heading into the winter blues

Hi Jenmik,

first of all, welcome.  2nd i live in Az, and no, we don't get snow here (well, sometimes) but to us desert-folk, 55 degrees might as well be blizzard like conditions!! This will be my first winter with RA, so I'm not quite sure how the cold will affect me.  I have found immense relief sleeping with an electric blanket.  (don't laugh, since Sept (still in the 90's here).   i have a twin size electric blanket on my half of the (kingsize) bed. ahhh relief.  i turn it on about a half hour before bed.....then turn it down to a 4 once i get in....it keeps my feet toasty and my joints warm. i don't have a hard time getting up in the morning (but that might be my drug therapy working too).

Hi and Welcome!  I live on the coast of Washington state...at this point I would welcome some darn snow as all I see day in and day out is rain rain rain lol.  In the winter I sleep with socks on to help my feet keep flexible...but if I get to hot, its over for me so I put up with the pain lol.  I always warm up when I get to work hehe.  I have had RA for over 13 years, and when I first became sick and lots of winters since then, I take a bath in the morning.  Totaly sets my joints up for the next few hours...helps me to get dressed and makes me feel way better!  I know some people have problems with a bath but I came up with a system that works for my joints (it involves a towel and lots of elbow strength) and nothing is better to start the day.  I hope everything goes well for you!