Struggling emotionally with flare ups.

Shabina I want you to stop comparing yourself to others and coming to the conclusion that they're worse off than you. Who cares how the other people are doing, what matters is how you are doing. When we use a measuring stick of other people and their aches and pains it only makes you feeling guilty for your emotions when you have a flare or are just simply not feeling well.

Hi Shabina, I can relate to your post whole heartedly, in fact during my last flare up I could (and probably did) have written it. When I was at my worst physically I was at rock bottom emotionally and this seems to be a common occurrence. When I couldn't function or do the simplest of things I was lucky to have great support from family members, I'm normally a really independent person and it took me a while to accept the help I obviously needed. I hope you have someone to lean on both physically and emotionally. I started yoga after my last flare up ended and I love it, it teaches you how to breathe about mindfulness and relaxation. Your not alone in feeling like you do, never give up and accept any help family or friends offer. Take care. G.

Hello

I and probably most of the other RA sufferers on here both sympathise and totally understand you. Dont worry your positivity will return if if hasnt allready, because it has to. You sound a strong person but even with the strength of character now and again our mask's slip and the hidden pain and anguish are on show. I'm not going to say just keep going and keep fighting because i dont need to, you allready know and theres no choice anyways. Good luck to you.

I had some months of prednisone then, which massively helped with physical relief - and also had me tending to some euphoric/manic moods. Nothing drastic, just a little over the top and with lowered social inhibitions. If you are physically that bad, perhaps you should ask and be open about your emotional state too, they’ll want you to be aware of more emotional extremes.

I have found meditation/mindfulness practices help, and keeping at gentle activity like water based exercise gave me hope that I wasn’t going to end up weakened and unfit and on a downward physical spiral into disability. 

Go for it with the CBT. 

I can imagine that there are so many of us who have massive understanding and sympathy for your state of mind. 

Very best wishes - go easy on yourself.

Hi to all of you who sent a reply. Thank you so much for your advice and support. I am encouraged and will put in place suggestions including returning to doing Chi Gong and attending mindfulness meditation.

Form reading other posts on this forum, I am also left wondering about my current treatment and whether there are other meds including biotics that might make a difference. I need to research what is available and ask my rheumatologist about this.

Thanks all. Much appreciated 😊

You are not alone Shabina in having flare ups, I think we all know how you feel. Despite all the modern drugs it is as if the condition 'breaks through' the shield to remind us it is still there and fighting back. I find that my temperature will suddenly drop as well which makes the pain worse somehow as it's not easy to be strong when you are sitting there wrapped in a blanket when the rest of the family say how warm they are! Try and stay positive and remind yourself that the bad days will pass and you will feel better and more able to cope, Good Luck.

Thanks Carol and Chris.

I do feel better today both physically and emotionally. I am going to look into biologics and CBD oil more. Plan to go out for lunch with my son which is always great. Hope you have good days too.

I think a lot of RA sufferes can relate to your everyday challenges. I too have RA and your story sounds like mine. 

I think the most frustrating thing is when I do have a flare up. I try to explain to my friends and family I’m able to do certain things. I feel they automatically judge and think “here she goes again, whinging”. As they can’t see the fatigue or pain. I have already had a bone taken out of my hand, caused from the RA. The X-ray I had for my hand proved my pain. “I can’t walk with a X-ray machine showing proof of my disease” Oh I wish I could... 

Last week I had a severe flare up and couldn’t lift my shoulder. I was unable to drive or do the simplest of tasks, as the pain was excruciating. My husband at times is supportive. However, he only has a one week window for anyone been sick. After that you have to get on with life. Therefore, it helps me when I read other peoples stories, as I see this isn’t in my head. 

It sounds like you are trying and been positive. I have been told RA can go into remission. I have that hope it could happen and it might happen to you too. 

All the best 

Lynn 

I get depressed so much with ra, I think it's normal to feel this way my husband massages my hands all the time for me he is my rock thankful for him bc i have been ready to just give up. talk to dr maybe you need differnt meds my dr says ra flares with differnt seasons good luck