10 things about RA flares and me (21)

Hello there!

Here in the UK, this week is Rheumatoid Arthritis awareness week and so I thought it best I post this today - I promise to mention it less from this point onwards - I was going to post  a list of 10 things to know about Rheumatoid Arthritis...but wanted to raise awareness about the disease when its at its worse for sufferers, and that is when you have a flare. For me, I had the one flare that lasted 5 months and effected my feet, fingers in right hand, right knee, both elbows, both shoulders and neck and finally with the disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have it almost into remission and am as back to normal as I think I will be (I am one of the lucky ones!) but I can still experience flares (I haven't yet) even with the drugs etc. Here are 10 things that are most memorable about my RA flare in the form of.....

You know you have RA when....

1.You have to place the shampoo bottle against the side of the shower wall and lean on it to get the shampoo out so you can wash your hair!

2. When getting out of bed in the morning has become an aerobic activity!

3. …you wake up in the middle of the night in pain, but don’t want to move because you know that will only make you feel even /more/ pain!

4. when it hurts to pull the duvet up, so you just use a sheet and it still hurts.

5. When you count to three every single time you’re about to get up.

6. When you want to punch someone for saying, “You’re looking well.” - I got this a lot and I know people meant well by it (especially at work).

7. when you burst into tears when someone offers to help you, because you really need it but you're too independent to ask and you don't want to be a burden.

8. when your 84 year old grandmother comes over to babysit you.

9. when you wake up hoping that today you wont have to ask for help brushing your hair, or getting dressed.

10. when the only time you leave the house is to go to the Drs/hospital.

#RuAware