I've recently been having more flare ups i.e. arthritis more painful and wonder if there is a link to stress. A neighbour suggested I 'go into a home', I'm 64, single, advised not to drive until after knee surgery, no family contact, redundant due to Covid and until the RA, was externally active, walking including steep hills such as Snowdon and the Peak District, involved in local events as a volunteer, getting out and about, garden centres, coach trips et al. I've also had issues with online banking, trying to speak to a human to sort out my query, scam emails and phone calls that I block but still they come through!!! Tradesmen trying to rip me off. My cat disappeared believed stolen as no sightings. She was a pedigree rescue. An abandoned stray is moving in, have promised him a permanent home. Shopping is delivered and they always offer to put my items in the kitchen. I'm doing some online study, thinking about a taster course with the OU and crafting various things, small items that can go into the post to a charity I support so they can sell them. I'm working on a rug kit, easy on the hands as is crystal art to keep occupied whilst waiting for surgery and getting back to walking which I miss. I get upset, the pain starts. Yesterday I wanted to smash the PC, the bank kept saying 'the information I require is on the website' I couldn't find the answers I needed and felt sure I was heading for a coronary. The RA pain kicked in. Later a large glass of whine and watching 2 films, Keeping Mum and Galaxy Quest helped me calm down. Puss also appeared for a while wanting food. In lot's of ways life is good. I'm financially secure, can still use my mind but when I do get stressed the pain kicks in. My doctor suggested anti-depressants, NO. Sadly I lost my faith years ago, will be working on my rug kit shortly, a lighthouse which to me represents safety. May use it as a wall hanging. Take care folks and thanks for being here.🐈🐈🐈
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Ritaritis
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Yes, there's a known link between stress and flare ups.
Banking problems and dealing with tradesmen are just so stressful, I'm not surprised they are causing you to flare.
I usually reckon humans can deal with one or two big problems at a time, but once it gets to three or more it really affects our mental and physical health.
I’d say yes it can be as stress is said to deplete your immunity if prolonged and look what it can do to blood pressure. I believe my RA was hugely exacerbated by a horribly stressful job a year prior to being diagnosed.
I've read a lot about a link but have been lucky enough not to have experienced it, probably because my life has been pretty stress-free since diagnosis which is again mostly luck as I seemed to get all of life's "big" events (family illness, bereavement etc) out of the way beforehand. Sorry to hear what you're having to deal with; have you tried phoning the NRAS helpline as I believe that it's really good?
I did go on an antidepressant (mostly for anxiety) several years ago when things were tough and found it very helpful. I'm still on a low (half) dose which isn't high enough to affect my mood anymore but helps me to sleep which is great as I really struggle with lack of sleep.
I feel for you. It sometimes feels that the whole world is queueing up to steal, swindle or cheat you when you're single. Unfortunately, stress does seem to be a trigger for us to flare. I wish I had an answer for your woes. By the way, your neighbour was being very cruel. You're only 64 for goodness sake!
Yes, there is research evidence which acknowledges the link between stress and RA.Life can be so stressful these days, even simple things like trying to speak to someone to give advice / sort out a small problem is so difficult and time consuming.
I'm 64 too and would not consider a home some people can be so thoughtless. At least we understand here on the forum.
Yes stress is a big contribution to flare ups. I reached out to my GP for some help and I asked for anti depressants after trying everything else. Best thing I did. They are mild and tbh I don't feel drugged up but a lot calmer and focussed. I have RA, Pancreatitis and Diverticulor disease. The latter two are new and it's been a shock. We have to do what's best for us as there's no rules.
Hi Jackie1947. Do you mind me asking what anti depressant medication you are taking? I’m on a low dose Diazepam but normally take just one at night for muscle spasms. Nic xx
Good afternoon, I don't and won't take anti depressants. To me they don't really help and situations have got to be dealt with such I've just received a request to increase my DD for electricity and the amt is mad, crazy. I live alone, am careful with the usage such as watching TV and undressing in the dark. My laptop is on standby, that will now be switched off completely when not in use et al seeing where else!!! I can cut back. I also had a cold, hard upbringing by parents who shouldn't have been e.g., illness is attention seeking and they day my fiance died I was made to go to work. My office sent me home and my parents said I was weak, spineless and a skiver. Am considering more counselling for past issues that have recently raised there head again. Keeping fighting and I wish you well. 🐕🐕
Sorry you’re feeling so bad and prices going up left, right and centre don’t help at all. I hope you’re claiming all the benefits you’re eligible to claim, eg. PIP. I hope things improve for you soon. Perhaps the counselling may help again. Take care. Nic xx
Do pursue the crafts and enjoy them and yes if it can be made into a little business then even better! 💗 The joy of creating something artistic is immense! It lifts you very high. 😍
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I'm the same age have been hit by PSA so suddenly. I think the stress link is pretty proven... for a wide range of diseases. For me, I practice Transcendental meditation .... To be honestly I don't do it every day, I probably don't do it properly although I've been trained, and I'm quite non committal on a lot of it's claims. But there's no doubt it makes life less stressful and I'm able to deal better with things like crappy call centers. Somehow it gives some perspective. That's my recommendation before you try anti depressants.
I do understand that you're largely immobile whilst awaiting knee surgery, and that you really miss the physical activity involved in all of your outdoor activities. I have always used activity and exercise (for me it was running and tennis) to quieten my overthinking mind, and never did find that small hand activities, crafts and such could replace that physical release. It seems to me that perhaps instead of suggesting antidepressants, your doctor could perhaps brainstorm with you what physically active alternatives you could find to use as a stress-buster. For myself, I cannot seem to alleviate stress by using my mind, and I can only turn it off by being physical. I have started a gentle program of dance in water, and, delightfully, I'm finding that same release. Just food for thought. By the way, I am 62 and fairly immobile, but they are not dragging me off to a home just yet! Best wishes.
You are definitely right about the link between stress and flares, I have been there! Great that you are so active. The best help with stress is meditation which is very calming sand no side effects! There are on line sites such as Headspace which are very calming and helpfu.
I have AS and stress has been proven to trigger flares, so I have no doubt the same applies to RA. Given the long waiting times for things like counselling a mild antidepressant may be beneficial whilst you wait for extra support. Your neighbour was rather thoughtless suggesting you move into a home. It would be better if she offered some support, maybe help with a task around the house you find difficult. Re waiting for your knee surgery, I was an orthopaedic nurse for over 30yrs, I can’t recommend strengthening your quad muscles enough. It makes recovery so much easier, an knees are notoriously painful postoperatively. All can be done at home, Pilates is good for strengthening muscles and there are many free ones online. You do have a lot going on, so it’s not surprising you are stressed. Pets are very good for distressing you, I hope your cat turns up, but in the meantime you have a new furry friend who sees you need some loving. Your crafts sound lovely, and is very thoughtful of you to pass to charity to raise funds. Take care of yourself, there are still befriending services available online, if you wish to chat with others over a coffee. 🤗
So sorry you feel so low at the moment but it will get better.I am 79 and if anyone suggested to me going in a home I would hit them!I had a knee replacement 5 years ago and am now pain free there at least,it is the best bit of me.I too live alone,but was lucky enough to spend a week at my sons after surgery,but many I know have spent a week in respite care just to get over the first week.
The meds are so good now,that I feel there is a treatment for everyone.I have had RA for over 20 years,but have managed to keep my independence.
There is definitely a link between flares and stress.I was pain free last week,but on Monday the fence blew down crushing my roses,and on Tuesday I got a parking ticket from parking at Aldi,where the rules had changed.I felt the pain increase overnight,and then thought …..it,it’s not getting to me,cannot allow it to undo the good the new JAK drugs are doing,and calmed down.Money is not as important as your health I told myself,had a lovely cuddle with my sons labradoodle,and visited a friend who is much worse than me,which made me feel a bit ashamed at letting things get to me.Today I will take it out on the ironing which I have been putting off,as pain not too bad today,having had a rest day yesterday.This forum is wonderful,as it is like a family who understands,and that makes such a difference.Hang on in there,and keep us posted when you can.xx
Docs thought stress triggered the start of my RA and have been in a flare for almost a year now and yes, due to stress. Bereavement, toxic ex manager of my company who stole our data. Cashflow disaster and couldn't pay my team, litigation with ex employee at same time of bereavement AND water leak under the centre of my house involving major building works. That's definitely set it all off 🤣🤣🤣
Don't know if it may help you, but I do have counselling. Last October I wouldn't have cared if I'd been run over by a bus so pay for counselling and it's such an outlet and may be worth thinking about? Need to find the person that's right for you and it may take a couple of attempts.
Love it was suggested you go into a home. Charming!
Everything always seems to happen at once doesn't it. Not sure why. Making your rug sounds calming 🥰
yes, when you get the right person, it can change everything. I still have counselling as have had some horrible stuff to deal with and for me, it's someone to off-load to which is all I really need. I am an NLP business coach, but can't coach myself very well, haha.
Hi I always seem to have flaring symptoms during stressful times, so I definitely feel there is a link. Please don't lose heart, things will get better. And you're still young at 64, so I don't feel you'd benefit from going in to a home just yet. All the best 🙂
I am sure that my RA was initially triggered by stress - caused by a very difficult situation in the work place and a manager from hell. So I’m absolutely certain that stress could cause flare ups - which I’ve luckily managed to avoid for 2 years (I was diagnosed 4 years ago). Hope you can find a way to manage your stress and ease your flares 🥰
Hi Ritaritis I think it is proven and I definitely believe in a link between stress and flares. I get very anxious before hospital stuff (which relates back to trauma being in hospital as a toddler and child- in the days when your parents couldn't stay). When I had a knee replacement last summer I had only been off Baricitinib about ten days and I was going into a flare and in tears just trying to stand up it was so painful. I have had different therapies to manage anxiety and am in a better place now. I've got a colonoscopy tomorrow and am trying not to think about it too much! I have also learnt to let things out and not bottle them up. I suppressed anxiety in the past which I now believe doesn't help you physically. I find this website very helpful. Just to read about other people's experiences and to know that you are not alone. Have you a close friend who could sit with you and make a list of things that need addressing/sorting and making a bit of a plan. Take no notice of that neighbour - how insensitive. I love my two dogs (sadly I haven't been able to walk them for years - my husband does) but they bring me so much comfort and make me laugh. Hope you get your cat back soon. Sending hugs xx
I don’t think you need antidepressants I think you want something for pain,,?I feel it for you as I think we all will because we know what it’s like ,sadly we left to get on with it , I’m feeling rubbish just got feet up with painkillers.
I am permanently in pain. But then my life is just so full of stress all the time it's no wonder really. So yes, the answer to your question is that stress and pain go together hand in hand. I see many others on here agree with me. This last week has been a particularly stressful period and I am right there with you about the bank...no one but no one knows what they are doing these days. I won't go into my details but we have had the week from hell because of the incompetence of bank staff causing such a lot of stress here. And to get to speak to a human you have to eventually make the journey into town making it even more stressful! And they STILL couldn't help. At least our local branch hasn't been closed like many others. As for your neighbour.........I know what I would say to her! Take care. x
Stress is definitely related to flare ups. We waited a year to move, almost lost our buyer at 1 point. Had to pay out for a leaking roof and got scammed by a so called builder for it. As for Internet banking I down graded my account as I was constantly told you have to do this on line. Only way I could get help was by doing the down grading so that if I have a problem I'm able to go to the bank.
Morning. Cutting stress out of my life has made a world of difference. It took a long time, but I am now so much better. I have energy and don’t hurt all the time.
I know you don’t want happy pills, but Amitriptyline helps me with nerve pain and I sleep solidly now and do wake up refreshed.
Sadly, as others have commented, there is a link between stress and RA flares. Last year we carried out a new survey called 'stress matters' as part of a bigger project to create some new resources to help manage it which will hopefully be ready before the end of the year. April happens to be #StressAwarenessMonth so we recently highlighted this by talking to Sheila Hancock (who has RA) about it facebook.com/reel/759003782...
Our Helpline number 0800 298 7650 is there just in case you need it or if you want to talk more about stress or any other aspect of RA.
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Flare-ups and Medication
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