Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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The Flu & RA?

oceans11
oceans11
Has anyone ever had the flu & noticed a flareup? Is there any connection? Although I started a topic thinking I may be experiencing my RA coming back, my Rheumy wants me to take my blood test early so he can see if there has been any changes in my RA levels.

He said he's suspecting in my case some of my little pings & pains but no swelling COULD BE possibly from fighting off this flu.

What say you?
Emerald22
Emerald22
Since RA is a whacky immune system and the meds we take suppress that immune system when an illness comes along your immune system's job is to fight that illness. That can set off a chain of events that can increase your disease symptoms again. Does that make sense? Our immune system is not our friend. Active RA has a tendency to have flu-like symptoms anyway like body aches and fatigue.

Blood tests don't always tell the whole story about disease activity. Not everyone has visible swelling and that isn't really a good indicator of disease activity. (I had no visible swelling at all years 2-4 but high activity) I wish it were that black and white but it's not. It's several puzzle pieces that have to all come together at once.

Take care,
Emerald
oceans11
oceans11
@ Emerald22

Wow!! Lotta good information there E22! Thank you! Yes this info weather it's going to be true with me or not helps me at least NOT to panic if I feel a little twinge here and there. I'll still go in for an early visit to my Rheumy just in case to get an overall diagnosis on how to proceed whether it was the flu causing the majority of my issues or if it's the RA coming back due to my lowered dosages I've been on the past 3 months.

Anyway, happy to feel & say that I think the cold broke last night, had the typical night sweats & felt much better this morning.

This flare up (if thats what it was) didn't come with any swelling as I mentioned & maybe only 5% of stiffness so gaaahhhhh this disease is frustrating but I'm thankful for your input!

Take Care,
Oceans11