Emotional symptoms?

[girli1111]

I had a bit of an emotional outburst yesterday in response to a rather rude colleague, and ended up having a bloody good cry in the loo, frustrated with myself for reacting to her. This morning I have woken in so much pain, ankles hands, hips..... I’ve experienced this before, a highly emotional day followed by a flare up and wondered if others had noticed such a pattern? It’s a bit of a “chicken or egg” question..... did flare trigger emotional response, or did upset trigger flare? Just interested in the thoughts of others on this!

[Nsmith13]

It will be interesting to see replies as I think it does, as well as other stuff but I think it's to do with some chemical we release when upset or stressed and it can cause flair of ra when I have had a really bad day my joints seem a lot worse nxt day

[Hidden]

Yes. Stress is definitely a trigger for me.

[Matilda_1922]

I feel stress is a trigger for me.

Work caused a lot of stress for me so have been off work since March. I couldn’t take anymore back stabbing that went on.

I have had no communication from the team I worked since being off sick with so by this I feel they have a guilty conscience.

Well just over a month my pension starts and now stress free my symptoms are better but I need to pace myself as too much can cause increased pain and become extremely tired.

[SnooW]

Stress almost certainly can cause a flare up so I'm not surprised you are feeling rough today. Hope you can rest up and it passes off quickly. I would say, enjoy the sun as it might help, but with me, the heat actually causes stiffness and some swelling so it might be the same for you.

[KayEP]

Yes, I'm sure stress plays a major role in flares. My RA started in 1999 just at the point of a major break-up with my ex and extreme stress at work. I carried on working (with lots of sick leave) for 3 years and was then able to take (very) early retirement due to ill-health which gave me a reasonable pension but couldn't afford to pay mortgage plus all other usual bills, so had to sell and move.

[nomoreheels]

I think you'll find with RD it's pretty clear cut that stress triggers a flare so your outburst was due to stress... ergo the flare followed. It's difficult to not get stressed, particularly at work & dealing with rudeness, but another time if you can do remove yourself from the situation & try to calm yourself down, before it gets too much & it might help you. Treat yourself kindly over the weekend & hopefully it will pass.

[Shalf]

Without a doubt stress and emotional upset causes flares. I had significant pains, swelling, heat in hands and wrists and chronic fatigue just the other day following my step sister railroading my elderly mother ( in early stages of dementia) to the airport for a flight to Spain without informing me. She cancelled my mum's daily carers and didn't inform my mum either. Had I not contacted the carers office about something else, I would never have known and would have been out my mind with worry re her whereabouts. I believe stress has been the underlying cause of this disease for me.

[girli1111]

Hmmmm interesting.... I was feeling more that the emotional response was caused by impending flare rather than the other way round.... either way I’ve got to chill and not allow these rude types of people to upset me and make me ill! Thanks for replies

[keeta]

So soŕry you were so upset .we tend to cope really well with pain.and our threshhold is good or we couldn.t carry on every day .but sometimes the pain is so bad all we need is a mean person to say something .and we can.t take anymore .prob you needed a good cry.it releases tension .

Hope you are feeling a bit better love and your pain is not too bad .gentle hugs xx

[woodstar1]

Yep, I'm with you on this, stress absolutely sends me into a flare!!

[Nicole2000]

Hello girli1969,

I have just read your post and smiled.

I have been going through a very stressful time at home with my youngest daughter and guess what Im now having a full gone flare up. I could barely hold a cup of tea 2 night ago. I went to see my GP yesterday and she added another pain med to my already large drug collection. So I would have to agree with everyone else here. Stress does cause you to have flares.

Take care of yourself and I hope you are well soon.

Nicole x

[Bookworm55]

Without wishing to sound glib, I think that unfortunately stress makes most conditions worse which then becomes a cycle of stress causing pain and pain causing stress. I find it really difficult to avoid getting stressed- even though I’m now retired - but I know it really is worth it. Hope your pain lessens and that you have a calmer week . X

[ruth_p]

Stress can be a trigger for the RA to rise it’s ugly head in the first place. It’s probably why so many of us end up on antidepressants 🙃

[Uga35570]

Yes stress for me causes a flare. I'm lucky to not have too much stress but when I do wow! I know all about it! Even before I was diagnosed little I know what was to come.