For me a flare is a sudden worsening of symptoms above my normal level of pain, swelling, temperature, inability to use my joints and overwhelming fatigue. I think everyone's flares are different and individual.

You are very welcome Tina, the early stages of RA I believe are the most distressing. In these early days we have no idea what we are dealing with or how we can manage it.

As time goes on, you will learn to listen to your body and will hopefully understand what makes it feel better or worse.

For instance, I wear a fitness tracker and I know that if I pass the 6000 steps mark, then I will pay for it tomorrow.

I only ever wear flat shoes because any sort of heels will become unbearably painful in a very short time.

I sleep with a pillow between my knees as it relieves stress on my hips.

These are all things I have figured out for me, you will learn what helps you as you go along.

Best wishes to you, I hope you are feeling better soon. X

A flare for me usually starts with an ache in one joint. This ache gets steadily worse with a feeling of extreme tiredness. By the following day, that ache has spread to other joints and is quite debilitating.

This can last for a couple of days or it can last for a few weeks/months.

Last year I had a fall and broke my shoulder. This caused an immediate flare which lasted for almost six months.

If I catch a cold this can cause a flare for me, as can any injury that requires an immune response.

A flare for me feels like a dose of the flu with a steadily tightening vice on my joints. As bad as that sounds, you do get used to it and you know it will pass eventually.

Hi @A myRAteam Member
Your flares are caused by what yuo eat and drink. All oils and other fats cause thr worst flares, which can take up to three days to appear. Sugar, alcohol, gluten, starchy foods, honey can also cause them. Nut butters are fats and the cause flares.
Many members of this site are now aware of this fact
If you want to learn more, check out Clint Paddison's program youtube. Read my updates.
Make the most of your day!

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A myRAtea...

Thank you again Cherry, I have had this for years but it has always laid dormant but then I had a great shock and upset and its brought it all on.My career was a chef but my hands are the worst out of shape and aching. I always wear good trainers as my feet take a pounding, the worst thing for me is my hair it has gone so thin...I have it short but still miss what I had. Thank you again for your help take care and God Bless xx