In agony

[lavender27]

I’m experiencing my 1st full blown flare up 😢😢. It would be easier to say what isn’t painful. Came on so quickly and so aggressively. I feel scared and the reality of ra is starting to sink in. So what causes flare ups? I looked after my granddaughter for 3 days and then worked for 4 days, have I done too much ?? 😢

[Hidden]

Probably have done too much. My flares are unpredictable. I have learnt that doing too much and ignoring a flare caused far more problems. It’s the mini flares that come out of nowhere at anytime of the day. Weather also plays a part.

As you live with the disease you start to understand it a bit . Well sometimes it throws you a curve ball . It’s an individual disease not everyone is the same. Your not on your own there are so many of us. Rest now and let the flare up pass.

[lavender27 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 😘 i suppose it’s all about adapting and learning

[Riddlemethis in reply to lavender27]

It’s very hard to adapt to RA and continuous flare ups , I’m still trying so I know how you feel , in fact all of us on this forum do , I’m just taking it one day a time it’s all we can do but that said doesn’t make it any easier, emotionally wipes you out , lavender27 I hope your flare settles real soon , I’ve been soaking in the bath for hours topping up hot water to relax muscles and trying to ease flare ups wherever they want to hit me , try Epsom salts in a bath and have a good soak , you can also mix Epsom salts into a paste and rub it in the flare up point , I’ve found this just gives you a bit of relief , not total relief but some , I mean we take all these medications and still flare up , but even if you have an hour or so from the pain it’s a godsend , my wrists and ankles are terrible at the moment so I’ve been easing it a little with lots of baths x

[helixhelix]

You aren’t on proper treatment yet are you? So for me that’s not a flare, but uncontrolled disease! My experience was that is accelerated like a formula 1 car in the first weeks. By the time I got to my first appointment I was virtually housebound and bedridden. If your first appointment is still a while away you need to talk to your GP about short term help, and perhaps take sick leave. (Although it’s better to be clear of drugs for your first appt so the doctor can see you in your raw state)

But on the positive side, I responded really well to the drugs and am now 95% normal again. Since I couldn't hold so much as an eggcup at the beginning, or walk to the corner, I was so thrilled!

[lavender27 in reply to helixhelix]

No I’m not on any treatment yet. I see the Rheumatologist fir the 1st time at the end of July. I’m taking Naproxen and Co codamol. My GP wanted to give me steroids after giving me my results but felt that they would mask my symptoms. I’m going to Tenerife next week, should I go back to my GP?

[Hidden in reply to lavender27]

Enjoy your holiday a good rest will help. I agree take nothing leading up to your appointment. Seeing you at your worst really helps your Rheumatologist get the right treatment

Happy holidays

[helixhelix in reply to lavender27]

Talk to your GP about whether you could have something to help you have a great holiday next week, but that would be well out of your system by end July

[Troygirl in reply to lavender27]

But you have to wait until the end of JULY until you see a RA Doctor!

You will be in that flare for a while without some kind of relief.

The RA Dr will see your blood work to know you have RA.

Usual process is to get on some kind of prednisone treatment to knock that flare down!

Why suffer until then? And believe me you will with that full blown flare!

[lavender27 in reply to helixhelix]

Ps I’m glad you’re feeling better

[Gnarli]

It's so easy to over do things when you're feeling ok and the art of paceing is something we all need to practice. I would suggest asking your GP for a short course of oral steroids to see you through your holidays but make sure the meds have cleared your system before you (finally) see the rheumatologist. They will need to see you as you are. I hope you have a lovely time in Tenerife

[nomoreheels]

Sounds like disease activity as you're not yet on treatment, probably gee'd up by doing a little too much if you don't have your grandchildren to stay for 3 days too often. Exacerbated symptoms are what most of us felt before on nearing being diagnosed so don't worry, though it's easy to say I understand.

I'd take up your GP's offer of steroids. I wouldn't normally say this prior to a diagnostic appointment as you need to be as med-free as you can be for your Rheumy to make an accurate diagnosis & form an appropriate treatment plan. With jetting off to the sun though you need to take advantage of bringing down the inflammation enough to enjoy this holiday. It will only be a short course he prescribes as he'll know you need to present yourself in your current 'normality'. Inflammation & pain helps your Rheumy to understand what's what so as long as you're off the steroids for long enough prior to your appointment in July you should be fine.

Enjoy your hols.

[lavender27 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much x

[lavender27 in reply to nomoreheels]

I’m seeing my favourite GP this afternoon. Always helps if they’re lovely

[Hessie5]

Hi Lavender, sorry to hear your in pain. We all have the good day bad day. Today for me is bad, came home from work in awful pain. Hot salt bath, and bed with a hot water bottle. Anything can trigger a flare to be honest, I try not to wrack my brain thinking what could have caused it as I can get more stressed. Take the time to be gentle with yourself and relax as best you can. Wishing you swift healing. Hessie 😌

[lavender27 in reply to Hessie5]

Bless you 😘. It’s all new to me. Sorry to hear you were in pain. It’s a learning curve and I will just have to adapt xx

[Hessie5 in reply to lavender27]

Hope you are feeling somewhat better. You will find your own coping mechanisms ...

After 1 x pred, 1 x paracetomal last night. Coupled with an early night I woke up feeling so much better! Long may it last 😁🍀 x

[embroy]

Don't worry these flares happen to me as well, especially when there is weather change, hands hurt before it is going to rain, and winters are really bad. Get pain in my knees as well, best is to ignore it. I know it is difficult to ignore it as well, as it effects our daily lives.