This is what a rheumatoid arthritis flare looks like.
That is to say, it doesn’t really LOOK like anything. You can’t SEE a flare-up… but you can definitely FEEL it. On the outside, most people would never know you’re in pain. And not the every minute of every day kind of pain that you learn to tolerate when you have RA… but real, intense, all-encompassing pain.
See, those of us with RA are ALWAYS in pain. We live with it daily. So when we SAY we’re in pain, you can bet that it REALLY hurts.
I haven’t had a noticeable flare in quite some time — but today, it’s hitting me hard. I knew the moment I woke up this morning, it would be tough to get moving, let alone get through the day. The truth is, when flares hit — you really don’t feel like doing much of anything.
It’s hard to explain exactly what a flare feels like… Sometimes, I feel feverish and might look a little flushed. Every joint in my body feels achy and swollen — like balloons full of sharp sand. It kind of feels like I’m floating in some sort of thick gel — and everything hurts.
The fatigue and exhaustion is crippling. You don’t really feel like doing anything at all. The brain fog is intense. It’s hard to think at all, let alone focus your thoughts and attention. All I want to do is rest, and wait for it to pass.
It hurts to walk. It hurts to stand. It hurts to sit. It hurts to just… be. As you can imagine, it can feel incredibly isolating — because no one can actually SEE what’s causing your pain. And you don’t say anything, because you don’t want to sound like you’re “complaining.”
If you’re a fellow RA warrior or live with any other type of chronic pain or chronic illness, just know that I see you, and you’re not alone in your battles. Just hold on. Know it will pass. And, as always, never ever give up. 🙏♥️ #PSNeverGiveUp
