Hello!

Kiki

I have had RA for 7 years. I was diagnosed when I was 19. After a number of very strong flares I tried some of the medication. Steroids, DMARD's and biologics. I went into remission and stopped all my meds for the last 3 years!! Now I have a low key flare, it is getting worse some days but I do not want to take medication unless I really have to... how do you manage the pain day to day?

Poppyjane

Hello @Kiki, welcome to the online community.

You have had RA for seven years and are now experiencing a low key flare. Since you have stopped your medication you are reluctant to start them again. You want to know how members manage their pain day to day. Many of us living with RA try different ways of coping with pain, members talk of distractions in the form of hobbies, or various exercise regimes like walking, swimming,cycling and home based stretching and muscle strengthening, whilst others use complementary meds. All have their value in helping us cope with the pain in ways that support our minds and bodies, so it is trial and error to find which one or combination suits us best. I attach some links which I hope you find useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/hints-and-tips/

I am sure that when you have had a chance to look at the information you will have more questions so don't hesitate to get in touch. We are a friendly group and are here to support you on your journey through life with arthritis.

One recent project that has been developed by some of our younger members is described in the following link. You may be interested in contacting some members of the young adults groups.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/april/arthritis-tracker-our-journey-developing-an-app-for-teens-and-young-adults/

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Take Care

Poppyjane