I've been trying to put those pieces together myself over the past couple years. While I can't prove it, I do think that stress has increased the severity of our condition.

I've lived my life with the saying of "no drama". My wife and daughter know this very well and know to not involve me in any of it. But there are times that I had very stressful days at work when I was working. I would say that I definitely had a very bad few days after those stressful days. Not only joint pain flare-ups, but I will also get a huge increase in the fatigue for 2-3 days afterword.

So yes, I do believe that stress can lead to worsening symptoms. What I've learned to do - avoid any stressful situations that I can, and learn to relieve those other stresses with a mental work-around of sorts.

Stan s

I was off work for a month (fmla) and dr put me on xeljanz. It started to work right away. I was doing well, released back to work only to find out they doubled my workload and gave me the worst accounts?! I have been back 3 weeks. My pain has increased, my pinkys are swollen again (only place I get obvious swelling), I have lost I think 7-8 pounds now (I have a thyroid condition and never lose weight). I have been anxious, dizzy, lost my appetite altogether, get weird tingles in my hands and arms, no sleep, severe fatigue, and my all time favorite which is my severe memory problems which make my job 50x harder to do in the first place. If I were married, I would have quit a long time ago. I feel so stuck! Not to mention that everyone at work constantly tells me I am not sick. I have to prove to people I am sick?? No thanks, I just don't have the energy!

I'll give more info later this week. I've had to quit taking mtx & meloxicam because I've had an aenurysm in my rt eye last Wed and I find out tomorrow if my retina id totally detatched & surgery Thurs. So stress - yeah. Im totally pissed because the mess were working so well. Of I do end up having surgery I have to spend 1 week facedown for 20 hrs a day! Freaking out a bit cause I am halfway expecting the pain coming back. I will have to wait for a week after surgery to take mess. So stress is in my world right now and I'm sure more will be revealed! Trish

Stress does have a direct relation on how we feel and with us the flares that can be triggered. I first noticed it when I was helping my MIL pack and we got into an argument because she said how she wished her oldest daughter was there to help her (oldest daughter refused to come). After I told her off and went to bed the next day I could not move. I realized then it does not help me to get upset at all. I also had a flare once when I was working and it was winter, there was no heat in the building all day. That night I went home in a true flare could not move for 5 days. When flares start to come on I stop take pain medication and go to bed. I take things easy and do not plan activities. If activities are already planned, I will work resting around the activity and cut the activity short if necessary.

Okay stress level thru the roof. Surgery Thurs and my primary thinks I have bronchitis so rx antibiotics; and tonight my wrist is.starting to hurt. More will be revealed. Trish

I definitely am worse when I'm stressed. I can't say yet if it causes a flare because I'm still not over my first ever flare, but definitely worse.

Trish, I'm so so sorry to hear about the situation you are in. You might ask you doctor if it's okay for you to take fish oil supplements for the inflammation. I've had good results by taking two 2.4 gram packets of Coromega omega 3 a day. It's dispensed as an orange flavored pudding in a foil packet. Actually tastes good. I would never guess that it contains fish oil.

Sending lots of love and prayers your way. Keep us posted.

MaryPop, so sorry for all the "stuff" going on & yes the stress does make the flare & fatigue worse. Maybe not in the books or by thr Dr.s
rules, but most anyone with RA will agree. A nice hot soak would help me distress, sadly, I cannot get in or out of our tub, we would have to call 911 to get me out!!!!!!!! lol
Sending good thoughts & wishes to you.