I am really confused about what exactly defines a flare up . I developed severe symptoms of RA almost overnight during April and May 2011 which saw me forced to take 7 weeks off work. I could hardly move at all and was in agony at times (and I am not using that word flippantly). Since then I have had steroid treatment and the symptoms have calmed down but are still grumbling away. I seem to go up and down a lot. Sometimes I just have mild pain in my hands, feet and shoulders whereas at others I reach for the Tramadol as the pain becomes much worse. I have good days and bad days and within a day the mornings and night times are quite bad too. I think that obviously the early period was a severe flare but what about when I get a bad day. Is this a mini flare or not? As this is all new to me I'd really like to gain greater understanding of the terminology used when talking about RA, especially as I keep reading advice about taking action when you feel a flare coming on. I'd be very grateful for any wisdom from more experienced people than me who have RA.

Hello Naomi,

Sorry I haven't introduced myself or welcomed you before but things have been a tad hectic here in Cornwall, not a good thing for my RA but ultimately it will be, I think! Anyway enough of me.

Jenni, posted a really good thread on flares which should be easy enough to find. It really is THE definition and so, so identifiable.

Up and down seems par for the course I'm afraid especially since, as I recall, you're not yet under control? Sorry your disease not you, although in my case its often me that's uncontrollable as well as the disease! I've tried to analyse my ups and downs to death but still behave just as badly as my immune system and end up in bed. Its that old pacing yourself business I'm afraid. But sometimes there's no rhyme nor reason I can come up with and although frustrating just got to come to terms with it I'm afraid.

So have you started your MTX yet? Getting your disease under control is the first step to getting used to some sort of new normality but this takes time. I started mine last November, it kicked in after about 4 months I would say, and after a few tweaks with painkillers and anti-inflammatories I reckon I'm sort of on as even keel as its going to get for the mo. So its taken until now for me to start thinking that I'm getting to grips with how to work out this disease so I can work with it rather than against it, its a right old roller coaster I'm afraid.

I don't want to scare or upset you, I'm a plain speaking sort of girl and although its different for everyone the outlook is pretty good if you find a DMARD which works and with MTX the percentages are good. Hold on in there Naomi and try to go with the flow as much as you can.

Take care
Sara

Thank you all

I will look for Jenny's thread on flares.

I am due to attend the methotrexate clinic for the first time on Friday 16th September. I actually feel quite positive about it as I believe it's the correct next step to try out.

Hello there,

Agree everything Sara has said. Everyone and every pain is so different. I hope that
mtx will be the drug for you it certainly works as a 'gold' treatment if it suits you

Good luck with the clinic

Rose

Hi Naomi, i agree it is hard to get others to understand about pacing i have had ra for 15 years and i still find it hard work at times.

Bevxx

Hi Naomi Flare ups are so different for us all I have had 25 years of RA and still get bad flare ups in time you will get to know which is the best way for you to deal with them, sometimes if you have a really bad one you just have to give in and have complete rest while you body recovers. Everyone has their own medication which they find is best for them its a bit like living with the enemy!!! but it makes the good days very precious. Good luck to you. NinaX