Managing a RA flare-up

[squashyhat]

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for many years, mostly managed successfully with medication. However I'm currently in the midst of horrible flare-up which I can't attribute to any trigger in particular. Fortunately I'm retired, and I've got an appointment with my rheumatologist in a couple of weeks, but if you have RA how do you manage this? It hurts to hold a book, I can't garden for more than about 10 minutes, or use a pc, or bake or drive comfortably or walk very far, but if I sit still for too long and binge-watch telly I sieze up. It's really miserable.

Oh bless you. I very much feel your pain. It is miserable not being able to interact with your environment.

You might not like this idea, but I find fasting is really good for bringing inflammation down. If you can manage it, it really helps me.

Hot baths are really good for that siezing up feeling, but you probably know that.

Other than that, painkillers and rest. Lots of rest.

I hope it passes soon.

How are you doing now?

I'm very newly diagnosed and wondered the other day what to do in a flareup. I'm only 6 weeks into treatment, so haven't really flared down! But there is progress.

Is it bad enough for steroids? What pain relief are you taking?