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Whats the difference between a flare up and daily symptoms?

For the last 2 months I have been in chronic pain, but not as intense as when I was first diagnosed. It is milder but is all over my body. Is this just a very long flare up, or is it due to working manual labor each day?
My first symptoms were swollen feet and ankles that left me with intense pain and the inability to walk. My Dr. says my RA is under control, but it is my work that is the problem. The last 2 months have been daily, body wide pain. It is not intense pain, but each day feels like I played a football game the night before. Rest will help, but after a little bit of work, I am back to where I started.

  1. This is just part of Rheumatoid Disease. I have the daily all over body pain with the terrible fatigue that always hits me around 2:00 every day. Rest is a must, without it you will surely pay the price. When I flare, I usually can't get out of bed. RD is a systemic disease that affects the whole body, it's rough. I hope you start feeling better soon. REST UP, your body needs it with this disease.

    1. Hi CherryLouise, I'm so sorry to here about the terrible, constant pain that you're in. I'm glad to hear that you're going to schedule an appointment with your RA doctor though. I'm hoping they can recommend some treatment options for you that may provide you with some relief. We're so so glad you've found our community, and we hope you know that we're here for you!! -Casey, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team

    2. I'm a faker at work, so when I get home my BF can't believe why I'm so tired and worn down and no energy, etc., he continued with "sometimes you get upset so easily", WTH! Really!, I said to him just the other day. "Thanks, I have to be nice and cordial and pleasant at work because they pay for me so I can pay the mtg. and other things", "But at home I expect you to be understanding, I'm worn out and tired from all that all day". Needless to say he wasn't happy with me and I just got up and went to lye down before I said something He'd REGRET,....lol..Then he said lets go out to dinner, he didn't want to cook that night (he's retired and is home). 😀 😀 OH WELL!
      Wishing you a good day today and a better day tomorrow.

  2. In my experience whenever I do something involving exertion I'm going to pay for it with increased stiffness & pain in whatever muscles or joints I used. I can see that would be extremely difficult for someone doing daily manual labor. Maybe if your doc can identify a better treatment drug you'd be ok but maybe not. Living with RA ain't for the weak.

    1. No it's not

    2. I agree with the exertion. I went to a town to walk around and visit some consignment stores, whew! What a mess I was that night 🙁
      My BF was saying to me why are you so tired, I of course gave him a look....lol
      Anyway it's difficult sometimes, but you also have to go out and do something some times.
      Butt you pay for it later on one way or another.
      Of course you also get tired of answering folks as to why you are so tired.
      My friend just asked about going to a craft fair this weekend and I'm thinking twice about it. So sad sometimes. I wish you and all a good day today and better day tomorrow. 😀

  3. Hi Mike. Everyone's RA is different, but if you have concerns that your RA is not well controlled you are always entitled to a second opinion. There is little doubt that exertion can make a difference in how those with RA feel. Hope that over time, in consultation with your medical team, you can determine if you can continue in your current job. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

    1. Thanks.

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