Many of us who have RA have premonitions before the onset of a flare. For me, I start feeling chilled. Occasionally, I will check my temperature to see if I am coming down with something and my temperature will be 100.4 F. or maybe 99.6 F. It is a Rheumatoid Arthritis temperature. Additionally, my skin becomes itchy over joints. They are not always the same joints. Sometimes it is the knuckles and sometimes it is the wrists.

I am also energetic and have several irons in the fire at the same time. As a flare draws nearer, I start losing my energy reserve. I feel like my battery is draining to a very low level. I knit more, and my baking becomes less creative. I feel duller. I would rather spend more time watching the Great British Bake Off and less time working on research for my current book. I am sinking.

For me, it is time to start a Medrol dose pack and let myself slow down. I will still need to go to the gym or for a walk, but it can be done at half speed. After my hip experience, I have learned that no matter how bad you feel, you must keep your body moving.

I have not noticed any triggers in the five years that my RA has been diagnosed. I am alert to the idea. The best I have is the warning signs of an imminent flare. It gives me the ability to nip the flare in the bud or at least lessen it.