When Playing Hooky Isn't Fun

     Days ago I had great plans of composing all these insightful, inspired posts, brought on by some deep thinking and random reading I've been doing. Then... the flare hit...

I was in bed from 3 pm Saturday (when we got home from shopping and I crashed on the bed, shoes and all) through Monday night. It was ugly. I was ugly. Aching body and swollen hands literally had me down for the count. My hands hurt so bad I couldn't drive, let alone type or use my computer mouse at work... so I stayed home, and slept. All day. I felt so guilty. Tried to talk myself into attempting to go but couldn't muster the energy or coordination to even get dressed.
     Days like that are just pathetic. It feels like such a complete waste. I felt guilty for missing a day of work and I hate loath the fact I had to stay home because there is so much left to do this week and only one day left to do it in. It's incredible how behind you can get by missing one measly day of productivity, amazing how a few bad (or completely awful) days can completely change how you look at the world and make you think about where roads are taking you. It's sad how one "failure" (or flare) can bring you to the pit of guilt and self pity. Yuck!

Cold and Hot... Pain Relief?

Summer is finally here!!  I've been awaiting the warmer weather, aching (literally) with anticipation for what seems like forever!  We have had a particularly cold Spring and start of Summer... it's so nice to have sunshine and warmth!  Or so I thought...
Yesterday my body was not happy, angry in fact.  It seems the excess heat triggers swelling of joints and causes incredible fatigue.  Who would've guessed that huh?  Today, much of the same, a bit worse.  The pain grew and sharpened over the course of the day and I'm considering calling the doc, but would prefer to wait things out a bit longer.
Pain is not usually my worst enemy.  Because of this I don't have a regular "pain management routine".  I still have some prednisone and consider taking one but haven't yet.  Ice packs are helping to ease the swelling and pain in my hands but I can't keep ice on them forever.  Usually heat therapy is my best bet for easing the ache, but I guess not when the pain is caused by Summer heat.
Currently I am only taking Plaquenil and diclofenac for treatment.  I use heat to loosen up the joints and ease the ache.  I guess now I'm also using cold therapy when the pain is triggered by warmer temps.  I don't want to take pain medication if I don't have to because I know I'll have trouble rationing myself once I have access to it.  I don't want to "cave" before I "have" to, if you know what I mean.  My rheumy will prescribe something for the pain if (or when) it gets bad enough.  I sort of dread that day.  I hope to God it never comes, or at least not anytime soon.
For now I'll continue my fight.  I'll fight the cold with hot, heat with ice... maybe someday it will all balance out.