Guest guest Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 My daughter was diagnosed in January. I have heard and read the term flare and I am trying to figure it out. She has never been pain free, but there are times when she is definitely worse than others. Is that a flare? I feel stupid about this, but hey, we are still pretty new. Also, I am wondering how often this illness progresses, or is that a given? Thanks for any insight you can give me Anne, mom to (10, poly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Not a weird question at all---at the beginning just trying to figure out all the terminology is hard to figure out. And at the beginning while you are trying to get things under control it can be more of a constant with some worsenings---if that makes sense considering I just made up a word I found this from the Arthritis Foundation and it will likely make more sense than my ramblings.... " The definition of “flare†is a worsening of the disease process. If you have arthritis, you've probably experienced a flare at one time or another – your disease seems to be well under control for a while, then suddenly your joints become inflamed and painful. You may experience general malaise and fatigue. The cause of a flare varies depending on the specific disease in question. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, a flare can be related to natural (but poorly understood) fluctuations in the immunological processes that drive inflammation. In osteoarthritis, flares may be induced by local trauma to the joint. A. Hardin, MD, Rheumatologist " I hope that things settle down soon and your daughter returns to doing all she loves pain free really soon! e, mom to 'joe' 22 poly/lupus From: Anne Bacon <annebacon@...> Subject: weird newbie question Date: Friday, August 28, 2009, 2:15 PM  My daughter was diagnosed in January. I have heard and read the term flare and I am trying to figure it out. She has never been pain free, but there are times when she is definitely worse than others. Is that a flare? I feel stupid about this, but hey, we are still pretty new. Also, I am wondering how often this illness progresses, or is that a given? Thanks for any insight you can give me Anne, mom to (10, poly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 Thanks so much! That helps a ton. She is definitely having a flare. She is seeing her rheumy next week, should I call now or jus wait? Anne _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of bound for london Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2009 10:14 AM Subject: Re: weird newbie question Not a weird question at all---at the beginning just trying to figure out all the terminology is hard to figure out. And at the beginning while you are trying to get things under control it can be more of a constant with some worsenings---if that makes sense considering I just made up a word I found this from the Arthritis Foundation and it will likely make more sense than my ramblings.... " The definition of " flare " is a worsening of the disease process. If you have arthritis, you've probably experienced a flare at one time or another - your disease seems to be well under control for a while, then suddenly your joints become inflamed and painful. You may experience general malaise and fatigue. The cause of a flare varies depending on the specific disease in question. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, a flare can be related to natural (but poorly understood) fluctuations in the immunological processes that drive inflammation. In osteoarthritis, flares may be induced by local trauma to the joint. A. Hardin, MD, Rheumatologist " I hope that things settle down soon and your daughter returns to doing all she loves pain free really soon! e, mom to 'joe' 22 poly/lupus From: Anne Bacon <annebaconmchsi (DOT) <mailto:annebacon%40mchsi.com> com> Subject: weird newbie question @group <mailto: %40> s.com Date: Friday, August 28, 2009, 2:15 PM My daughter was diagnosed in January. I have heard and read the term flare and I am trying to figure it out. She has never been pain free, but there are times when she is definitely worse than others. Is that a flare? I feel stupid about this, but hey, we are still pretty new. Also, I am wondering how often this illness progresses, or is that a given? Thanks for any insight you can give me Anne, mom to (10, poly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 I would call the rheumy and let him/her know. They may be able to change a med until she gets in or to add something to help her to feel better or even work you in. It is tough at first because you are unfamiliar with what is going on but whenever in doubt give the doc a call and talk to the staff. e From: Anne Bacon <annebaconmchsi (DOT) <mailto:annebacon% 40mchsi.com> com> Subject: weird newbie question @group <mailto:jra- list%40grou ps.com> s.com Date: Friday, August 28, 2009, 2:15 PM My daughter was diagnosed in January. I have heard and read the term flare and I am trying to figure it out. She has never been pain free, but there are times when she is definitely worse than others. Is that a flare? I feel stupid about this, but hey, we are still pretty new. Also, I am wondering how often this illness progresses, or is that a given? Thanks for any insight you can give me Anne, mom to (10, poly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 I think that the first year is the hardest in terms of adjusting to the diagnosis. Eventually you start to feel like you know it all... until something you've not seen happens. We've had a diagnosis since January 2008, but even now I sometimes feel lost. Flares and non-flare periods will be much more clear when you have found your " miracle drug " , I think. That's how it's worked for us, and much of what I've read points to that as well. I couldn't really tell with my little girl until after she was on Enbrel for a few months. Now when she's starting to flare it's apparent. Never feel stupid about asking questions like that here! I haven't been around here all that long, but I can tell you that this is such a supportive group. The people here want to help! It can be an amazing support. le & (7) RF+ poly-JRA, Raynaud's, linear scleroderma > > My daughter was diagnosed in January. I have heard and read the term flare > and I am trying to figure it out. She has never been pain free, but there > are times when she is definitely worse than others. Is that a flare? I > feel stupid about this, but hey, we are still pretty new. Also, I am > wondering how often this illness progresses, or is that a given? > > > > Thanks for any insight you can give me > > > > Anne, mom to (10, poly) > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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