benefits *FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items *Unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows *Unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs and more Prime benefits!

Try your free 30 day trial now: https://amzn.to/2UrmDBX

Our terrific last tenth hack is: Amazon Business Account!

Do you own a business? This final hack is a game-changer for so many smart, savvy, business owners!!! It is the Amazon you love, for work. Make workplace procurement easier with convenient delivery options, simplified purchasing workflows, multiple payment options, and a competitive marketplace with business-only pricing and quantity discounts. Anyone who makes purchases for work (eg. procurement specialists, office administration, IT departments, etc.) can create a free account for their business. Customer must be from a verified business in order to successfully create their Amazon Business account.

Start your Amazon Business Account Today! https://amzn.to/2OyiZk4

 

Stamina

Let’s face it. When you have PsA or any chronic, debilitating condition….your stamina at times can be non-existent. However, there are ways to help you cope with not having much stamina, and there are always plenty of ways to help you build it up!

Sleep. Make sure you are getting enough rest and deep sleep at night. If you can’t seem to get comfortable at night, then nap throughout the day. Small naps are really beneficial and they help me to increase my stamina throughout the work day. If I can’t take a nap, I just make sure to go to bed early!

Eat Breakfast. Even if you’re not hungry, eat a little snack filled with protein to kickstart your day! Make sure to also snack throughout the day with healthy options. You don’t want to eat sugar all day long or too many carbs…then your stamina will crash! Look out for a post regarding PsA snacks coming up soon!

Drink lots of water. You all know you have to do this, so why not remind yourself to every hour have a glass of water, or every other hour. Hydration is so important in order to keep your organs and body functioning on a daily basis, and thus help build up your stamina.

Go for a walk. I am not saying go for a 20 mile walk…..but go for a small walk around the block to start. Each day add a little more mileage to your walk….and slowly overtime you will build enough stamina to walk for at least 30 minutes to an hour each day. It is also really beneficial to find the time, and make the time part of your weekly routine!

Go outside. Even when you don’t feel like getting dressed, ready, or even getting out of bed….it’s great to get in some fresh air, even if it’s just for 5 minutes! Stop making excuses and just find a way to get yourself outside…you’ll thank me later.

Stand. Don’t sit for too long, or for really prolonged periods of time. As an art teacher I have to build up my standing stamina daily. Some days are really hard, and some days are a breeze. Either way, I make sure I don’t stand or sit for too long. It’s important with PsA to keep moving and pushing through, even on those really tough days.

Breathe. Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to inhale the goodness, and exhale the junk. Just by closing your eyes for 5 minutes and taking a few deep breathes in and out, it will help rejuvenate your mind-body-and soul…thus helping to further build up your mental stamina for the day!

One of my go-to PsA products is my fitbit! I love to use to track my progress, sleep, workouts, and steps daily! It motivates me to keep moving and keep going…even when I am tired and don’t feel like it!

Check out my favorite fitbit here: https://amzn.to/2U9oECs

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What are you waiting for??

PsA Warrior Gear!

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PsA Warrior Hoodie!!

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Check out all of the amazing styles, colors, and sizes available at Amazon.com!

There are short sleeve, long sleeve, hoodies, and tanks! Something for every PsA warrior! Don’t be afraid to stand out in your PsA gear! The world should all know we are warriors!

We are all PsA Warriors!! It’s time to let the world see it!

Share your story

There is a great deal of shame, fear, and rejection that goes on in anyone’s mind when they face a medical challenge. There are also stigmas and in some cases even embarrassment. For all these reasons and more, people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis or ANY auto immune medical condition, should want to share their stories.

Tell the world exactly what you are going through…don’t be ashamed or afraid or even embarrassed. You should never feel like you have to hide in the shadows, when you belong in the spotlight…

Oftentimes the shame, fear, rejection, and embarrassment may feel like physical or emotional barriers, but those feelings are of no value to the true story of your medical journey, or how you arrived on this auto immune island.

Just think for a moment about all of the benefits there are to sharing your ups and downs on this giant auto immune roller coaster of life! You will not only inspire others by sharing your journey, but you will also empower others to continue to not be ashamed, or afraid to tell their stories as well.

When you release your tale of PsA or any auto immune condition, others can relate to you… They can feel the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and suffering. Some people may understand because they went through it themselves…however, some people may not understand it at all because they didn’t go through what you went through. People will be better able to understand exactly what it feels like….

As PsA warriors, we never look for sympathy, but instead look for understanding and acceptance. Never, ever be afraid or shamed to tell your story because it makes you who you are!

PsA Must-Have Supplements!

I don’t quite know where I would be without my daily vitamins and supplements. Since I work with children all day long, my immune system is constantly compromised. In order to prevent myself from getting sick, and to also help detox my liver from all of the biologics I am currently taking for my PsA…I take a plethora of daily vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements!

Biotin!!

Helps keep your hair and nails STRONG against PsA!

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Glucosamine Chondoitin with Tumeric & MSM!

An Amazon favorite! Click here: https://amzn.to/2TVtAeb

Women’s Daily Multivitamin!

The BEST! Click here: https://amzn.to/2TZO6dn

Astralagus Root: Liver Detox!

I take 2 of these a day! Click here : https://amzn.to/2Hy9JvU

Tumeric!!!

Help reduce inflammation in the body!

Click here to buy: https://amzn.to/2U2PFHC

Garlic!

Amazing for heart health, inflammation, and digestion health!

Click here to buy: https://amzn.to/2Oeh43W

Zyflamend!!!!! Game Changer

This whole body non-gmo formula is a must-have for anyone with PsA! It supports healthy joint function and flexibility! My body feels so much better after taking this!

Click here: https://amzn.to/2TkPQd1

Flaxseed Oil!

Great for heart & digestive health!

Get those rich, Omega-3’s for your heart health!! Just take 1 per day like I do!

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Dandelion Root!!

Amazing Natural Herbal Remedy for Inflammation!

This supplement helps with weight loss, digestion, and helps to reduce inflammation in the body!

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Ginger Root!

Also an excellent go-to natural, herbal remedy for joint pain and inflammation!

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As always, it is extremely important to consult with your doctor before taking any new vitamins or supplements in-conjunction with your medications. Some do have medical interactions, so make sure to ask your doctor first!

What is a PsA Warrior?

 

A PsA warrior is someone who is battling psoriatic arthritis with a brave face on. Someone who gets up every single day no matter how much pain they are in and just keeps going. They keep fighting, no matter how hard it gets. A PsA warrior never gives up. They don’t really care what anyone else thinks, or even if no one else understands how they feel or what they are going through. PsA warriors keep fighting the good fight! Even in moments of weakness, they remain strong, confident, and powerful. PsA warriors find the strength from within to keep moving. PsA warriors are their own medical advocates. They are in control of the medications they take, keep track of their side effects, and know when they need to see their doctors. PsA warriors are not afraid to be vocal about their symptoms or ask for changes. PsA warriors work hard to deal with their flare-ups and symptoms…they know exactly what they have to do and how to take care of themselves….PsA warriors are not afraid to ask for help, especially when they really need it. PsA warriors are not ashamed of their condition, they EMBRACE it. They slow down, take it all in, and don’t care what anyone else thinks about them. PsA warriors do not fear change…they know in order to move ahead and move forward that change is inevitable. PsA warriors are strong, brave, and noble…..they can face anything that comes their way. PsA warriors are tired sometimes..(aren’t we all) but you’d never know it. They do not make excuses but instead find a way to help themselves and others. PsA warriors work really hard….they may have a job, 5 jobs, be out on disability, or working every day just to survive….and you can’t stop them! PsA warriors surround themselves with the people they love the most and are loyal to them. PsA warriors like to find other PsA warriors and share battle stories, show their scars, talk about their fears, and open up about their journeys with this disease….PsA warriors don’t run away from their fears…they take charge. PsA warriors find solutions. They can face any obstacle that comes their way with courage, bravery, and determination. PsA warriors make goals, and even if it takes a little bit longer to accomplish them, they NEVER quit! PsA warriors are human barometers…they can predict the weather on just about any day! PsA warriors smile, even when they don’t feel like it….PsA warriors fight through challenges, and obstacles, and always find a way, not an excuse. PsA warriors are resilient, even when it gets really, really hard. PsA warriors are smart, savvy, and find the answers to the tough questions they need answers to. PsA warriors love themselves even when they are having a rough day. PsA warriors find time for themselves to rest, relax, and recover….no matter what. PsA warriors are warriors both mentally, physically, and emotionally. They have what it takes to weather any storm!

You are a PsA warrior…and don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t!

Keep fighting the good fight and NEVER give up!

From one PsA warrior to another….we are in this together!

@Psoriaticarthritiswarriors (Instagram)