caret icon Back to all discussions

Is there always a connection between weather and RA symptoms?

  1. Hi RHALL
    My sister who also has RA has zero issues with weather.
    Me? I have major issues with it. I live in Arizona so you would think it would be ok. Nope it does cause a lot of pain with temperature change, even a little barometric, pressure change, humidity, and even going from a cloudy day to a sunny day. I feel it all!
    I will always check the weather, not just the temperature. I usually check it to see if they are correct. I have been more accurate than the forecast about 90% percent of the time. My only advice on is this topic would be to check the weather forecast completely. And try to take care of things in advance. I take Advil, ahead of time or ibuprofen same thing. I also will either use heat or ice depending on if it’s a flare or not. I get rest and I drink a lot of fluids. I drink a lot of water every day, but you can add in things like juice or whatever it is that helps you. I have probably the largest first aid kit in the world. I have boxes and boxes of Pain patches, I ibuprofen, fever patches, and anything that I use to make me feel more comfortable. My freezer is full of ice packs as well.
    The only thing that affects me more than Weather is flying. Because of the pressure in the cabin, I tend to get layers and bad ones when I fly. And for that, I use a wheelchair at the airport every time, and stress of every good stress can cause flares, I will ice my joints and make sure I take my meds and do my shots without skipping a dose. I hope you can find comfort with the weather where you are. Soon the extra heat here in the desert will be 24/7 so I definitely use ice packs a LOT.
    I wish I had more advice but hopefully you will find what helps your situation!

    1. Thanks for such a detailed reply! This is an article from a few years ago but Kelly Mack, one of the RA Health Leaders here wrote about flying in a wheelchair that may resonate (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/motorized-wheelchair-jets)! Warmly, - Reggie, RheumatoidArthritis.net team member

Please read our rules before posting.