Yep I am right there with you! No matter how hard I try not to be... there is just no stopping it. You are surely not alone!

Oh GrammyKat...same here. Happy I cry, sad I cry, something pretty I cry...Glad to know I'm not alone on this - not that I'm glad anyone else cries though.

Yes! Unfortunately I seem to get pretty snappy and seem to lose my patience. I've always been weepy so that's nothing new. Definitely not alone on this one...

I totally agree but I always associated mind with the prednisone. But I have heard that biologics affects your mood also. But, as far as people go it seems to me that if you look ok than you are and I have found this to be very hard for me. RA is a very painful disease and getting people to understand that is like pulling teeth from a lion. But it's very nice to have this site to come and get complete understanding.
Take care of yourself

Avis

our bodies are in pain and were weak. It's normal to be feeling this way. it takes so much effort just to move and do things. Don't be to hard on yourself

I don't even have to be in a lot of pain during a flare to be agitated by it and have it affect my moods. I woke up this morning with stiff fingers and feet and all swollen and was just short with everyone around me. Sometimes I get emotional although I am not a crier, it makes me sad and adds to depressive moods.

My toddler can tell you all about my mood swings! She knows when to steer clear!
I'm not a crier either, but when your body is going thru all this and all the emotional stuff that comes along with having to deal with lifelong roller coaster, while trying to convince every one that your not the crazy one.... Ya, I'd say extra emotional about covers it!!
Don't come down on yourself for it... Just let it out. Crying is healing. That's God's spirit with you. Know that you are not NOT NOT NOT alone!!!

I read somewhere, and can't for the life of me remember where, that during an RA flare, your body releases chemicals that cause depression and other mood changes. I don't know how true it is, but it kind of makes sense considering the flares always effect us mentaly. For me, I get emotional and cranky. I call it the hurt dog symdrom. When I'm flaring, you better not talk to me, touch me, or even look at me funny! I growl, snap, and bite! LOL....

-Tanya

Thank you all for your responses. It is nice to be able to understand what is going on within me. Sill waiting on my Rheumy visit. Not until the end of Jan. Went to a different one 5 years ago and she said it was OA. i am just beginning my journey with this horrible beast. I am sorry you all have to go through this too. But it is nice to know that I am not alone and that i can come here and talk when I need to. Thank you!

I never thought Ra flares affected my mood until recently, I am in and have been in one of the worst flares since my diagnosis I have had steroid injections and am still on prednisone but still have severe swelling and have been so emotional its embarrassing! I am not a crier either but it seems like everything has been setting me off. They just started me on cimzia my 4th biologic Hopefully this one actually helps!!!

I told my rheumy, I can always tell when Im going to flare. I will write the saddest blogs, poetry, and I think everything I do is wrong.

I am a weeper, no doubt, but this last flare was so bad (for me) I was definitely worse. I went through spells of depression and one night I was having a high and was running around like crazy and giggling like a maniac (pain meds must have worked well that night, lol). I also snap more than I normally would, but my family is great. Still live with my parents as I'm not quite done with school (one more semester for masters!). My dad has chronic back pain due to degenerative discs and my mom's an RN, so they get it.

Perfect timing for this topic. My family has been making comments about my emotional state lately. You know "mom your so emotional" "mom you cry at everything lately" I could go on but you get the drift. If only they understood. Its overwhelming. all of it, the DX, pain, worries, fatigue, meds, flares. changes, not knowing what each day will bring, etc......For me I think its mostly frustration & not having others understand. As with every chronic condition its hard if they don't live it.
Oh well at least we have each other.
Blessings & yes understanding, Sammy

I get that way also. I used to hear it's from the meds, but guess what??? Only 7.5mg of Prednisine so I don't think so. Flares make me angry and I also think it's from the pain and not being able to do what I need to do. I posted about a melt Down, what the hell was I thinking, like I can use a Round brush & Curling Iron, how stupid was that!
We have each other, AMEN for that and the understanding that comes with it.. Im so happy to have all the support...