Flare-Up Survival Plan: What to Prep Ahead of Time
Unpredictable and unknowns are two words that will make any mom with a planner type mentality CRINGE! But as a mom with RA, we have no choice but to do our best with the unpredictable nature of rheumatoid flare-ups. This mom-life is no small feat enough as it is but throw in RA on top of it is not the icing on the cake that any of us ordered. We are expected to juggle motherhood, work, and the ups/downs of RA. But it brings me back to my point I keep making, you are strong.
On the days when every moment feels like a challenge, having a plan (or a checklist for those who love visuals, like me) can make all the difference. That is where my Flare-Up Survival Plan comes in – a carefully crafted checklist designed to help you navigate tough days as with as much ease as possible.
Here I am sharing a sneak peek of some of the most valuable parts so you can get an idea of how it can support you during a flare-up. After having RA, I feel like the saying “take advantage of the good days” hit me on a whole new level I didn’t expect. It’s a nice awakening, sort of. And by sort of, I really mean an ice-cold bucket of water being thrown on me.
Why a Flare-Up Plan Matters
When you are deep in the fog of pain and fatigue, decision-making becomes overwhelming. It’s not the time to wonder, what’s for dinner? or where are the kids’ clothes? Having these essentials prepared ahead of time lets you focus on what matters most: getting through the day and giving yourself grace.
A Flare-Up Survival Plan Sneak Peek
- Prepped Outfits for You & the Kids: Keep a week’s worth of easy-to-wear, mix/match outfits ready. Think soft fabrics, minimal buttons, and comfort above all else. This saves you energy and keeps mornings stress-free.
- Flare-Friendly Meal Solutions: Prep and freeze simple meals in advance. Think freezer friendly: soups, chilis, casseroles, or even protein packed smoothie bags on days when cooking feels impossible.
- Emergency Contact List: Have a go-to list of friends, family, or if you have awesome neighbors who can step in to help with pickups, errands, or even just moral support when you need it most.
- RA-Specific Pain Relief Toolkit: Gather your go-to items like heating pads, ice packs, compression gloves, creams/ointments in one accessible spot. Bonus: include any medications or supplements you might need. Now is the time to check inventory to call and refill prescriptions as you need it. Opening lids to some of these can literally cause so much pain – so be sure you have a partner that can open it for you when you need it OR put it in an RA-friendly container. (Keeping it away from my curious 2-year-old who reaches for EVERYTHING is the true challenge.)
- Kid-Friendly Entertainment: Stock up on activities that keep your little ones engaged while you rest. Special coloring books that they don’t see every day because you stash them away for occasions like this ;), puzzles, or have a special “flare-up movie day” box with their favorite movie snacks.
Why This Checklist Works
The Flare-Up Survival Plan isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about simplifying and preparing for the days when you need it most. It’s a tool designed to save your precious energy, reduce as much stress as possible, and help you feel just a little more in control during a time that often feels anything but. I wish this wasn’t our reality, but I know that wishing this autoimmune disease away won’t be enough either. I am all for practical solutions to help us get through this, one day at a time.
Imagine waking up in the middle of a flare-up and knowing you are prepared:
- The meals are ready
- The kids’ clothes are sorted
- And your pain relief essentials are at your fingertips
Want the Full Checklist?
I am constantly making updates/edits and would love for YOU to get your insight on what else I can add. Let this plan be your first step towards finding peace and purpose, even on the hardest days. Because with the right tools and support system, even flare-ups can’t stop your momentum.
Sign up to get the full version below 🙂