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Question about RA flares

Posted , 4 users are following.

andrew_08416
andrew_08416

Dear all 

please bare with me, I'm a little new to having a dissorder, and I've a question about flares. 

My GP suspects that I have either Lupus or RA., RA and OA runs in family and there is no history of Lupus at all.  (if that helps) although my question relates to a flare I had in October last year and to a lesser degree is still going on today.  

Most of the symptoms have calmed down to a manageable level. except for the fatigue and joint pain in both hands and knees. 

my question is does or will the joint pain also subside over time. and will the fatigue also improve. 

Having slightly less pain to manage has helped a little with the fatigue but it kind of feels at the same level - only that I dont need to lay down half as much during the day. 

any comments would be much appreciated 

Many thanks

Andy

 

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • ama38049
    ama38049 andrew_08416

    Posted

    Hi Andy, it's a tricky question, as the answer is maybe and is very much related to what exactly you have and what treatment you will receive. It seems that you are on the right way if your pain reduces. The joint pain may disappear completely (there are many success stories here) and may not (there is an equivalent number of stories on that too). Fatigue also goes with the right treatment and unfortunately does not if not referred to. I think that the main would be to monitor your health now that you know that you have RA or Lupus and act accordingly. Having a diagnosis is surely a start... BTW - find someone good who *knows* about Lupus for diagnosis - GP is not enough here although a good GP is a good start. The good thing is that you getting know your body and limitation. You will rest when needed and remain active whenever you can. Neither Lupus nor RA are the end of the world. Good luck!
    • andrew_08416
      andrew_08416 ama38049

      Posted

      Thank you ama

      I've a very good GP, honest and very upfront. He's the one suspecting lupus. Funny it wasn't until I got the face rash he started to say that. Prior to this he thought it might have been cfs and I was also agreeing from what I was reading.

      Being that my gp is honest he admits to not being a specialist in that field.

      I know that if it's lupus or if it's RA that it's not the end of the world. The tough bit is the here and now and having to self medicat on a trial and error basis. At least the brain fog helps with that. Lol.

      Guess the worry is if they don't find the cause and I'm hit with another flare months from now will I have to start the process again. :-(

    • ama38049
      ama38049 andrew_08416

      Posted

      Facial rash is the most known common differentiator for Lupus. Which kind of sucks as not everyone develop it or it's not a "by book" rash... Good GP is a great start especially if he/she is willing to admit errors and being unsure. But if your blood tests suggest RA or Lupus get a specialist. It's not about living between flares. It's about not getting into the next one as long as possible :-) As for the brain fog and fatigue - do you have it Bcs of the meds or just Bcs? RA causes that from time to time but some meds do it too... This should be treated with equal seriousness... Ask someone close to monitor your behavior/mental activity and state of mind - when you are inside the "fog"/fatigue sometimes you may not act as yourself. This may in part impact your decisions regarding treating RA or Lupus or whatever is that you might have... Good luck and feel well!
  • EileenH
    EileenH andrew_08416

    Posted

    Whichever it is you have - you need a specialist and not just a GP. If it turns out to be lupus there are some centres which are particularly good and are worth travelling to. LupusUK has avery active forum on the HealthUnlocked platform with very knowledgeable moderators/administrators - well worth a visit.
    • andrew_08416
      andrew_08416 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen I've actually written to lupus UK and have had no response. I asked about other disorders which could be similar to lupus and still have the rash.

      No reply

      Andy x

    • EileenH
      EileenH andrew_08416

      Posted

      The forum is more direct - and, like here, there are loads of people with the t-shirt, some of whom are expert patients. One friend who is a lupus patient says it is the best community she's found worldwide - and I believe her. Do drop in - nothing to lose...
    • andrew_08416
      andrew_08416 EileenH

      Posted

      Thank you Eileen - I will definately take a look

      much appreciated

      x

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