Something positive

Hello everyone, just something positive to share. I have had psa and depression for quite some time now. I have been placed on temorary disability. I feel like a whole new person, I have lost a bit of weight and dont suffer as much with fatique. Still in some pain but its much better to handle, being able to rest whenever I need to. My stress levels are now less 80%. I think just taking the time to decide what we need to do what is best for ourselves is the most important thing. Im not sure what will happen looking forward, I may return to work or be placed on permanant disability, whatever the outcome I beleive the right thing will happen. I am happy right now and thats all that counts.

That's awesome, JoJo!!! The most difficult part of PsA for many can be taking the time to take care of ourselves, as well as dealing with the concept that our lives may never be the same. It sounds like you're open to welcoming a "new normal," whatever that may turn out to be!

Hi JoJo, I am very happy to hear your good news. I was wondering if you are also on some medication or is your health getting better just from lower stress levels. Best wishes and keep it up. Sheila

Hope things continue to go well for you!

Thanks everyone for the kind words, Sheila, I am on Humira and methotrexate however I feel that the lack of stress has helped me a lot more

Hi there!
I love hearing good news in our group! Thanks for sharing and congrats on feeling better and the positive attitude!
You mention that you have taken off some weight, which has triggered a question I now have. I am overweight (prob about 30 pounds) and have struggled w my weight for mot of my life. I am wondering how many of us PsA patients are too. Does carrying around extra weight hinder recovery? If I shed those pounds would it make me feel better physically, with regard to PsA? Anyone have answers?
Thanks! And congrats again!

Hi there, my weight is a HUGE problem for me too, my Rheumy has been nagging me for over a year to lose weight. I have starting using a recipe for veggie juice. It is like a mini detox. I have the veggie juice for breakfast and lunch then have roasted veggies for supper, or soup, or veggies and chicken. It seems to work for me at the moment so I will contunue as long as I can. I only do this 3-4 times a week, then the other days I just try eat healthy. Still have a long way to go yet.

i have losi 37 pounds, brfore my feet hurt so bad ,could not walk with out pain now in the gym 4 day a week,and walking 4 1/2 miles the other on meds,and that helps,and get veary tired,allso depressed,but it,s all much better,

Very helpful for me to hear! Thanks so much. Dr Joel Fuhrman, author of EAT TO LIVE also says that getting down to goal weight is essential for us, but it is good to hear from ppl from our PsA community.
Keep 'em coming friends!

love something positive!

I want to congratulate you on getting into a situation where you are in less pain and stress. What is better than that? Okay, a cure to PsA, but short of that, getting a break from the pain and stress.

Hope all continues to go well and you find yourself in a better situation in the future.

Thanks for sharing! Take care.

So glad that you are feeling better, JoJo!

That's wonderful. Thanks for sharing this.

Hello JoJo,

My name is Jessica and i just got my diagnoses in December and ive seen a lot of doctors and almost all of mine say i have a good case for permanant disability . I just got all my claims put in the system so im playing the waiting game right now how long did they take to give you disability ? and if i was you i would deffinatly try to get it permanant i think in the long run you will be happier and less stressed and working could cause stress and then flare ups and break out and break downs! so take it easy best of luck Jessica.

Dear unwelcomeguest,

Hello, please know that you are very welcome here, I am supposing that the PsA is the unwelcome one.

Being in the water is the greatest, I did so well, I took swimming lessons, diving lessons, then Raynauds really kicked up and I could not even tolerate the water temp in the heated pool, even in a full body wet suit, like the surfers wear. Am hoping to still somehow find a way to get back in the water, it is just the best of therapies.

There are people of all ages there, and everyone is very nice, I went to the Y, and still hope to return.

Good luck to you,

SK

I can identify with unwelcomeguest's hesitation to join aqua fit....but finding it might be the only option left for me too....other than walking, walking and more walking! Don't get me wrong though, I AM ecstatic that I CAN use walking as exercise again; however, I am looking for something a bit more fun as I used to do high intensity aerobics and a wee bit of running to get into and stay in shape. And the physio exercises! Yuk!!! They are so boring and I question how much help they are, although admittedly should do them daily to really know. Does anyone else find that if you did all of the exercises your physio wanted you to do - that that's ALL you would be doing all day?? Just wondering. : )

This is a great site for comparing notes of others that have the same condition.

Hi Jessica, I was off for five weeks over may/june. In this time my Doctor applied for the temporary deisability. I had to return to work for about a month by which time it was apprvoved. Being at home since 11 July although have not rested a lot due to going backwards an forwards to the Doc to get documents signed etc and trying to sort out my health insurance which is now depleted. Having said that I am more positive to try manage the psa a bit better and want to get to the stage where I can enjoy a walk of the beach again. I will probably need to wait 3-6 months to see whether I will go off permanently.

jessica said:

Hello JoJo,

My name is Jessica and i just got my diagnoses in December and ive seen a lot of doctors and almost all of mine say i have a good case for permanant disability . I just got all my claims put in the system so im playing the waiting game right now how long did they take to give you disability ? and if i was you i would deffinatly try to get it permanant i think in the long run you will be happier and less stressed and working could cause stress and then flare ups and break out and break downs! so take it easy best of luck Jessica.

If anybody has some good info on Aquacise, please share it...... I was told you have to be as careful withit as any. ESPECIALLY the milk jugs and paddle things. You can put a lot of stress on joints. I had an experience a few years back after i broke my back with aqua therapy. I'm just warning you HAVE AN exit plan....... getting into the pool is EASY. However being hoisted out of the pool with a crane is very embarrassing Just saying.....

I did the arthritis water exercises, no milk jugs or paddles, just gentle movement through the water. Am still hoping to get back into the water, but Rheum keeps saying "not yet" working on the Raynaud's and those 'attacks', otherwise I would still be in the water.