I am not sure if the rheumy has to order the vectra. Mine did.

Stiffness could be bc of the weather and season change. I know I've been having a lot of issues this year. I use a dry sauna a lot but rheumy put me on another dmard starting tomorrow.

Good luck to you.

Hi Skyegirl - Yes, I believe that a doctor has to order the Vectra test, just as a doctor has to order any blood test (or someone else in the physician's office - anyway, you need to walk in with an order in your hand or sent over electronically by your doctor's office).

It's possible that you're having a run-of-the-mill flare. I'd say that I have flares about 5-6 times a year where the pain is more systemic, long-lasting and intense. At those times, my pain and symptoms extend well into the afternoon and sometimes all day to the point where sleeping is difficult. My solution to that is typically a Medrol dose pack or two, ice, massage, jacuzzi and Vicodin.

Might also be time to experiment with your meds. Actemra will deal with your IL-6 proteins, but not other forms of inflammation. I've had RA for about 13 years and I'd say I need to make changes to my meds, sometimes just the dosages, every 3-4 months. Hope you're feeling better soon.

I've noticed here of late as well that I'm stiff all day long. I get up in the morning and once I'm limber I had better not even think of sitting down. When I do sit for a period of time, it's stiff all over again. I can't pinpoint the issue down either other than maybe the weather. Hope it changes for both of us soon! I have three little girls under the age of 4 that love me chasing after them everyday. :)
Steve

When i wake ..super stiff..then it simmers down a little , but if sit tat the computer to long it then is the same if not worse as when i woke up .this is getting worse ...sitting in the car etc.. :(

A lot of my stiffness is due to the weather. We are having a cold snap even here in the desert. Today the wind chill is at zero and will be holding for about 3 or 4 days.
For me, I just know that some of this comes with the territory of RA and I will have to be mroe gentle with myself, get a little more rest, do a few more stretches, and I've even cancelled evening events bc I just don't want to sit thru them. It's too tiring and I would rather be in bed~
But it may be time for your meds to re-evaluated and something change. I'm trying a new dmard along w/ plaquenil. Arava. Hopefully it will go well, but I just think that during this hard winter nothing is going to take all of the pain away (for me).