Thanks for posting... off to read again!!!

A couple of these are true for me - a missed dose is frequently a trigger, as is the week before Aunt Flow comes to town (lol).

i don't feel so all alone!!! Thanx for posting

Good article!

My first comment is the word "flare" - funny in the article it said that some docs don't even know what "flare" means. From the beginning I've always used the term "attacks" on my joints. A little later in my RA journey I learned the term "flare" from reading here on the forum. I'm sorry, but the word "flare" is way too subtle for what is happening for me. I still use the word "attack" when talking with the doc.

The other thing I took note of is the talk of validated questionnaire. Since my doc is part of an Arthritis Research Center I guess, every one is given a standard questionnaire to fill out when waiting to be called in from the waiting room. There are about 20 questions mostly asking if you needed help or couldn't do certain things in the past week or month. It has a scoring system which is then entered into the computer system before the doc comes into the room. I think this is great as it give the doc a good snapshot of how you are doing, plus with the scoring system he can see if there has been any improvement or worsening of your condition and ability to function.

Interesting.
I really have some nasty "flares" or "attacks" when Aunt flow comes for a visit. Glad to have some validation there.
Makes sense Vit D would cause some problems a long with stress.
I so wish I had my printer working with this I Pad. So many good articles I'd love to keep. Going to have to work on getting my printer in sync.
Yes a little concerned that there are doctors not acknowledging flares.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Sammy

Great article!

this is great. and the timing for me couldnt be better. I will have my initial visit with my rheumy dr. at the end of the month. I have had symptoms for decades, but have never been taken seriously. not until my RA screen test came back high. I have spent my whole life ignoring pain, minimizing pain, pushing through the pain, and believing it was all in my head. It is so difficult to talk about pain whether here or with a dr. and I think knowing their lingo is important. I have tried to keep doctors out of my life, and now find they will have to be a necessary "evil" in my life . I am hopeful this doctors appointment will be helpful. they never have been. but there is always hope.

Carrigmor, what you wrote is disturbing. I am so sorry you have suffered in silence for so long. I can relate though. There have been so many years when I have been miserable without getting any real help. I think the doctors should realize that we wouldn't be going to see them if we weren't in pain, needing help, regardless of what the lab "numbers" say.

I too enjoyed this article; and it really rings true. I've had 2 separate incidences of long periods of missed meds due to an illness and as far as stress, our house fire in Dec really gave a me a pip of a flare. Thanks for the article, my husband even read it, so he now has a better understanding. Trish

It's nice when you're not alone. Apparently, enough other patients have observed the same connection between food sensitivities and flares that I have - that he mentioned it. He also mentioned the lack of research on it.

Unfortunately I doubt the lack of research will change. There's simply no money to be made in treating RA with diet. So each patient has to do their own research on themselves.

Thanks for the read!

I am diagnosed with anklosing spondylitis and flares are real! I just hurt all over on those days.

agree with reply #10 by 2scic!!!

Thank you for sharing this article. It does help to understand what doctors need to hear.

I, too, went for years with intermittent flares and feeling like the doctor was dismissive. It wasn't until I had numerous joints "flaring" all at once, did I get diagnosed.

I've often wondered if hormones and stress played a part in triggering flares. Look at how many had first symptoms after childbirth. I personally know of two friends who experienced this and now are in remission, fortunately for them. I had a major flare after a death in the family. And then there are the many flares that seem to happen for no reason.

Anyway, very interesting. Thanks for posting.