@A myRAteam Member I agree with you. I don't think of my RA being remission. It gets better, then it gets worse. I am at a "new normal pain level" now. A few weeks ago, I'd say I was in a "flare". My joints became extremely painful and I was tired. I knew that I needed to rest. It was also time for my Humira injection, but I didn't get better. I had over done (activity hangover) it getting ready for company - all my kids and their kids were at my house - when I didn't get better after my injection. It had been wearing off before it was time for my injection. I made an additional trip to see my RA Dr and he prescribed the Humira injection EVERY week now. So I don't think I am in remission. I just get to a "new normal pain level. Hope you all have a pain free day today! God Bless You All!

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A myRAtea...

I think Memax2 hit the nail on the head. To me a flare is when your RA has gone from remission to being active again. Your joints are swollen and painful and you are extra tired and worn down. I've had RA for about 8 years.

A flare to me is when the RA has become more active. You experience more pain, swelling and fatigue. Flares are not something that just occurs when you've been in remission. I've had RA for 13 years. Fortunately my rheumy fought long and hard to find the right cocktail of meds that got me out of pain and functional. My RA factor has gotten and stayed around the 50 mark. I have asked her since it was so low (it was 638 when diagnosed) if I was in remission. She said no. As a result, I'm always suspicious when someone says they are in remission. I am virtually pain free and very rarely have a flare.

Lots of good answers. Lets see 22yrs with this disease. Flares to me are when multiple joints get hot, swollen, painfull at rest. Movement is very compromised. Fatique of course is a big thing, somehow I think we dont get the right kind of sleep at night - how ever know that constant even low level pain is fatiquing just on its own. Nobody no doctors or family members or friends can of course feel your pain. If you think you are in a flare - then to me you are.

This is interesting. I am fairly new to this also, but to me a flare is extreme fatigue, stiff joints, trouble walking, trouble using my hands. I can be dressed and ready to go to work, then suddenly I can't go anywhere.It probably doesn't happen that quickly, there are probably some signs from the day or two before that I ignore. We are still working on my meds, so I go from one flare to another with a few good days in between if I am lucky.
"Flare" is a word that I use to try to make others understand that during those days, I am simply sick and can't be expected to function like I am not.