STRESS RELATED FLARE UP!

[Ritaritis]

Morning folks, hope you are all fighting on. Recently had a nasty flare up of RA, lots of pain, tired, fun & games sitting down/getting up, pain in both wrists BUT have been doing knitting, an aran sweater and spending more time on my PC. Cat went missing for over a week, upsetting, cried and shouted for England for her to come home, lots of nuisance phone calls, scammers, now know how to block the numbers and had major issues with an online purchase. Phoned Trading Standards, so hope I will get the item or a full refund; again upsetting, frustrating, screaming, crying. Didn't want to eat. I'm alone and have to fight my own battles. RA flared up big time, sure there is a link. RA nurse agreed with me. Tried meditation. Using a lavendar oil spray has helped a lot. Next week I'm being assessed for a place on a GCSE maths course, at 63. Got a distinction for course work on Henry 8th & his 6 wives, looking at what to study next. Now decluttering, items going to freecycle. Have booked a day trip - Wye Valley cruise with cream team, Cat is now home. I think the whole street heard me screaming with joy. She spent last night on my knee and bed. It's obvious someone has been feeding her. Found and bought a T shirt on Ebay, picture of a Spitfire with the words 'Don't give up'. Well I am small, a fighter when I have to be (unpleasant childhood/abusive boyfriend) and live in Stoke on Trent so I'm aware there are a few cracked pots around and plenty of good ones. Good health to all and thanks for being here.

[Gnarli]

I don't really 'like' your post I just wanted to express sympathy. Troubles always seem to come in a lump don't they? I hope you have an amazing day out and that cream tea is delicious

[Madmusiclover]

Hello from Leicester. 👋 so glad your kitty is home. 🐈

[Boxerlady]

Sorry to hear about your flare but great that the cat is home again and being affectionate 🐈I have such admiration for you doing so many things and staying so positive. Such a great combination of creative and academic things too - nurturing the body, spirit and mind 👌

Hope that you enjoy your trip and cream tea - my sort of treat 😉

[Lolabridge]

Really pleased your lovely cat is home again. I don’t suppose there’s any point in suggesting you take things easy now to reduce your stress? 🙄

[Ritaritis in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks pet, I will be contacting 'Healthy minds for adults'for some advice about relaxation techniques. It was down to several stupid things happening in the same few days, stupid people who didn't do their job properly and not getting the answers I needed. The lavender spray is a big help as is trying to keep mentally occupied, struggling with my aran knitting but now understand the instructions, it's a complex pattern and seeing the jumper grow is worth it. I love the challenge and won't be beaten.🐕🐕👍

[Lolabridge in reply to Ritaritis]

Good for you!

[Boxerlady]

This is an old post of mine which might be helpful

healthunlocked.com/nras/pos.......

[Jackie1947]

Wow you are clever and congratulations on that. Stress and RA flares are sure bed fellows. Horrible. I had a Depo Medrone intramuscular jab last week to dampen down one

[Caza]

Absolutely do go together. Sounds like your a fighter, good for you. Well done & good luck with your sweater & GCSE maths 😬!!

[Ravey]

Hello Rita..yep I agree stress definitely triggers worse flares..nothing worse than losing a pet either even for a few hours..for me anyway. One of my cats is over 17 ..possibly 19..I inherited her when I moved into another house.Practically Ferrell she was...vicious streak bless her. Must be a reincarnation of my mother 🤣🤣.I'm in another house now ..I didn't think she would tolerate the move very well but she has settled in pretty well. She does however disappear from the garden and its quite a high fence.It freaks me out when I cant see her as shes pretty frail.Ive seen her staggering along the top of the fence on occasion and it's not pretty lol.People must think I'm mental..screaming for her..whistling..shuffling around on bad days in my pjs shaking the cat biscuits 🤣🤣...always such a releif when you get them back. You must have been beside yourself..so pleased for you and the cat. Well done you with all your achievements ..I think that's the key you know...keep the brain moving even when the body is lagging.. you have to have a goal no matter how small that is every day...it blocks the pain out a bit and you feel soooo much better when you have achieved. 🍻goodluck hun👩‍🎓👩‍💻...you're an inspiration x

[Ritaritis in reply to Ravey]

Good morning Ravey, I spoke to Cats Protection about Bella. She is stilling missing her companion who died several months ago from cancer but Olga was 16 years. She also picks up on my bad days with the pain. My phlebotomist's cat is expecting kittens and one will be coming to me. CPL suggested using Felliwell in the house which seems to be helping. The lavendar spray works for both of us, try them. My local mental health line suggested You Tube for meditation and said try 'virtual walks' on the internet. Looking at pictures of the Elan valley, Snowdonia and the Peak District are also helping. Thankyou,🐕🐕👍

[Ravey in reply to Ritaritis]

That's a wicked idea..never heard of that " virtual walks " I will check that out..cheers lovely. Music for me..loud.. bouncey..any genre absolutely love it..that my animals and garden nature and obviously family ♥️..my mental health has always been up for debate anyway 😜🤣🤣..hope your day is stress free calm and happy 😘lovely to meet you..So exciting a kitten coming.. it will you give you a new lease if life 😍

[Ritaritis in reply to Ravey]

Thanks, Bella's reactions will be fun to watch. Have currently lost my sense of humour but had a small glimpse of it yesterday and this morning, will keep look and look for the virtual walks as suggested. This website is certainly a big help!🐕🐕👍

[Ravey in reply to Ritaritis]

Never lose that hun...never. its what keeps us sane..I always look at funny gifs ..funny quotes on line anything to find some humor when there's none within. Keep smiling lovely lady 😁it will all be fine..and as you say thank god for places like this 🤗..Cant wait until the arrival of your little kitty x

[Boxerlady in reply to Ritaritis]

A kitten - how lovely 🐈🥰Photos please 😉

[Sheila_G]

I am not surprised you have had a massive flare. Lots of stress going on in your life just now. Stress definitely causes flares in me but how to deal with stress I don't know. I think you have a lot going on. You will certainly feel better now your cat is home. I have been through that myself and it is horrible. The cream tea and cruise sounds very relaxing in a beautiful part of the country. Enjoy and relax. x

[Ritaritis in reply to Sheila_G]

Thank you.🐕🐕👍