What a Weekend Doesn’t Look Like for Someone with PsA.. (or any other inflammatory arthritis!)

For many people, a weekend might mean: having a lie-in after a busy week, heading to the shops or doing household jobs, meeting mates for a pint or a catch-up over a cuppa, taking a leisurely walk in the park or pottering about in the garden, going out for a day trip or a weekend away, enjoying hobbies and making plans for the coming week. In short, weekends are a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy life.

For me — and many others living with an inflammatory arthritis like PsA (Psoriatic Arthritis), the weekends aren’t always that lovely break from the week. They’re often the ongoing juggling act of managing pain, exhaustion, and disappointment in our ability to do the things we want. Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. The fatigue that comes with IA is like nothing else — it’s not just feeling tired, it’s a bone-deep exhaustion that demands frequent rests and naps just to function. Household stuff builds up during the week because my body often won’t let me do it then. So weekends become the time to catch up, but even the simplest tasks can feel like a marathon.

Plans get cancelled more often than not. It’s hard to explain to friends why you can’t come out again — the pain might flare up overnight, or stiffness might mean you’re struggling to get about. The guilt of letting people down, of feeling like you’re missing out, is a horrible burden. I love being creative but hobbies and interests are often only achievable in short bursts (shorter than I’d like to spend on them!) or have to take a backseat completely - sometimes the pain and fatigue make it impossible to enjoy what once brought joy (I have had to let go of some creative hobbies that I just cant do anymore without too much pain). The world outside the front door feels smaller, and spontaneous outings become rare.

The emotional impact can be just as tough. There’s a quiet frustration in missing out on everyday moments others take for granted. Watching friends enjoy a day out or a night at the pub while you’re stuck at home can feel terribly isolating. There’s also the invisible nature of IA — people don’t always see the pain or the exhaustion, which can leave you feeling misunderstood or even ignored. And with that comes the guilt — guilt about cancelling plans and not being a ‘good friend’, about needing help or to have to plan more than a normal person would, about not being able to do things “normally.” We learn to try and be resilient - take strength back in recognising small victories — a day with less pain, a good night’s sleep, a moment of calm with a hot cuppa. These moments may seem small to others, but to us, they’re everything.

So, if you know someone living with inflammatory arthritis, please remember this: weekends might not look like the carefree breaks you enjoy. They might be filled with rest, disappointment, and quiet battles you can’t always see. If you want to help breach the gap - maybe reach out for a chat, even a phone call might make someone feel less alone. Or maybe offer to come for a cuppa where we are (…and don’t make it too long a session ;-). Your understanding, patience, and support can make a huge difference and make us feel that we are still connected - it’s a small win with big impact you can help us achieve.

Want to make a difference? Living with inflammatory arthritis means weekends look different — but that doesn’t mean connection has to. Share this post to help spread understanding.