Comments on: Cheat Sheet: How To Survive A Flare (Call For Suggestions)

By: RA Guy

RA Guy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:40:12 +0000

Thanks for all of the great suggestions! I will start working on this soon, and will share as soon as I have the final version!

By: Linda Mooney

Linda Mooney — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:55:19 +0000

RA Guy my mantra is ” I may have RA, but RA does not have me.”

Sometimes it is tough, but I always manage to make it through, ice is my weapon of choice, I think of this monster just melting upon its application, and somehow, someway all my pain melts too.

Thank you for your blog!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:17:08 +0000

I just remind myself that “pain is weakness leaving my body.” I have no idea why, but it always helps. And I completely agree w/Cateepoo – a little glass of wine always helps.

By: cateepoo

cateepoo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:53:24 +0000

- I allow myself to cry as needed.
- I write.
- I talk with close friends and family.
- I remind myself that I am doing a lot of good things for my body and tell myself, “my body is healing.”
- I research new ideas.
- I rest and find the good that comes from rest.
- I visualize myself without a flare. This does wonders for me.
- And, somtimes I drink an extra glass of wine!

By: dandy_candi

dandy_candi — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:49:54 +0000

A little thought I try and hold onto on a bad day is that pain is only remembered.
It’s my body telling me to slow down, that nothing is urgent and the world will go on spinning if I take a minute (or more) to relax.

By: Lana

Lana — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:38:03 +0000

I have been limping for a month now, and it hurts. Sometimes, it makes me want to cry, but I pray and think of my children. I think how no matter what they need me to be strong. They are my strength, and they remind me that even though I am not perfect, I am perfect in their eyes. In their eyes, I am a superhero, and I have no kyptonite. Those are the things that keep me going. And prayer, you can a lot strength in prayer. I have learned that the flareups are a minor set back in life, but they can’t stop me from everything I have to do – work, study, and take care of my family. It is hard to walk around the grocery store, but I now go to smaller stores, memorize where everything I need is, and well, I plan That is all we can do. I plan that I will have setbacks, and I always have a plan

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:27:02 +0000

Depending on the day, (Think Florida and Hot flashes) cold is my better friend than heat. Heat, when I use it is usually a warm kitty on my lap or foot or hands..they have an uncanny knack of knowing where to lie on whatever is sore.Now that would be perfect if they didn’t snore or shed! Petting them seems to take the stiffness out of my hands, and as a second benefit, calms me down.

Remember that most flares are short lived, intense at first, but will fade away.

Eating fresh fruit such as raspberries, cherries and blueberries seem to help decrease the inflammation.

If I am flaring and I have to use a medicated balm, gel, ointment I will remember with each breath of menthol that my joints are cooling off.

I always try to remember that I am so much better off than my grandparents and other relatives who suffered RA 40-50 years ago, and am thankful for new medical options and treatments.

I also remember that I have a whole computer full of Superheroes like me, they keep me grounded.

By: MissDazey

MissDazey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:46:52 +0000

Can you or someone describe what is meant by the term flare?

By: sara

sara — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:38:09 +0000

I try to draw on my yoga/meditation practice and focus on the idea of equanimity- having no attachments and no aversions. It always reminds me of grandmother because it is something she said to me once and that brings me comfort.

and hot baths (though depending on the flare, someone else may need to draw it for you)

By: Sherlock

Sherlock — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:30:42 +0000

“this too shall pass” is good to remember. I take 5 minutes to reflect several times a day on the last flare and how long it lasted and how it’s been since it was that bad. I also, like most people, have flares that are worse than others and I focus on those for a minute or two and compare with the current flare. Fortunately the really bad flares aren’t that often so mostly the current flares compare favorably at least a little bit. If the current one is worse, then I tell myself it’ll go in the book of records for future comparisons (a little humor helps).

Other than that, I use lots of escape strategies. I can get into a good book and the time flies by. As long as I don’t move and I’m totally into the book, the pain is on the backburner for a while. When I’m really into a good book, in the right setting (fireplace, warm blanket, hot tea and so forth) then the phone can ring right beside me and I won’t even notice.

Sometimes work or writing can get me in that zone where I’m just totally unaware of everything around me and the time passes quickly. When I’m working on a webpage, for example, three hours can go by in what seems like 10 minutes. All’s quiet and still and the pain, while it doesn’t go away, is in the back of my mind instead of screaming in front of my face.

I think everyone needs a “zone” where they can escape the vicious and constant pain at least for a little while. And when it’s very bad, even 10-15 minutes can be just enough relief to make it through the next couple of hours.

I’m enjoying your blog, by the way. Got it on my google reader and never miss a post!