Flare up

Hi, !

I have to admit that I spent some time digging through the website looking for similar experiences to yours and I came up emptyhanded. That doesn't mean that someone here hasn't experienced what you are dealing with; I just wasn't able to find any conversations or questions here that fit your situation.

Hopefully, if anyone here has been in the same boat, they will chime in here and offer you some support and tips.

Has your rheumatologist offered any insight? And do you know for certain that you are no longer flaring?

As you know, RA pain can linger and can sometimes never fully go away. And, I know that really stinks and I do hope this isn't the case for you.

I would definitely have a conversation with your doctor about what might be causing the pain and how to get it under control.

Some of our members have used NSAIDS to manage pain (please check with your doctor first) and others have tried temporary aids like hand splints, parrafin wax treatments, massage, heat, or cold. Your doctor may recommend prednisone shots to tamp down the pain and inflammation as well. One of our contributors shared how she combats hand pain and stiffness and I thought you might find her ideas helpful -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/tips-for-hand-pain. Again, I hope you get some more feedback from other community members and that the pain begins to fade very soon!

Best, Erin, Team Member.

, I had a thought on this - do you take a steroid during a flare? I have noticed that when a load/taper of steroids is dropping down in my system, my pain levels increase. I have heard it termed rebound pain. It's nice to know that it has a name and wasn't my imagination but its misery when it happens. Enough to make me dread needing a load/taper.

I'm sorry you're having a rough time post-flare up. You can feel a flare before it starts in your joints for sure. It's something many tend to find out along this journey and when they do start to feel this way they contact their rheumatologist to nip it in the bud via medication, or adjust various things in their lifestyle like reducing stress, diet, gentle exercises. Sometimes the aftermath of a flare can linger some days and weeks. Depending on how bad it was that can be an indicator to your rheumy that the disease isn't under control as fully as it can be which is probably why the increase in the MTX. Have you considered also adjusting things in your lifestyle or seeing an alternative/integrative doctor who can help address things in the body that may be contributing to the flares and symptoms? Everyone is so different but the good news is that there is a ton of information out there now about RA, how to handle flares and reduce them. Here's a couple articles that may help here on the community forum. -Effie, team member

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/forum-roundup-pain

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/anticipate-flare-up

https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/seasonal-changes-flares

Hi . I want to echo Erin concerning the question of whether or not you are still having a flare. I know there are community members, including my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), who get flares in particular joints/areas. It is important to speak with a doctor about whether a different adjustment is in order and a closer examination of your hands. The hand treatments mentioned by Erin could also help. Hoping you can get some answers and relief soon. Best, Richard (Team Member)