During the last year I have had almost non-stop flares. My C-reactive and sed rate just keep creeping up and up. My rhuemotolgist and pain management doctor say that the improvements in my disease may be "as good as it gets". I have Fibro and PsA. Today I am supposed to go to an amusement park with my husband and the holidays are coming up. If I continue to act as if I am not ill and do all the thing necessary for my family, I know there is a greater than 75% chance I will get a flare from the extra activity and the stress.
What do you guys do in these situations? Should I just push through and hope it does not affect me or be honest about the pain and fatigue and just not go? I have never been good at putting myself first but I also do not want to damage myself by getting constant flares.
Okay I NEVER give "medical advice" but if your CRP and Sed rate keep creeping up it is not likley that either PsA or Fibro is the cause. Almost always one of the ways these two are DX'd is because of a NORMAL CRP and Sed rate. These are all autoimmune diseases so things get muddy But inflammation markers rising really and truly isn't common. There are other disease that look like these two including reactive arthritis and some insidious (and less insidious ones) Time for a serious meet with your Doc or visit to a University medical center.
I did not know that aout the blood rates that is something I am going to have to remember.
As for the amusement park, rent a scooter. It will make it easier to get a round and easier on your joints. I have one for my outings and I love it! Pace yourself, rest and enjoy your family.
tntlamb said:
Okay I NEVER give "medical advice" but if your CRP and Sed rate keep creeping up it is not likley that either PsA or Fibro is the cause. Almost always one of the ways these two are DX'd is because of a NORMAL CRP and Sed rate. These are all autoimmune diseases so things get muddy But inflammation markers rising really and truly isn't common. There are other disease that look like these two including reactive arthritis and some insidious (and less insidious ones) Time for a serious meet with your Doc or visit to a University medical center.
Lamb’s advice is the most important. But for your question about family activities … For myself, I had to re-think what is “necessary”. I found creative alternatives that are less draining but still rewarding family time (board games and movies at home, are just as fun as playgrounds and movies out for example). I also say no a lot more than I ever have, so I can save my energy for things I really want to or need to do. If the amusement park is going to be awesome for you and hubby, plan a few down-days after to recuperate.
Thanks for your responses. I did decide to not go and was surprised my husband did not mind at all. Renting a scooter had crossed my mind but I have problems with just leaving the house for anything longer than an hour or so. I always pay for it over the next three or four days.
I have been to two rheum and two dermatologists because I also wanted to make sure I had received a correct diagnosis. Having never heard of PsA or psoriasis I could not believe I had just developed itand with a vengence as well. They all agree it is PsA and Fibro. I will double check with my internist though.