I am having a right old time of it at the moment.... my flare ups usually consist of "that familiar" stiff achy feeling following by a period of excruciating pain in the joint, which I alleviate with rest and pain killers and it usually takes about 24 hours before it subsides enough for me to start using it. But a couple of days ago, I had "that old family feeling" and then pow, it was my elbow, and it became swollen and red, I have been on constant pain killing relief, Co-dydromol every 4 hours and ibuprofen in between, so couldn't understand why I suddenly had this flare up. I went to bed with a hot water bottle and rested, the next morning it was as if nothing was wrong. The pain had been particularly bad and radiated down to my wrist and fingers, it was like the pain you get when you bang your funny bone. I feel so tearful and fed up at the moment, and I am sure the family thought I was putting it on.. or is that just me?? Oh I don't know I just feel bloody awful. I started on the Methotrexate yesterday, my first 10mg dose. I am off to buy some wheat bags as I see these come highly recommended ... thanks for listening

Julie x

Hi Julie,

Your post could have been written by me, so yes I know exactly how you feel.

Ice does help relieve it and the wheat bag which I have recently brought from Holland and Barrett is comforting.

I'm there with you girl.

With respect to the boys they seem to bury their heads and ignore me when I'm shuffling or can't pick something up, I really don't think they like seeing their once fit and active mum in this position.

Take care

Anne x

Hi Jenni and Anne

Thanks for taking the time to help. I have had a limp around the sales this afternoon getting out helped even if I couldn't do much. Spending a bit of money helps too! No seriously it's good to know that I'm not the only one, not that I wish this on anyone else! . It inspires and motivates.

Still looking for a wheat bag and have a box of lentils in the freezer so am a bit more prepared.

Thanks again and take care too x

Hi Julie,

So sorry you are in a bad place at the moment, good news is it wont last forever. Hopefully it is just the cold weather affecting you. I used pernaton gel for my swollen sore joints when I was ill. I like Jenni's idea with the lentils in the fridge, I also keep frozen peas in the freezer to use if I need them. The wheat bags are great too.

I bought gel packs out of Lidle when they had them in, they were cheap and very good as you can chill them or heat them. I found them great when my arm was giving me bother. Try soaking in the bath or shower, I found this the best relief I could get when I was very bad. Try to avoid red meat too it does make a difference to your inflammation markers.

I do know how bad you feel, You almost feel it again when you read of others. Sending you a big hug and lots of support, it is so difficult to look forward when you are in so much pain but it will improve, and if all else fails ask for a steroid jab.

Take care Lorna xx

Hi Lorna

Yes thinking about it, you're right. All the rubbish I have been eating over christmas, I usually stay away from red meat and pork pies (which are my weakness) have been on the menu most days. It was just so sudden and unexpected and trying to turn to my partner for support when the poor devil is working twice as hard because I am incapacitated, and we have just started lambing! I fell into the pit of self pity and wallowing a little bit too! Understandably but like you have said previously, I want to get in control of this RA and not have it control me. You have inspired me when I have read your postings and your article in the NRAS mag.

So onward and upward thanks everyone for your help support. Back to the red bush tea, fish and salad, nuts and cabbage.

I'm off to the chicks now to see what disaster has befelled them this morning.. it's not really that bad... but there is always something to keep me on my toes!

Thanks again

Julie x

Hi Jenni

have had a good look at this. Very Very helpful. Many thanks for taking the time and trouble, much appreciated, brilliant advice. Wishing you all the very best for 2011.

Love Julie x

Hello Fiona

Thank you.