Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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MaryPop 09/04/2013

Has anyone had any experience with feeling better after a "good" sweat?

I've had two sepearate occasions now where I was out in the heat and sweating like....well, like an old lady! LOL The amazing thing was the next day I felt remarkedly better and much less stiff and bogged down. I'm just wondering if the feeling better had anything to do with the sweat releasing toxins or any such thing.

Any insight from this wonderful group will be greatly appreciated!

Sunvalleygal 09/04/2013

My chiropractor says that a dry sauna is the best thing for RA. I joined a gym that has one. In the summer i feel tons better bc i get out in the heat and work in the yard and sweat.
K also use a Jacuzzi in the winter. Yes, sweating and heat help me TONS.

deleted_user 09/04/2013

it is called a gym buzz, and it can make you feel incredible...which is why people can also get addicted to exercise :D

deleted_user 09/04/2013

This goes to show how differently our RA manifests - I'm extremely heat intolerant - too much heat and I feel like I'm suffocating. I get very faint and have to lie down. (It could be because I have lung disease though -pulmonary fibrosis). I avoid heat like the plague!

I am very pleased you got therapeutic effects though, MaryPop - looks like you are onto something!

salsmypal 09/05/2013

Scarlett, I am the same as you. In fact, I've been thinking of writing a post asking how everyone copes with the heat. It never occurred to me that it might make some people feel better! I feel so much worse.. no energy, listless, lightheaded, etc. The doc told me that either MTX or Plaquenil (can't remember which right now) causes photosensitivity for some people and can cause these symptoms. She suggested I avoid the sun when possible or carry a parasol!

I am so happy for those of you for whom the heat is a blessing. In the meanwhile, thank God for A.C.!

deleted_user 09/05/2013

HI Salsmypal - I'm a Texan girl, so the A/C is my best friend right now, lol. During these hot months, I only go outside to get into and out of my car - that's it!

I think carrying a parasol sounds very lovely and stylish - go for it!

MaryPop 09/05/2013

Thank you so much for your input everyone! The two instances were both fairly passive: 1) riding on my husbands motorcycle, and 2) setting at a high school football game, was in the shade but 95 degrees & humid.

I'm going to try it again this weekend and see if I get the same positive response. I'll let you all know!

deleted_user 09/05/2013

Those sound like fun activities, MaryPop - do let us know how it turns out for you!

Sunvalleygal 09/05/2013

I take Plaquenil and try to avoid direct sunlight. I use a lot of sunscreen while out and work in the yard later in the afternoon or a.m.

If i stay out in the heat to long it does start to sap my energy but it helps the joints and muscular pain a great deal.

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