Flare ups

[cropredy]

Hi has anyone experienced more flare ups since lock down. My RA as been well managed in the past especially since being put on Erelzi(Etanasept). I have noticed that since this massive change to all of our lives what with shielding,Isolating,total restrictions to our daily lives, cannot hug Grandchildren etc , none of you need to be reminded of all these changes I know but to get to the point I have suffered more flare ups and I put it down to anxiety and stress.

I would love to hear your views on this matter.

Stay safe, keep well.

Ray.

[springcross]

You are probably right there cropredy. It has cause a lot of stress and anxiety in people and we know that those two things are not good if you have RA. xx

[Hidden]

I know stress really doesn’t help me. I have liked lockdown less stress for me it has been the humidity that’s caused my flares and we have a long spell of it

[Pippy25]

I never under estimate what stress can do to the body and I guess never has there been a time more so than this to raise stress/ anxiety levels and it's not good for us having RD. I think as J1707 has said with the stresses of lock down and isolation combined with the ever changing weather and temperatures each day will no doubt have had a part to play in people having flares.

[Carolsos]

I have had a few flares during this time off, but some major events probably brought them on. My daughters marriage broke down after only a year and she is going through a divorce and my son's daughter Bella died at birth! I have been so fatigued and been in so much pain! So its been good I was not at work!

I was going to ring my rumey nurse, but realised it was the stress off these events that brought the flares on. At present I am struggling with feeling sick every time I take my mtx. My doctor will not give me any anti sickness tablets. I have not had any for 4 years! I may have to ring and ask to come off mtx. Thanks

[Caza in reply to Carolsos]

Really feel for you.

My sons marriage broke down after just 3 yrs. the fallout has been dreadful.

To have the death of your granddaughter as well Just awful

Take care x

[springcross in reply to Carolsos]

Why won't he give you anti-emetics?

[AgedCrone in reply to Carolsos]

If Mtx is working for you I wouldn’t stop taking it if I were you. After all, you could well end up on something worse.

Do speak to your rheumy nurse...GP’s often don’t understand Mtx...& won’t ask. I’m sure your nurse will be of more help

When do you take it? Have you tried taking it after dinner....then have a night time hot drink immediately before bed? I did that & didn’t have any problems with sickness....I reckoned by the time I was in bed I’d forgotten all about taking it.

Hope that works.

[Caza]

Yes I’ve had way more flares during lockdown for me I think it’s because I’ve been exercising differently. I don’t think I’ve been stressed out by covid. I did aquafit twice a week & a dance class once a week swam & walked. Since lockdown I just walk & way too much. All the joints scream out at me 😣. I have this need, no idea why, to be outside walking. I live near a heath which has been my salvation but the joints don’t agree.

[springcross in reply to Caza]

That's a shame as that type of walk is usually quite relaxing isn't it.

[Monkeysmum]

Hi Ray, sorry to hear you have been struggling with increased symptoms recently. My symptoms have definitely worsened since lockdown, fatigue, swelling and pain, but it’s hard to separate cause and effect isn’t it? I’ve wondered whether my Benepali has stopped working for me, but then also had to remind myself that my daily routine has changed greatly under lockdown, and the loss of my Mum a few weeks before lockdown is probably having an effect also.

I’ve come to the conclusion that the only thing I can do is give it some time to see if my increased symptoms continue even once things have settled down again (whenever that is?!)

Have you spoken to your Rheum team about your flares at all?

[Pippy25 in reply to Monkeysmum]

I agree with you Monkeysmum our lives and routines have all gone out of the window and we have had to suppress a lot of emotions, feelings and for some including yourself loss and grieving, home schooling, isolation/ shielding, job worries in a time that has been filled with uncertainty, stress and anxiety.Somewhere along the line our bodies have absorbed it and have to let it out and I think it exacerbates our RD in ways we would dearly wish it wouldn't. Although do keep an eye on things and if you feel something it's right don't suffer and get it checked out or seek advice.

[cropredy in reply to Pippy25]

I would like to say thank you to all of you that replied to my question. First I must pass on my sympathy to those of who have lost loved ones. I did speak to my rheumatology nurse about the increase in my flare ups and she agreed it is probably due to anxiety and stress. Lets all hope this is all over soon.

Once again thanks for your replies.

Take care and stay safe.

[medway-lady]

No I hav'nt but I do have a garden and plenty to do, live in a village and have been able to set up a gym in the man cave. I'm sure being active is key, as the mood lifts with exercise but its not for everyone. I believe that it also helps that we've had lots of Zoom and FaceTime and friends in the garden. We have distanced and met only in the garden, but done a few cream teas as I make great scones and Tesco do clotted cream. It has not been to bad really miss the family but as we are all safe it has been worth it. However my son has been back at work and I'm not sure what is worse, him volunteering in the NHS or now back to his proper job and the risk thats always had. My husband wants to play golf in a few weeks and I believe it'll be ok as its low risk here but of course it just needs one and off we go again. I ddi a Zoom meeting this morning with the Kidney Patients Association I think everyone feels the same hoping to go out but not going to take risks and wanting life back and all the distractions which we used to have before lockdown and all the time to ponder.