Flare up

[Joolief]

Hello

I have inflammatory arthritis in my hands and feet. Am on 10mg methotrexate injections, 5mg prednisolone, naproxen. Hands and elbows flared up Monday evening and Tuesday morning couldn’t really use the left hand much at all. I rang the rheumy nurse who said to double up the prednisolone for next 3 or 4 days which has helped a bit.

My question is is it usual to feel quite unwell and feel totally drained?

Guess there’s no answer on how long it will last but need to get back to work next week. Thank you for reading 🌸

[Jesnaskah]

YES! Meds aside.... Fatigue is a major symptom with RA, sadly.

Then you factor in the meds... Each one has side effects which can also play a part in feeling crummy and tired.

It's a horrible disease to have. And completely depressing especially if one is in a debilitating state. But our psyche plays a huge factor and stress exacerbates the RA pain, so try to stay positive and do what you can, and don't feel bad about what you can't do at the moment.

I am a cycle instructor and I thought I'd never ride again... Lately, even though my feet are killing me, I've been able to get on the bike and I was so emotional about it. I really thought I'd never be able to, and yet here I am about a year later, accomplishing what I thought was impossible.

Keepy your head up. We are all here for you.

Jess

[Joolief in reply to Jesnaskah]

Thanks Jess. I feel a little better today just worrying about getting back to work. Nobody warns you about all the rubbish we have to put up with do they.

Hope you have a good day.

[Amnesiac3637]

Sorry you're feeling so rough. 'Drained and unwell' sort of sums up inflammatory arthritis and hands are so painful if they're swollen. Working seems almost impossible sometimes and don't be in too much of a hurry to try to cope if you're flaring. It takes time to know how you react to your disease and it's a question of trying different combinations of drugs as one size definitely doesn't fit all! Agree with another poster - psychological factors also play a large part but it's a condition with massive unpredictability so you never know how you're going to feel. Having said that, I'm pretty stable now on my fourth biologic, 7.5 mgs of prednisolone daily and paracetamol. I've had severe RA for 30 years and although I've had some really rotten days at the beginning I can now still do what I want to and cope really well. Stay positive and ensure you get the best treatment you possibly can by insisting on being given whatever's available to you. There's lots of new drugs and the latest biologics are amazing! Good luck and hope you feel much better soon.

[Joolief in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you for your reply and your kind words. I have started to feel better in myself yesterday, not so foggy and flu like so that’s a positive, and the pain is easing a bit. I’m hoping I can go back to work Tuesday, I only do 3 days a week but will see how I am. I have an appointment with the rheumy nurse 10 April but she said to phone back tomorrow if still bad. Hopefully I won’t have to. Maybe she will up my methotrexate when I see her, who knows. It’s the not knowing when you’re going to flare that’s the worst isn’t it.

I’m glad you’re feeling well at the moment, I hope it continues. Thanks again 🌸