Is it a coincidence that the temp today is half what it was yesterday, it's poured all day, and my symptoms are a lot worse?

Admittedly I am on a much reduced dose of prednisolone (10mg down from 30mg). I was hoping to get further but to be honest the aches and pains that are so bad today had started giving me a little jip ever since I came down from 12.5 mg. Next step down was to have been to 7.5 but the rheumy nurse says to hold at 10 if I am having problems. So it looks as though my main med 50 mg Azathioprine may not be enough. I will see them again in a month to see what progress I have made.

I am undecided about the worst aspect of RA. For sure, a front runner has to be the incredibly long time scales for effectiveness of treatment to be assessed. I'm an RA patient that doesn't do patient all that well.

On the bright side, I have been accepted onto my company's long term sickness scheme which means that I get a very generous 75% of my base salary and don't have to claim benefits. I count myself very lucky (although I'd prefer to be working and not have the disease.

Equally, you could theorise that cold weather usually means lower atmospheric pressure which would cause joints to expand. It's a theory!

Hi Paul

I am with you on that, waking up to a cooler house in the morning and my joints are more stiff and sore - it could be along haul until next spring! I was glad to hear about your acceptance to the long term company sickness scheme - I bet it is big weight off your mind.

Take care.

Lisa