I believe it may. I know that I have noticed that some flares have occured when I've been particularly stressed. An example, the day of my father's funeral, I had a very painful flare in my knee begin.

I pray for your comfort at this stressful anniversary.

Stress definitely can bring on a flare.....most of mine have occurred at very emotionally upsetting times or occasions when I tend to get very anxious for several days for whatever reason. My Dad's death, an extremely frustrating and airline travel experience with delays and missed flights, anticipating the arrival of houseguests, an adult child's troubles....things like that. If you read any list of causes of RA, stress is always on it.

I'm so sorry about your son. A very definite YES, to stress and flares! Stress is how my RA started, and bad diet. =(
And you need to keep moving, a lot of sitting around and not moving, causes me to flare also. And sugar or not enough sleep, I am noticing flares me. My list on what flares me is growing. I keep a journal,it really helps.

Lin

Stress definitly makes flares worse, or/and initiates flares. I can depend on a stressful event, or a stressor over a length of time, like a cold, causing a flare.

I am sorry for your loss...I am glad that you were able to share this with us.

Yes, it most certainly can.
I am so saddened by everyone's loss. While I know it is a normal part of life, it is heart wrenching. Especially when one loses a child.

I hope you all are comforted by the memories of your loved ones who have passed on.
They holidays are rough for me. I lost one grandmother on December 19 2001 and the other on December 26, 2008.
Hugs to you all.

For me?

YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That would be a definitive yes. Stress can cause an RA flare and other physical ailments. I have had it happen to me when my husband passed away along with severe palpitations. Also a several years ago, I got into a big argument with someone and the next morning I was in such a big flare, I couldn't move. I realize it is so not worth it to get upset that I try to stay as calm as I can, and not let anything bother me.

Yes, it sure does! I had a very stressful incident at work, lots of follow up phone calls, lists and forms. On top of my normal work. I credit this incident with finally getting a diagnosis!
Lynne

Didyann, so sorry for the loss of your son. How awful. Prayers go out to you and the rest of you guys who have lost a loved one.

I have noticed when I'm stressing about things that I go into flare. Actually I'm in major all over flare at the moment due to stress. Hope you are feeling better. Thoughts and prayers to you

Kelxx

Yes! For me it does and it's almost instantly. Crazy.

I can't imagine the stress and pain that would go with the loss of a child. My heart goes out to you. I hope your body will be kind and not add physical pain to your emotional pain.
Hugs and peace to you,
Jan

yes, definitely! my doctor has said that being super stressed is part of what triggered my ra in the first place - my stress was just the stress of being in grad school, so nowhere near as awful as yours, but still pretty constant unrelenting stress. and i've noticed that whenever i have any big stressors in my life lately, i feel much much worse physically. this is part of the reason that i take anxiety meds - they not only help me cope with stress mentally, but it also helps me feel better physically when i'm calmer.

I am so sorry you have experienced what must be a devastating loss! My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you.

As to stress and flares-- definitely! Stress directly affects the immune system and our immune systems are already wonky. In my case I believe it was a severe stressor thtbtriggered the disease.

Be kind to yourself. What would you say to a friend in similar circumstances ? Say that to yourself.