Psoriatic Arthritis

Mark Your Calendars!

2009-11-11T23:56:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I apologize for not posting in quite awhile....this fall sure has been busy! I am going to do my best to post at least once a week from now on...hold me to that!

Did you know October 29th was World Psoriasis Day? Until I got an email about a month ago...I had no idea such a day existed. Apparently this year was the 6th World Psoriasis Day. Did you participate in this event? Some countries/communities/states held walks, had fundraisers and even made proclamations about psoriasis months. I encourage everyone to mark the date for next year. Next year I plan on trying to raise awareness in my community about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I may write a letter to the editor in my local paper or I may try to organize some sort of fundraising event.

I have been thinking about start a support group in my area. If 7 million Americans are afflicted with the disease, I am certain to find at least a few individuals in my area with the disease. Has anyone had any luck with support groups. I have never been apart of a support group, but I believe it might help group members feel less alone and provide venue to vent about issues. Have you had any success with support groups?

Positive Thinking

2009-08-12T13:39:00.003-04:00

I recieved an email several weeks ago from a reader who thanked me for sharing positive ideas and stories on this blog. I choose to keep this blog positive because I believe in the power of living positively. I wholeheartedly believe that when you believe good things can happen -- they will. On that note, I want everyone to think positively today. Do not think about your pain, stiffness or itchy skin, but rather think about how well your body is working. Think of the billions of cells in your body completing their tasks like busy little bees so that you can be alive!

Importance of Vaccinations

2009-06-26T00:26:00.006-04:00

Sometimes things slip through the cracks....sometimes we forget...and sometimes we are unaware of what we are supposed to do because no one has bothered to inform us. I am reminding everyone today that it is recommended that individuals who take immunosuppressants (methotrexate, Enbrel, Humiria or other similar drugs) should have the pneumonia vaccine (generally every 5-10 years) and a yearly flu shot. If you have not been vaccinated, see your physician or visit your local health department for a shot. Do what ever you need to do to get yourself vaccinated...even if it means tying a string around your finger until you complete this important task!

Gardening with Arthritis

2009-05-30T02:29:00.007-04:00

It is the time of year again when millions of people slap on their sunscreen and get busy getting their fingernails dirty in mother earth. I have read that this year more people are expected to be working outside planting vegetable gardens. Apparently the recession has inspired people to purchase seeds and plants so that they can grow their own food instead of buying fruits and veggies at local markets. I personally find this phenomena interesting. Having your own garden - especially a large one - is far from being cheap or easy in my opinion. You have to have the garden plowed (relatively expensive if you can't do it yourself) and purchase a whole host of items such as fertilizer, large amounts of water, pesticides, and support materials (tomatoes stakes/baskets, items to string up beans/peas, etc.) in addition to the seeds or plants. Oh and don't forget all of the hard labor you will be putting into planting and harvesting the crops. To me gardening is something that is to be done for pleasure and exercise. And for some people, such as Southern Belles like myself, it is one of your traditional duties. It really isn't about saving a buck...it is about de-stressing and getting a little sunshine. And if you get a few good fruits and veggies in the process, all the better! But if you can manage to save money - more power to ya! Please just let me know your secret - it is my experience that gardens are far from being cheap and require a great deal of work.

After nearly two weeks of nonstop rain in my area, I am going to have to get working on my garden. I have planted the majority of the garden and thankfully most plants have survived the torrential rains. Unfortunately the rains have caused many pesky weeds to grow. So, tomorrow I will be hoeing outside for most of the day - fun fun! I just have to keep reminding myself that exercise and movement are good for my arthritis. I just can't over do it.

Most of the plants in the garden are tomatoes and watermelons. Last year my garden didn't do very well but the melons turned out OK. So this year I decided to plant mostly melons and other vine type plants such as Luffa sponges, cantaloupes, and pumpkins. I hope things go well this year after all of the money I have spent on the garden!

This year I am trying to use all organic materials (with the exception of the fertilizer I used). I am doing this because I have honeybees this year and they cannot be exposed to toxic chemicals and because I do not want to consume pesticides either. I am using Neem oil as a pesticide (a natural, organic pesticide) and corn gluten for weed control. Anyone had any experience with either? I'll take any advice I can get!

I need to get moving!

2009-05-08T09:39:00.002-04:00

Today I was perusing the Arthritis Foundation website today and it hit me that I really have fallen off of the bandwagon - big time. I have essentially stopped exercising. I used to do Tai Chi, walk and swim for my arthritis. Recently, I have just been gardening...but that is not enough for me - I want and need to do more. I am especially disappointed that I have stopped doing Tai Chi and meditating - I really need to start doing both again. For me a schedule is essential - unless it is written down, it will not happen.

I encourage all of you to explore new types of exercising like Tai Chi. I found it especially helpful in reducing stress and in increasing my flexibility. Find out what works for you and stick with it. If you fall of the bandwagon like I have, keep moving and get right back on!

Apitherapy - A Sweet Deal?

2009-03-26T17:30:00.005-04:00

Api...what? This spring I have decided to become a beekeeper. It wasn't a decision that I made without doing my homework. I read several books and I attended several of my local beekeeping association meetings before I picked up the phone and ordered two, three pound packages of bees (your eyes are not bad, honeybees are ordered by the pound). I will be able to pick up my bees in early May from a local distributor- I am excited, yet terrified! Why would a 26 year old, female care about bees? Well, I am foremost interested in keeping bees so that they will pollinate my garden. Additionally, I want a hobby that will help me reduce my stress level a little. I know it sounds crazy to reduce stress by putting yourself in the middle of bees, but long-time beekeepers swear by the practice. I am also interested in learning more about apitherapy - the therapeutic benefits of bee products such as venom, propolis, and royal jelly. I am especially interested in learning how bee venom can be used to treat arthritis, but I doubt I'll be stinging myself anytime soon. Right now I am just happy I'll be helping the honeybees pollinate the earth and hoping for some delicious honey.

Blue Lagoon in Iceland

2009-02-02T17:30:00.004-05:00

I have always wanted to go to the Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland to help my psoriasis. This year has been cited by many experts as the year to go to Iceland. Since the recession started, Iceland's currency has fallen and is considered by many to be dead - right now the dollar can go a long way in Iceland, which has historically been extremely expensive. So if you plan on taking a big trip, Iceland is a great place to consider - It has many attactions and first class hotels. I only wish I could afford to go...but this unemployed gal is not going on vacation at all this year- perhaps next year! I just hope that Iceland stays affordable. I also just entered to win a free trip on the tourist board website - I'm keeping my finger's crossed!

Fish - Good for us?

2009-01-29T10:07:00.003-05:00

Since I have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, I have tried my best to increase the amount of fish that I consume. Generally, I have always thought that consuming fish makes me feel a little better. So, I was surprised to read in the January/February issue of Arthritis Today that one very common fish, Tilapia, should be avoided. Apparently researchers have found that farm raised Tilapia contains a high level of omega-6 fatty acids and a low level of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are thought to increase inflammation in the body, whereas omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be beneficial - even inflammation fighting. For several years, I have been reading about anti-inflammation diets...trying to convince myself to take the plunge and give up many foods that I love. I have been seriously thinking about changing my diet recently because my arthritis and other inflammatory conditions seem to have gotten worse. Some physicians and researchers believe that anti-inflammation diets work, while others do not. I think it is worth a try, but I think it is so difficult to eliminate all those amazing foods! Has anyone had any luck with anti-inflammation diets? I'd love to hear about it!

Writing my Will

2009-01-23T02:10:00.005-05:00

Five years ago I could not have imagined that I would be writing my will today at 26. But after having 6 family members pass on in 2008 including my father and grandfather, I realize how important it is to "have your affairs in order" regardless of your age or health status. I have also been thinking about all the drugs I take for my psoriatic arthritis and all of their wonderful side effects - anything could happen. I considered paying an attorney to write my will, but I do not want a cookie-cutter will. I decided instead to use books and computer software to write my will and create other documents (power of attorney, trusts, etc.). I am going to have an attorney who is a friend, review all the documents before signing and witnessing.

I have found that it is so difficult to make decisions about who will inherit your assets, especially if you do not have a spouse or children. I have thought about giving to several charities - especially The Arthritis Foundation. However, I am going to have to do more research on how they use their donations before I make a final decision.

Under the Weather

2009-01-20T00:52:00.006-05:00

Brrr....it is cold out. For most of us that means our joint pain is worse. Here in North Carolina we are having our first really big snow of the year. I am personally experiencing more joint pain and body stiffness than normal. I truly feel sorry for all of the people that have to get out in the snow or who have to work in it day after day. I can only imagine how much pain these people are in if they have any type of arthritis!

As a part of my 50 book challenge for the year, I am reading Under the Weather: How the Weather and Climate Affect our Health by Pat Thomas. I have only just started the book, but I have been sucked in already! I find it interesting some people are very sensitive to weather patterns and climate changes, essentially they are human barometers.

Creative Visualization

2008-03-11T00:11:00.003-04:00

A couple of days ago I took time to read the March-April Issue of Arthritis Today. I was really struck by an article on creative visualization and how it can help with arthritis. According to the article, if you visualize pain leaving your body or visualize being able to do something without pain, you will experience less pain. I haven't been in pain recently to try out the techniques suggested by the article, but I hope to try soon.

Here is a link to the article http://www.arthritis.org/picturing-perfect.php

Tai Chi for Arthritis

2008-03-03T04:16:00.007-05:00

I am sure that many of you are familiar with the Arthritis Founda tion 's program to train individuals to teach water aerobics. However, you might not be aware of the AF's program to train individuals to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis. The AF adapted the program from Dr. Paul Lam, a physician from Australia. Several days ago I took an instructor's course from Caroline Demoise to learn how to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis (Sun style). Not only did I have a good time at the training, but I also had the opportunity to meet five really interesting individuals. I am impressed that these of training classes are offered in many countries around the world.

I haven't been doing tai chi for very long - only for a couple of months now and not on a regular basis. I cannot honestly say that my tai chi practice has made me feel any different. However, this fact is not at all that surprising to me given how stressful and busy my life has been in the past several months. I plan to continue practicing tai chi in hopes that the symptoms of my arthritis will be alleviated. In time, I expect to feel better. Once I feel that I have improved enough in my practice (and my life has calmed down), I plan on trying to start teaching a tai chi class. I encourage everyone to give tai chi a chance - it may not be the exercise for you, but you should give it a try -- it could be the very thing that will improve your quality of life.

I have been reading about and researching tai chi in the past several weeks. The one thing that has really impressed me is the number of clinical trials that are currently being conducted in the US on tai chi. I am amazed at the various conditions that tai chi may help! I can't wait to see the research.

Is anyone out there doing tai chi? Have you found that it has helped your arthritis or other conditions? How would you feel about doing tai chi?

Click here to see some of what you will learn in a class.

My quest to find shoes

2008-02-25T09:42:00.003-05:00

As my arthritis has progressed, I have sought out shoes that do not irritate my tender feet, yet are still "cute". I have accumulated quite a collection of shoes -- most which I do not wear. I have tried all sorts of shoes. I recently bought a pair of Earth Shoes that claim negative heel technology will improve your body alignment. I have just started to try them out, but I haven't made up my mind if I like them yet. They aren't the most attractive pair of shoes I own, but if they make me feel better I will gladly wear them. I have also found several brands of shoes that I really like --Born (Check J.Jill for styles not sold elsewhere), Clarks (especially the Privo collection), Naturalizer, and Ryka (QVC sells them). I am still on the lookout for new types of shoes that fit my size 11 foot. Any shoe recommendations?

Thanks for Visiting!

2008-02-23T13:04:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to say thanks for visiting to all of my friends from the Psoriatic Arthritis Group at Yahoo! Please feel free to leave me comments and feedback on what you would like to see on this blog. I would love to hear your ideas!

If anyone is looking for a great informational support group I would highly recommend the PsA Group on Yahoo. There members from around the world with much advice to give and listen to you when you need someone to bend an ear.

Thanks!

Trisha

No Spokesperson for PsA

2008-02-22T13:06:00.003-05:00

Today I looked at the National Psoriasis Foundation website and saw that the spokesperson for the organization is CariDee English, winner of America's Next Top Model in 2006. I am not a fan of Top Model, so I really do not know much about CariDee, but I am so glad that NPF has a spokesperson. Seeing this made me realize that there is no organization in the US (or anywhere else to my knowledge) dedicated to curing psoriatic arthritis and there are no famous people afflicted with the disease that are speaking out. I am aware of famous people with rheumatoid arthritis - Kathleen Turner and Aida Turturro but I don't know of any famous individuals with PsA. Do you know anyone with PsA who is relatively famous that would be willing to be a spokesperson for the disease?

Good News...maybe

2008-02-21T15:50:00.003-05:00

In case you didn't hear about it, earlier this month most of the major news outlets in the US released some news that may be encouraging. An article in the Journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that individuals with PsA do not have a higher than average risk for cancer. Overall this is promising news, but of course it is not conclusive.

For more information: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_60946.html

I've got the MTX blues...

2008-02-21T15:28:00.005-05:00

I am not one of the lucky individuals that can take methotrexate without extreme nausea. I have taken folic and folinic acid, but the nausea is still there, just waiting to creep out at any moment. I have tried ginger candy and pressure point wrist bands with little luck. Anyone have any suggestions? I'll try almost anything.

I hate facing the day that I have to take MTX - Friday. TGIF hasn't come out of my mouth in awhile. I selected Friday bacause I thought I could fuction better during the work week if I took MTX on Friday and felt the effects throughout the weekend. For the most part Friday has been a good choice of day...but I still dread it!

Welcome!

2008-02-21T15:05:00.005-05:00

For several years now I have been wanting to blog about psoriatic arthritis. So today, I created this blog. On this blog I plan to include psoriatic arthritis news, and facts along with my own experiences. I hope you will support me in my endeavour by becoming an avid reader of this blog and by contributing comments. Please spread the word!