Stress, no doubt.

I don't know for sure. Both can be pretty bad.

Stress

Both.

Stress, lack of sleep

Stress for sure, lack of sleep for me too.

I think winter is bad for me too, i always feel worse in the winter. We have mild winters, but the temp. Goes up and down like a roller coaster.

Initially, onset- STRESS. After that- no rhyme, no reason.

It's a tie for me. They're both known to knock me off my feet.

Weather definitely. When its cold the pain is worse. However diet really does affect the degree of pain too.

I used to think it was just weather, but am now realizing that stress is just as bad.

I also agree with the sleep factor. The Amitryptiline seems to be helping my sleep issues stemming from Fibro . . . . In the last week I have slept better than I ever did last year. I am better able to handle my pain.

I'd say both also but lately I think stress is a definite trigger.
I'm trying to remind myself not to tense up so much but its a hard habit to break.
I still learning here & I think as soon as I have some time I'm going to start some sort of journal or diary to attempt keeping track of what causes what, meaning the good, bad & the ugly.
Sammy

This has been most enlightening! In my few months of experience with this challenge :) I used to think weather was the worst . BUT lately I have come to realize how much stress plays a big part in the pain for me. Like Sammy said, I too need to be better with my journaling . I think it would really be helpful. I am learning so much from all of you. I too know that it was a huge amount of stress that started me on this RA path. I feel that I can pin point almost to the very day, when all of this nastiness started to 'try" to take control of my body. But....RA better be prepared for a fight. :)

Ive been to many doctors over the yrs. Went with no diagnosis when my spinal problems started.
A couple of these doctors told me to learn relaxation techniques.
Pointed out the importance of deep breathing the proper way.
Still I forget & it really does help.

Being ADHD is non productive when it comes to having painful conditions ruling my every day life. I would highly recommend learning the proper deep breathing techniques. I need to go back & learn to do this myself. Some of the best advice came from an Osteopathic doctor. Very well known in my area & it took months on a waiting list to get in. Although she could not work too much with me her advice was worth the wait & the visits.

She also told me to focus on the painful areas, close my eyes & zoom in on that area, hard with my fast track brain, then she would put her hand on that spot & have me concentrate & focus hard enough on that area to the point she feel my breathing move her hand. Hard to explain but my pain was in the rib area then & it would get the muscles moving & help that area.

I believe there is a lot we can learn to do but its not any easy thing. Takes research, open minds, money, incentive & time.
Although finding a starting point like just Deep breathing & keeping a journal would be better then nothing.

Stress is harmful in every way you can think of. Yet its part of life.
We can't control it all, but perhaps find ways to deal with it a little better. The weather on the other hand we can do nothing about.
Don't I wish.
Blessings,
Sammy

Stress, No Sleep and cold weather are all bad for me!

I too think my onset was started by stress, but now like dreamchaser, I deal with up and down weather badly. I can say its right before it changes, be it rain or cold to warm or vice versa. summers are much milder...well at least last one was !! got my fingers crossed! I do try to keep stress at bay...so not so much problem with that right now.