Yes, my cortisol dropped low and my rheumatologist said I am done working. I was a police officer at a job I love and then it was gone. It has taken me over a year to try and get back on track with labs and they are still off a little. I went thru and still do go thru everything on Sams list. Stress will kill you if you don’t get it under control. I now have to get an mri on my brain and a neuro/psych evaluation that last 4 to 6 hours for a terrible memory problem and I am anemic.

If I do not take time for myself. I take long hot showers to destress when I was first diagnosed, I used to grip the steering well very hard when I drove also. My hands and wrists and arms killed me try to relax I hope this helps. Topical creams if you know you’re going to be in the car try that before you leave. Have a blessed day.

My flares happen when it’s cold, I over do it, and I’m noticing that some foods trigger it too. Processed foods, and carbs, and I think sugar now too. Depression sets in and I just want to crawl in a holE and hibernate. I over did it with yoga the other night and I’m still paying for it. Just have to wipe the tears away and keep moving.

Most of the time it seems that I have overdone it prior to a flare. I feel good then keep going like I use to. I do try to moderate, but not always successful. It seems the flares take forever to completely recover from.

Wear therapeutic gloves or comfortable gloves that provide a good grip. Also if you want you can cut the ends of the fingers. They told me to stop all processed foods. Go to the butcher. Meat section in grocery stores are processed. Whole foods veggies are best. Watch the carbohydrates you consume. Get info. CBD oil is great! I also use Diclofenac prescribed by my neurologist. Get some puffy to exercise your fingers. ROM’s are great.
Let me know how your doing. Drink lots of water. Infuse the water for flavor!!!