Winter and RA | Arthritis Information

Has anyone felt a change in there RA due to the fall/winter coming. I was doing so well about 3 weeks ago my RA Doc was so impressed she didn't want me to change anything. Well low and behold Old Mrs Fall came knocking and everything went to HELL . My foot and ankle have been hurting so much I had to dust off the cane in the closet and start using it. My hands and elbows in the morning hurt so bad that stiffness is no joke. I just wonder sometimes if it is because I live in the Seattle area with all the rain and cold this could be affecting my RA.

Anyone have any insight.

RA 14 years

Dx 1996

Meds Orencia Vitamin D Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C

y2s,

It is always strange to me that so many people are affected by the weather and yet, the weather seems to make no difference in my pains levels. But, that just goes to prove that there is really no "absolute standard" for our disease. To me the worst part of the seasonal change is the fact that the days are just too short. Hope you feel better despite the cooler, damper weather.

LEV

The cold and damp weather definitley affect me. I saw the rheumy yesterday and he increased my medication. Said since winter was coming on, I needed to adjust my meds when I felt more pain, stiffness, etc. I know a lot of people who have the same problem w/cold, damp weather. Sorry to hear you are one of us. Maybe you should let your doctor know now so that he/she may mae some recommendations or increase your meds. Best Wishes, V

When I went to my doc a month ago she said we are going into the worst time of year for RA patients. I definitely feel a difference with the changing weather. Cold and damp does not agree with me. Try and stay warm and dry! I feel for you!

Same thing for me- the cold really makes my pain increase. If my hands get cold I can hardly move them- holding the steering wheel is aweful, esp. when it's cold too!
It's interesting how weather affects everyone so differently. I have read a lot of folks get increased pain during hot, humid weather but cold packs help them feel better...I've never noticed a correlation between weather, barometric pressure, temperature, etc and RA/inflammation levels. Allergy flare-ups and colds/flu/infections will set off an RA flare though. Like Lev said - we're all different. barometric pressure and weather changes all affect my RA. Don't hve to wait til winter tho - mine ar also affected by humidity and aproaching storms - which might not arrive until the next day but my joints register the weather changes!

Lorraine