Anyone with RA will tell you that there are good and bad days, just like everybody else. Some people are affected by the weather, some aren't. Some have flare ups as a result of something they eat, their sleep patterns, whether or not their immune system is down, or, like me, sometimes their RA will flare just for the hell of it.
It's the "just for the hell of it" flares that I struggle with the most. I can eat the most delicious, nutritious, balanced diet ever (and in fact, I'm waiting on my copy of Seamus Mullen's Hero Food to arrive), take good care of myself and still have a colossal flare that lands me in bed for a week or more. I often blame "Arthur" (as I nicknamed my RA very early on) for chucking a temper tantrum when he comes to visit, just to try and keep a sense of humour about the whole thing.
"Arthur" is currently staying with me, and he is in a very dark kinda mood. Worse still, this flare is affecting every joint I've ever struggled with, as well as making my scleritis (eye inflammation) go into overdrive. I'm lucky though. I have a very supportive family who all live reasonably close - so when I can't cook myself dinner they bring me a plate, or when I can't drive myself to an appointment they will come and pick me up (sometimes quite literally). They bring me supplies to keep me going - Mum does the Mum thing and brings me fruit and healthy meals I can reheat, my brother does the realistic thing and brings me chocolate - and let me vent.
I wouldn't wish a diagnosis of RA on anyone, but they say you're never given more than you can handle! Wish me luck for the rest of Arthur's tantrum!
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