OOPS, I think I over did it. Earlier I asked a question about exercise and RA and with eager anticipation I laced my tennis shoes and walked a mile. I was also up the night before until 5am painting in my art studio. I haven't felt so good since my doc. initially gave me my first rounds of prednisone, PAIN FREE and FATIGUE FREE. It was like a mini vacation. I for a moment I thought my methotrexate must have started to work and put me into remission! The day after my mini vacation I woke to stiffness, pain and swelling, but as the day went on it just got worse. My knees just did not want to work again. More swollen, stiff and very painfull. Infact, I felt poor again all over. Tired, eyes burning, etc. Not sure what I should do next? I came home from work and went straight to bed. Although I am still suffering, it was great to feel normal for a couple of days. I probably would do it all over again. My question is, Is this to be expected during the exercise process with active RA? I am not a quitter and after taking a long evening of rest I feel a bit better and would like to try this again, walking that is, not my midnight painting frenzy. What should I do? Help!!, Thanks, PamelaO
Hi Pam,
Never had a day when I thought there was a remission, but I still did the same thing as you with the same reaction by my body.
In my case, after 5 years, I wanted so much to hold the tennis racket and hit the ball, etc. So, I finally did. And the shock of the ball hitting my racket was like nothing I ever felt, so shocking. I did it awhile anyway, until I could not even hold the racket a half hour later. I said, well I will not be a chump, right. I'm so tired of people thinking I went from being a tough guy to a wimp overnight, all that... So I thought, well my feet feel ok for now and I ran a lap. I crawled into my car after wards, wondering how I would drive the kids home from the park. I could not move the next day.
Like you, I have also done myself in with the art. I want to draw so badly, I will hold the pencil for hours even though it hurts. But the next day...same story second verse.
Obviously, Pam, we have to go by different rules than we did before RA. "Listening to our bodies" is not some wimpy or whiney way out of exercise or some chore. It is essential. Do things in small doses. Rest alternately. Paint one day and read the next, etc. Life will not adjust. Others will not usually adjust or "get it," but this is the only choice we have: to pace ourselves. You are worth it.
Hope you are doing well today, Kelly
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