Is this a flare?

[Trees17]

I got back from a brilliant but very active holiday last night. Lots of walking, museums etc. I’d had hardly any aches and pains for the fortnight but this morning woke up aching and stiff all over with no energy at all. It felt just like flu so I did a Covid test which was negative. I slept this afternoon which is unusual for me, but just couldn’t do anything else. Is this a reaction to all my activities?

[RichDC]

I came back from a 2 week camping trip where I wasn’t in much pain at all but for over a month both shoulders and my back have been very sore and I’m exhausted all the time. No signs of inflammation in my blood tests so I’m baffled and wonder like you if this is just how it is sometimes

[sylvi in reply to RichDC]

I usually suffer when i get home from a holiday. I wonder if it is the sea air and a change of temprature, i just know i ache like i don't know what. xxxx

[Sheila_G]

I don't know for sure but that is what happens to me if I overdo things so quite likely.

[Fra22-57]

maybe your adrenaline is keeping you going then wham bam you finish all activities and body decides it’s had enough so cries out.I know we just want to everything while we feel like it don’t we

[Hidden]

Hi Trees17 interesting ! I've just come back from a two week holiday on Tuesday and have been feeling exactly the same low on energy ,sleeping non stop my body feels slammed my husbund was diagnosed with RA just before we went away and he has been feeling exactly the same ,both done LFTS both negative (thankfully) hopefully it will start to ease soon just woken up from a 11 hour sleep 😮,so for now im.just going to listen to what my body is telling me and sleep and realx before im back in work on Monday hope you start to feel better soon

[sylvi in reply to Hidden]

I wish i could sleep for that long darling.xxxx

[Jackie1947]

When I came back from a 5 week holiday which wasnt strenuous I was pooped out for a couple of days. Was worth it though

[Trees17]

Thanks to you all for your replies. Unfortunately I’ve just tested positive: aaarrrgggh 😢. I’m so surprised it didn’t show up on the two tests I did yesterday when I was feeling really rubbish. I don’t feel so bad today but am now banished to the bedroom until the magic single red line returns.

[Leics]

sorry to hear you’ve now tested positive for covid but at least in some way you now know why you’re feeling so pooped. Generally covid can take 2-3 days after symptoms start before you get a positive test. So sorry to hear that’s what it is and with any luck you’ll bounce back soon and it will be a mild dose. Not what you want to bring back from holiday. Take care.

[Trees17 in reply to Leics]

Thanks x

[Angels54]

yes sounds like a flare , I have also been doing a lot of sleeping 👍

[Green230461]

Sounds like a flare! Be kind to yourself keep warm drink plenty watch rubbish tv and get better soon 💐

[Amnesiac3637]

Covid notwithstanding - oh bad luck and hope it’s over soon - I think being on holiday is such a lift mentally that a lot of the usual physical aches and pains get pushed into the background when you’ve got lots of stimulation other than the boring reality of life. That all piles back in again when you get back home and you realise you’ve been doing a lot more than you would normally and enjoying it! Holidays, in my opinion, should be on a regular prescription…………😄

[Gillyflower70]

Really interesting to read these replies. I always feel I must be imagining it when, I too find, after a period of more than usual activity, I struggle. Bloods can be as normal as they ever are. However everything goes haywire until I’ve regrouped . Appreciate you’v e had Covid to contend with on top of everything else. It helps to know others experience the same and it is not in my imagination when I feel rubbish after a spell of holiday etc. - however restful! Hope you throw off the big soon.

[Gillyflower70]

bug!!!

[Hidden]

I would think so. Just take it easy this week.

[Hidden]

Hi Trees17,

Sorry to hear you contracted COVID and I hope a week on that we are from your original post, you're beginning to feel better.

Here are some resources you may find helpful:

- nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

- nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

- nras.org.uk/resource/managi...

I'd also give you rheumatology team a call if you haven't already done so to see if they can offer you any additional support.

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at [e-mail]

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS Information and support coordinator