Length of Flares

[cuddlyka]

I am newly diagnosed I am just having my middle of the night cuppa and was wondering how long this particular flare up was going to last? Its been the worst one yet for me and my "flares" (a very apt description of the symptoms) appear to have increased in length and severity over the years and was wondering if this is the norm??

[Sue1955]

Hi they do I think get worst as you get older for me the menopause saw a escalation of symptoms, but I should say that osteoarthritis also plays a part for me, as for the length of flares be positive and try to achieve a little more each day, fibromyalgia I believe is very much use it or lose it. Life is a frustrating balancing act I’m afraid 😟 what you do today you may not manage tomorrow but 2wks time you can do again. The biggest advise I could give you would be listen to your body, and do as much as you can without going to far. I’ve had it now for 30 yrs it does become a new normal I’m afraid. Good luck and hope this flare clears soon

Xx

[cuddlyka in reply to Sue1955]

Hi Sue 1955, thank you for your very thoughtful reply, its been illuminating for me as with hindsight (wish we could have more foresight) my symptoms have got worse since my menopause. When my doctor diagnosed me with this last week, I didn't really take a lot in at the time but do recall her saying something along the lines that my menopause may have made it worse...it would make sense. I have been reading that more women than men are affected by this condition and that it is generally diagnosed between 40 - 60 years of age...again makes sense. I do tend to overdo things when I am well and from what I can gather from this group, this has got to stop! Thank you for your kind wishes xx

[Sue1955 in reply to cuddlyka]

Hi don’t worry I still overdo it on occasions that’s when I just know after it pain worse and will take a week or two to calm down again. The flares move around your body and can be anywhere, you will find a lot of support on here and answers to questions, then sometimes your reading something and light bulb moment that’s the fibromyalgia. I would imagine you have had it for sometime although only just diagnosed. Read as much as you can and you will cope. I know when you get a diagnosis it’s a double edge sword first relief that’s why I feel like I do, and then fear OMG where will this take me. All natural feelings and hopefully you have a good support around you, I would suggest you find an article for family to read so they understand when you say your exhausted they will understand it’s not just normal tiredness, you may look perfectly normal, but inside your body thinks your 101 lol 😂 Although I have said read about it don’t overload yourself do it gradually. It’s all a learning curve and new things are being found out all the time.. sorry for lengthy reply hope you don’t mind. Take care sue xx

[cuddlyka in reply to Sue1955]

Hi Sue, again thank you for your reply and please don't apologize for the length of it. I have had an illuminating week.

I do remember many years ago, I thought I had a recurring pulled muscle/trapped nerve problem with the right hand side of my neck/shoulder/upper back and migraine type headaches which I put down to stress of my job (managing by father's business), but, did find it odd that it could in a heartbeat transfer from the right hand side to the left.

The frequent flu likes illnesses, when I would suffer soreness and pain literally from head to toe and feel completely exhausted, I would put down to having a shot immune system.

I never felt able to take time off work so pushed my way through them. I remember my father said often when I complained of being ill in the office saying "just keep taking the pills" and it was a standing joke that he would not be happy for anyone in the office to take time off work without handing in your death certificate! Hence I eventually had to resign for the sake of my health...doctor's orders!!

Karen xx

[Annmurry]

Sometimes I can have a flare that lasts 2 days. In September I had one last a month. I think it depends on the stress your body and mind are going through. Hope you are better today x

[cuddlyka in reply to Annmurry]

Yes, this one is into its 3rd week and has been the most painful one for me so far but I managed a few hours sleep without pain relief and although I feel exhausted this morning, there is no pain...just niggles. I am today living in hope that this is the beginning of the end of this one. Thank you for your kind wishes x

[1499]

Hi Cuddlyka, So sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with Fibro, it is such a weird condition as everyone will tell you you look so well no doubt? I think Sue has given some really good advice. I blamed all mine on the menopause also. I had suffered with weird symptoms for years till it got so bad and eventually forced myself to visit the GP. I had been caring for my parents and sister and had my own family of 3 sons and my hubby (he passed away last year) to look after, and my GP in 2010 diagnosed Fibro and more or less told me if I didn't slow down I could end up needing getting cared for.

Unfortunately her words came true and I have difficulty even having a shower at times and my walking is affected now though thankfully I can still do most things for myself going at my own pace. The physical work and worrying about my lovely parents and sister took it's toll and 3 years ago my husband who had been a wonderful support to me took ill. We get told it is all about "Pacing" yourself but that is easier said than done.

The flare-ups are hard, and overdoing it and I end up in bed for 2/3days. You will get great tips and support from everyone on here!!! I feel the stress of running your Father's business and overdoing things have definately played a big part in your fibro, not only physically but the stress of not being able to relax probably ,which my GP said is a big part of fibro. It is amazing how many fibro-suffers I have found out have been looking after family and friends, or have just had too much on their plate work-wise. It is a shame though that so many young people seem to have it too these days. Trauma and stress I feel contribute greatly, though there can be other reasons.

When I have a flare my best friends I find ,are my hot water bottles on the painful areas which I move around ,resting, and drinking fluids, and pain meds till it eventually subsides. I used to vaccum the whole house at the one go on a good day and would days suffer for it days later. I have a tens machine and a back massager which I use now and again and you will probably find you will try everything and anything to see if it helps.

When you have been so active you take it ill out and it can get you down not being able to do things that were no problem before. We are always wise after the event so do take care of yourself. I only wish I had learned to slow down years ago and maybe wouldn't be like this now but you do what you can for those you love and help others in need. It took a long time for my family to realise how bad the condition is ,and when I am dressed and have the "face" on which is an effort these days I still think everyone thinks I could climb a mountain lol!!!

Take care, please God your flare will pass soon but dont overdo it when it does. Hugs Xx