Is this called a flair? | Arthritis Information
Hello folks...
Last Oct. I was dxed with RA induced Pyoderma Gangrenosum and have been on the chemo Cytoxan & steroids since... they are trying to save my legs from amputation... My question is about RA flairs... for the last 4 days I've felt like the flu is taking over my body- chills, hurting all over, pain, but I don't have the flu or a cold... - just want to stay under a heating blanket because of the cold bone feeling... I felt this way for months before being dxed with RA, but didn't know why... the steroids have done a great job at masking the pain... it's been reduced to the point I feel it now... I did not take the pain pills because I do not like to be messed up all the time, the Dr. gave me Ultram last week and it works good- no messed up brain but I want to nap all the time... From these symptoms can you tell if this is a flair? And what do you do for it?
Thank you for any help...
Peace to you all...
Hello , welcome to the board. Goodness Im sorry you have such a serious condition. I really hope the meds you are on can save your legs.
An RA flair for me is constant tiredness , achy flu feeling . It does sound like a flair to me, and if the pain is helped by the Ultram then take it as napping will do you good. Your body needs to rest and i find that rest and gentle exercise helps me through flairs and so does a good book, some dvd's, warm comforting drinks and a chocolate treat...lol..You sound as if you are doing the right thing with the heated blanket. I dont know enough about your Pyoderma to know if these symptoms are from that.
To those members who are like me and havent heard of this before i found this website to be informative and of course ljemt59 is probably our best source of information if you dont mind answering our questions.
How did you notice you had pyoderma...and have you been on any ther meds for it..i.e. biologics
Take care and i wish you all the best
Lisa xx
"How did you notice you had pyoderma..."
This link pretty much speaks for it's self...
Pyoderma Gangrenosum is basically gangrene... RA has caused my immune system not to recognize my legs and wants them off my body... it's an extremely rare RA complication... it can be put into remission but not cured... after the chemo has done it's job I'll be put on Remicade... once amputations start they never stop... 10 years ago folks were sent home to basically die- piece by piece- no treatments at all... It was trauma induced, was hit on the top of my foot in the same spot 2x in a week... I honestly wouldn't wish this on anyone...
"and have you been on any ther meds for it..i.e. biologics"
I do not know what biologics are, sorry...
Thank you for replying to me...
Peace to you Mrs Pincushion...
Hi and welcome to the Board. I do hope that the meds you are on will save your leg. My prayers and thoughts are with you. As for flares..I usually get much the same way. The only thing I can add is I also feel like someone worked me over with a baseball bat. The pain and stiffness lasts for as long as 6 hours after I wake up. It is so hard for me to drag myself to work when that happens. The last time it happened my secretary can notice it in an instance. I simply cannot move. I am glad to hear that the ultram is working. I agree with Pincushion about resting and napping. We all need to take it easy at times and not push ourselves too hard. I also think I should listen to my own advice. Good luck to you and please keep us posted. Hiking_galOh my! I had never heard of that! Best of luck to you in saving your legs. I'm not much help about determining what is or isn't a flare. I've only had one myself, I'm still in it and it's confusing the heck out of me.
Welcome to the board!
ljemt59,
For many years I got the daily flares, the low-grade temp, chills, overall weakness, and achy joints, burning immobile joints, it lasted for most of the day then giving me a break after rest and water until the next day. now the fever and chills occur mostly at night when I sleep and are more subdued.
I am sorry RA is affecting your legs. Hopefully, they can control it sooner than later. mention your symptoms to the doctor and see if he agrees it is a flare. Maybe he will need to adjust treatment or give present treatment a little more time.
prayers and best wishes.
Hello ljemt59 and welcome. I really have nothing to add about a flare, as it has all been pretty much said. I am sorry you are having such a hard time with such a horrible disease. I am sending you healing thoughts and peaceful energy.
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