I woke up to extreme stiffness and in excruciating pain, all over.
It all became worse after getting up and in trying to get around.

I am having a severe flare up of Psoriatic Arthritis. (it is similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis in some symptomatoloy; yet, is different.) We employ some of the same "immune-modulating" drugs used in RA. I have been injecting one of these drugs for several weeks now. I had thought it was working, until yesterday and today.

I am having difficulty sitting, standing, walking, using my hands/arms, etc. I have had to resort to very strong pain meds, which I do not like to take. However, I am in too much pain otherwise. (If it was not for the prn pain meds, I'd definitely be at the ER). The meds don't make me goofy, that's genetic! In all honesty, I am very used to these meds, so I usually only feel some pain relief. I don't feel goofy, at all. (Just a little Public Service Ad on the need for treating pain adequately.)

I have hope, that one day, we will find a helpful medication. This is a destructive type of an inflammatory, immune-mediated arthritis. If one only treats the pain, joint destruction progresses. We have to use anti-inflammatory medication, pain meds and these immune-modulating meds, aka Enbrel, Humira, etc. (These immune-modulating meds cost between $4500 and $6500.00 per month. Some people have coverage for this; some work something out with the drug manufacturer through a patient assistance program, others have a very hefty co-pay.)

I know our ~Christina often mentions the fact that she lives with PsA. I do, as well. We each mention this every now and then. We aren't looking for sympathy. We ARE trying to raise awareness in general. Just a few years ago, Psoriatic Arthritis was barely recognized. Things are changing and I know both ~Christina and I are immensely grateful!

I am extremely grateful that things are improving for people living with PsA.

Thanks for reading!
Love to All!