Hello August!

 

I can’t fathom the fact that the Summer is half over….like where did it go already? August reminds us all of a long Sunday night…and sometimes it feels as though monday is just around the corner. Can you even believe that some stores have Halloween, thanksgiving, and Christmas decor up already? It’s insane. Just as one season is barely over, they are rushing through the next…only to remind us of just how fast time goes, and how quickly life is going by.

So what have you been up to this summer? Working? Cleaning? Swimming? Going to the Beach? Spending time with family? Hanging out with friends? Traveling? Nothing? Catching up on sleep? Watching T.V.? I hope that whatever it is you are doing, that you are taking some time for yourself and enjoying what is left of the summer! I spent most of my summer working, and now I get to relax and enjoy the next few weeks off before another school year begins for me.

PsA Update: I just had my Cimzia injections yesterday and I am feeling so much better today, already. I get 200 mg vials once a month (Which is 2 injections by my Rheumatologist every 4 weeks). I am also still getting light therapy 2x a week at my dermatologist office. With Cimzia, and Light Therapy, plus not being as stressed in the summer….it appears that my psoriasis is happy (my patches are pretty much gone…but the ghost outlines are still there) and my joints are happy for now. I never want to jinx anything, which is why I try not to celebrate too much when I am in between flares or healing. There are many factors that contribute to feeling good and looking good, but for the most part, lowering my stress levels has made a HUGE difference. Sleeping more and relaxing more has also definitely helped.

SO whatever you are doing this summer, please remember to take time for yourself and de-stress a bit. It will make you feel SO much better…even if it’s only temporary relief.

Don’t forget to join the fight on our PsA Warriors Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2390820204496134/

Also follow my journey on Instagram: @Psoriaticarthritiswarriors

Keep fighting the good fight & savor up the rest of the summer!!

 

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

It’s on sale with 23% off savings!

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 Warrior Favorite Things!

Here are some of my all-time favorite products to use for my psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis! Check out all these deals and more on AMAZON!

These prices can’t be beat!

Baebody Retinol Cream is AMAZING! I love using it on my face/neck/eyes! It is a moisturizing game changer, and is so gentle on my psoriasis! I love how my skin feels in the morning after I wake up! It is super hydrated, soft, and luxurious!

Normally $40…on sale for $19.95 Click below for the special deal!

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Another one of my beauty must-have products is the Baebody Eye Gel! It gets rid of dark circles, helps with wrinkles, and also hydrates this sensitive area on your face!

Normally $40….this steal of a deal is on sale for just $23.95!!!! Check out the reviews!!

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Another one of my GO-TO products is the Baebody Hyaluronic Acid Serum! It is great for psoriasis and eczema because it is SO gentle!!!!

So easy to apply using the dropper, and it keeps my skin super-hydrated and moisturized! I like to use this in conjunction with the Baebody Retinol Cream!!

This product normally sells for $30, but is on sale for just $13.95!!!! You can’t beat it! Click the link below to take advantage of this steal!!!!

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Looking for a gentle soap?!?

Southern Natural Goat Milk Soap is fabulous!

Activated Charcoal Soap Bars With Dead Sea Mud – For Acne, Psoriasis & Eczema. All Natural Face Cleanser & Body Soap. Made With Goat Milk & Peppermint Essential Oil. (3 BARS)

Save $1 Now by clicking the link below!!!

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Liver Rescue Book Deal!!

Haven’t you always wanted to know the answers?? Medical Medium Liver Rescue: Answers to Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Strep, Acne, Gout, Bloating, Gallstones, Adrenal Stress, Fatigue, Fatty Liver, Weight Issues, SIBO & Autoimmune Disease

This book usually sells for $30 but it is on sale for just $20.99!!!!!

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PSORIASIN Deep Moisturizing Ointment!

This product is a game-changer for anyone with psoriasis!!!!

• • TREAT SYMPTOMS WHERE THEY START: Psoriasin Deep Moisture Ointment helps to stop the itching, scaling, and redness that comes with psoriasis. Our formula is made to sooth, penetrate, and lock in moisture for maximum symptom relief.

• SKIN THERAPY: Psoriasin Deep Moisturizing Ointment is an advanced healing therapy made with coal tar to slow down the excessive skin cell production that is the root cause of psoriasis symptoms–plus it can complement topical steroids when appropriate.

Click this link to take advantage of a great price plus an additional 40% off coupon!!!

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Girl, Wash Your Face!!

This book has it all! Regularly $25, on sale for 52% off!!! Only $11.91!!!! Click below!!

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Tumeric!! Vimerson Health

• • ★ 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – Get rid of the discomfort of joint pain & inflammation*, or your money back!

• • ★ REAL INGREDIENTS DELIVER REAL RESULTS: Our potent Turmeric Curcumin may help relieve joint & back pain, promote joint swelling relief associated with strenuous physical activity, reduce inflammation and skin dryness, boost brain function & memory, improve digestion and blood circulation, enhance immune and nervous system.* It promotes healthy joints, eyes, skin, hair, heart and mood!*

• • ★ POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY*: Our Turmeric Formula (with BioPerine and Curcuma Longa with 95% standardized Curcuminoids) is the perfect daily boost and complement to a healthy and active lifestyle. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties not only may help ease joint pain, discomfort & inflammation, but also support overall health.* This high quality and first-class product works great for Women, Men and Seniors

• • ★ NATURAL & NON-GMO! No hormones, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no antibiotics, no gluten, no wheat, no dairy, no sugar, no soy, no yeast. Our Turmeric Dietary Supplement is PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. in an FDA-Registered facility. This product is GMP-certified to ensure the highest quality and purity

On sale for just $21.82!!!!

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FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack!!!!

(Standard Large: 10.5″ x 14.5″) – Reusable Cold Therapy Pack (For pain and injuries of Knee, Shoulder, Foot, Back, Ankle, Neck, Hip, Wrist)

Normally $20….On sale for $15!!!!!!!!!!!

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My Favorite FITBIT device ever!

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23% savings now!!!

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Puriya: Mother of ALL CREAMS!!!

This is a PSA must-have!!

This cream is absolutely fantastic for anyone who suffers from psoriasis or eczema, like me! It helps with the dryness and the itchiness! You can use it anywhere on the body, which I love!!

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Click to purchase this game changer now! https://amzn.to/2CN1Q1F

Pur360 Tamanu Oil – Pure Cold Pressed –

Truly it is a must-have treatment for psoriasis, eczema, and relief for dry, scaly skin, blisters and more

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About the product

• TRULY ORGANIC: In order to carry USDA organic certification, producers must adhere to strict standards and quality control. Tamanu Oil without this certification may be mixed with other ingredients and fillers , resulting in an oil that is not 100% pure.
• FINEST QUALITY: Pur360 Tamanu Oil is USDA Certified Organic, with the USDA symbol on the bottle. This means you can trust you’re getting the highest quality Tamanu Oil possible – one that is 100% pure, undiluted and free from any added chemicals.
• FOR SKIN: Pur360 Tamanu Oil possesses a unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating the growth of healthy skin. This characteristic makes it an ideal treatment for many common skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne scars, general scars, burns, stings, mosquito bites, dermatitis, dry scalp and flaky, scaly or overly dry skin. Use it as a skin conditioner to keep skin youthful, vibrant and glowing. Pur360 Tamanu Oil is also a superb moisturizer.
• IMPORTANT! Our tamanu oil has no artificial chemicals added to keep it in a consistent state, regardless of temperature. In winter cold temperatures can cause the oil to solidify, making the oil thick. To resolve this simply put the bottle in hot water for around 10 minutes. This will bring the oil back to a more fluid state.

Click here to buy this fabulous product:

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The Amazon Reviews speak for themselves!!!

Take Advantage of these great prices and deals before they run out!!!! Be sure to look out for more amazing deals…coming this week!!

An interesting combination…

Since the insane knee draining last week…my knee is sore…achy…and still not 100%. It is going to take quite awhile for it to feel somewhat normal again. There is still fluid inside of the knee joint itself, but it is locked under muscle (thus making it impossible to drain without me passing out). Friday I go for an MRI of my right knee (the bad one). I am not too hopeful for great results from it, mainly because this knee has been drained several times in the last 15 months. I’m sure there will be some joint deterioration, fluid (of course, duh), and my synovial membrane could be enlarged at this point.

I am still taking a prednisone taper….on 10 mg now and slowly dosing down…and I am still taking methotrexate…dosing up! I am on five 2.5 mg pills now instead of four last week. Next week, I go up to six 2.5 mg pills. It has been an interesting combination so far….attempting the prednisone with the methotrexate. I haven’t noticed any major changes in my knee, or back, or even my skin. I would say that my psoriasis is possibly 5% better….not a huge improvement. I am still going for light treatments twice a week.

The prednisone makes me hyper…and the methotrexate makes me sleepy…When combined together I can’t tell whether to sink or swim…or do both at the same time…or not. My body doesn’t know what it wants to do. I go from having a ton of energy to barely being able to keep my eyes open at all.

Since these two medications are very powerful and do cause many side affects, it has been very strange to gauge how I feel on them together. Sometimes there are moments that I feel like I could run the mile again…or run up a flight of stairs (can’t remember the last time I did that with this bad knee…)Then again, there are moments when I feel like someone is squeezing my knee and hurting my joints. I get very cold at times sometimes needing to put a jacket on even at work…and then I feel so warm sometimes that I sweat. There really is no in-between for me on this combination of medication.

Let’s talk about the extreme thirst and lack of saliva too…The methotrexate makes my mouth feel so dry. I feel like it is stealing all of the moisture out of my mouth all at once. You can go from being thirsty to feeling extremely thirsty in a matter of moments. I find myself constantly drinking water. The prednisone also dehydrates the body greatly. The more water I drink, the better I feel. If you are ever on this combination remember to stay hydrated all the time…just keep on drinking that delicious h20 because you need it!

As I sit here writing this, my knee is throbbing….reminding me that it is there, the pain exists, and that my body just isn’t fighting hard enough to get better. My immune system is working on the overdrive mode and does not show any signs of slowing down or stopping any time soon.

I will try to keep you updated and informed as the week progresses and I will continue to keep fighting the good fight. I don’t really have a choice in the matter.

We must keep fighting!