My Idiom – Not A Walk In The Park

Idioms are those phrases that mean more than the sum of their words. We hear this terminology a lot, and the meaning is normally when something appears to be easy and pleasurable. Having a chronic disease for me has surely not been the best of both worlds. If I had to come up with an idiom to describe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It would be; not a walk in the park.

I choose this idiom because I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but I'm taking it with a grain of salt. I could complain, grip and whine all day, but for what? Sure I have those days where I just want to sit on the fence and do nothing. I feel under the weather many times, so I can tell you this has not been a walk in the park.

Idioms are a fun way to speak of an issue. Health issues are in the headlines on a daily basis. We got health reform, healthcare cost, health prevention, health concerns, and health affairs. I thought it be fun to write using some of the popular idioms sharing my story.

Curiosity killed the cat

This is an understatement, so many are curious about what are psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? How did you get it? Is it contagious? In my personal belief, some people are too curious for their own good. I remember years ago being covered from head to toe and this lady was staring at me so hard that she walked into a glass door being curious. This is a prime example of curiosity killed the cat. I’m still laughing to this day.

Seeing eye to eye

My experiences with some of my doctors haven’t been all that great. I want to be heard on some of my personal concerns, not what you think. I make my own personal notes, concerns, fears and want us to see eye to eye. In other words my doctors must be on the same page as me. This is my health I'm talking about. I will not take it lightly or compromise because they are not seeing as I see. We must not be afraid to ask questions. Make your doctors give you clarity if you don’t understand.

Add insult to injury

I have had this disease for 55 years, so I have repeatedly seen the cost of medication soar to the roof. I mean add insult to injury, what if? We have to deal with step therapy and other insurance issues. This is such a big deal for us suffering with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis and not being able to afford treatment. I mean you talk about adding insult to injury. It’s almost like a big old slap in the face. What are we to do?

Pulling the wool over other people’s eyes

I think this is my 2nd favorite idiom because I am one of those who can’t be easily fooled anymore. Also vice versa. Many days with psoriatic arthritis I have people that think I feel great, but I'm faking it until I make it. In other words, pulling the wool over their eyes. There are days with this disease that I want to scream from the rooftop because of the swelling and pain. But I allow myself to grin and bear it. I think for me, it helps me get through the day and cope with being uncomfortable. We all have our ways of coping with our illness, so pulling the wool over other people’s eyes is a big one for me. I don’t want you to feel sorry for me or pity me.

It could be worse, at least you don’t have cancer

We should remove this one. Of course, it could be worst, anything can be worst. This doesn’t take away the fact that my whole body is in pain and I can’t move. People only see the outside and think to themselves, you don’t look sick. These phrases pile on lots of guilt to a person that is struggling. Trust me, my struggle is just as bad as the next person.

I just hope that one day, people will get it; especially our families. We just need your love and understanding. The world, our bodies, and our minds are bringing us down enough. Oh, we will get up again, but all we ask is for your helping hand.