Flare up causes

That's interesting as I've now got a similar flare and I have chilli on 3 occassions this past week. Unusual for me and I have not had this kind of flare (shoulders, neck, wrists and hands for a long time). My flares are usually hip, knees and ankles

That is interesting. I wonder if any professionals can explain it.

I do also have a problem with tomatoes and pineapple which cause mouth and gum ulcers.  Luckily my flares settle quickly (usually within a week). The tiredness may go on longer. 

I agree regarding pineapple even though I do enjoy it, it is ok in small doses. Tomatoes don't give me a problem. I am constantly tired, I think that goes with the disease.

I am suffering with a flare up including wrists, hands, shoulders and neck. My left hand was really swollen and burning hot it was like a boxing glove.  My right wrist is so painful it's as if I had broken it but I know I haven't. 

I haven't eaten any chilli's.  I dont know why this has happened.  Are any of you on Infliximab infusions as I have this every six weeks and Methotrexate once a week and pain killers every four hours at the moment.

Sorry to hear of your problems, no-one who not suffered the pain of arthritis can understand how debilitating it is. I do not take methotrexate as i had very bad side effects from it, including nausea & vomiting. I have never had Infliximab infusions either but a friend of mine in Johannesburg has them regularly & they work for her.

i think sometimes the body just decides to let us know who is in charge.

Thank you for your reply Marlen,

You are probably right about who is in charge and at the moment it is definitely my body! I have been to the Hospital today and my levels are through the roof. The Consultant has given me steroids for a month and calcium.  I was even sent for X-rays on my hand as she thought it may have fractured.  I can't wait to be as normal as I can be.

kind regards

Lynne x

So sorry to hear that Lynne, I hope the steroids help, let's hope normalcy returns soon.

Thank you Marlen,

I am 68 and started all this at the age of 37.  I also suffer Ankylosing Arthritis which is due to a rogue gene namely HLAB27. That is why I have Infliximab infusion.  I had one today it takes roughly an hour and a half to go through.  So pleased to say I was in a room with sixteen others, in reclining chairs with a blankets  plus tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and biscuits.  With background music playing so although it's not what you want in life they do what they can to make it pleasan.

It sounds very relaxing. I realise you don't want the problem, but at least you are getting some respite. Does this take place at a hospital.