Let's talk about: Why we have RA

Nobody knows exactly what causes RA (especially me!) but there is ongoing research that has developed a framework of contributing factors. The best analogy I can come up with is this: there are things that predispose a person to develop RA. Those are the fireworks; they're just hanging out, not doing anything. Then something strikes a match and BANG! You experience increased inflammation/a flare.

The first time a person realizes there's something wrong with their joints, they're probably experiencing their biggest flare to date. After we're diagnosed, a lot of us then realize we've been having symptoms for much longer, but that's definitely another LTA!

The fireworks come in 3 categories:

🧨Genetics: there are many genes that can contribute to "familial aggregation"/family members with autoimmune conditions

🧨Environmental factors: exposure to chemicals, air pollution, abuse, neglect

🧨Hormonal factors: AFAB women are 3x more likely to develop RA, but anyone with hormonal imbalance (low estrogen or testosterone) is at risk

💥The trigger is always STRESS! It can be physical stress (vaccination, illness, surgery, pregnancy, childbirth) or emotional stress (new job, divorce, buying a house, mourning a loss). The triggers don't cause RA, but when a perfectly healthy person gets a vaccine, then experiences their first flare, it's easy to understand why they think the vax gave them RA. ⏩ EDIT: this is an example of how someone could ERRONEOUSLY think their RA/autoimmune condition was caused by a vaccine. Vaccines are incredibly important, not dangerous, and might just save your life

Stress is also the trigger for flares when a person was previously well managed.

The only question that encompasses all of this is: thoughts?

And, if you don't mind, do you think it would be useful to unpack these things in a series? I'm trying really hard to be concise because there's more to all of this.