Behavioral Responses & RA
A few years ago, I began to recognize, what I viewed as an irrational, pre-flare event. I would have a burst of anger…typically evidenced by a dramatic overstatement of my position on someone or something. It took a long time to accept that such a connection was even possible but the consistency of the experience made the linage undeniable.
A burst of anger indicated a flare was going to happen - usually within a few minutes to 15 minutes after that undue behavioral response.
Well, I did some reading, anger is just one of the possible responses…but the connection is real.
1. Chronic pain can cause the responses to develop over time.
2. I struggled w how could some part of my brain know something my conscience brain did not.
Yep…cells are broadcasting the condition…other cells are hearing it?
This is REALLY interesting information,
! And I tend to agree with your hypothesis. It makes total sense in the scheme of things. Our bodies are constantly giving off signals and 'clues' that we frequently miss, for a variety of reasons. That's why service dogs have proven so helpful for people with all kinds of conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, etc). Many of us are probably missing some subtle clues that our bodies are giving us. Thanks for sharing this information!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.after six months of living and striving to be effective and a real servant, much of the time in intense pain…I am finding mistakes.
I think I lost a customer. In an exchange about contracts and pricing, w my back feeling (constantly) like I was struck w a baseball bat, and my wrists like they were hit w a hammer, I completely forgot we used to work together.
It is NOF forgetting but I lack the energy to truly engage mentally. It is costing me.
I know it's easier said than done, but please give yourself some grace too - you are trying to juggle a lot while managing RA and its symptoms. As long as you can look in the mirror and know that you are trying, that is enough. Warmly - Reggie, team member
Thank you, I understand your remark and appreciate your sincerity. These are valued.
The reality is that we are paid to innovate and execute and to do both well.
I expressed that concern…real. I finally wrote a private email to my customer…explaining…there are no excuses, we all know that. My customer was cool…keeping the car on the road.
My mother was a childhood polio victim and the subject of illicit series of experimental surgeries. She was in constant pain…but only talked to me about it. I thought I understood. I didn’t.
I do appreciate the acknowledgement of the reality of the scope of the impact of RA….swelling causing brain fog…pain challenging the ability to fully engage.
Difficult for so many. I know them better, now., thank you for expanding on your original comment a bit. You're absolutely right; we do have standards we are expected to meet in our various workplaces and when we don't meet them, well, there's just no way around that, no matter what the reason.
And I am so sorry your mother was subjected to what sounds like unethical medical experimentation on top of dealing with polio. I can't imagine what she dealt with.
And, while the saying is trite, "You don't get it, 'til you get it" seems to fit in many situations.
Thanks again for sharing and I am glad your customer was understanding.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi
. I just wanted to note that you definitely are not alone here in struggling with brain fog issues. In fact, as I see you are someone interested in research, I thought you might be interested in this article on the impact of chronic inflammation in the blood and brain: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322207. This research specifically looks at brain fog (although not hard to imagine it plays a role in fatigue as well). Hopefully actually finding these sources can lead to real world treatments for these symptoms. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
