Advice please

[Ran2]

Hi everyone, I am having trouble getting fibro flare ups under control , I am having 2 bearable days out of 14 , the pain is all over , and so tired. I had to stop taking pregabalin and Tramadol , now on cocodamol and lidocaine patches and cream. I have osteoarthritis in my neck and hands , and I’m not sure if it’s fibro or osteoarthritis in my elbows but they are a nightmare . How long do your flare ups last ? Ibe had it a long time but the flares won’t calm down . Any advice would be much appreciated thankyou ,stay safe

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Sorry you are struggling so much. For me, getting flares under control involved lifestyle changes such as pacing activities. Are you pushing yourself too much and overdoing activities? Pacing activities, with regular rest periods can reduce the crash and burn cycle of flares.

Also keeping active - again pacing and within your limits. But I find that keeping active helps me to do more.

[Ran2 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Hi thanks for your reply , yes I’m going to concentrate more on balancing my lifestyle , it’s always worse after a walk but I’m working with physio on this with a gentle plan of exercise . I think it’s just finding the balance isn’t it , Thankyou for replying

[fredsmummy]

I agree with Hazel, it’s about a happy medium and finding what works

If I do nothing then it’s awful, if I do too much it’s awful so all about pace in terms of physical.

Finding out what your triggers are.

I’m quite bad if I’m extremely tired (which is why it’s such a cycle)

Or when I am very stressed

I do take pregabalin and duloxetine but there are non medicines you can take

Most fibro patients are vit d deficient, I take these hospital grade ones and I also take magnesium spray for legs

Heat works better for me than cold so I do red tiger balm also

[Ran2 in reply to fredsmummy]

Thanks for replying, yes it is finding out what works and a balance , I think my one of the main triggers is when I’ve walked , but working with physio on this with a gentle plan , Yes tiredness is another trigger , I will look into the magnesium spray , I have been quite stressed so it’s probably bits of everything thankyou

[lioncub]

Definitely focus on pacing, still walk but not for so long. Only increase length of activities when you start to have less symptoms. Little and often works for me and getting good quality sleep helps too so that is my main focus at the moment. When trying new exercises I start with one repetition and see how my body reacts, then increase by 1 a day. I struggle with standing exercises so adapt them to kneeling or chair exercises. Most of mine are stretching lying on my back and I feel so much better afterwards but still stop and rest.

[Ran2 in reply to lioncub]

Hi Thankyou for replying , yes I struggled standing while doing the exercises , so physio reduced them and I do them lying down , I am going to definitely focus on pacing each day and hopefully find a happy balance thanks

[lioncub in reply to Ran2]

Just a warning, some days it doesn't seem to matter what you do or have done you will have a rough day but it will pass, tomorrow is another day, don't give up!

[Ran2 in reply to lioncub]

Yes you’re right there , staying positive and every day is different, looking forward to the summer months , as I think everyone is , take care and thankyou

[Bruton]

Pacing yourself and try easing stress and insomnia. If you can do that hopefully you get to sleep and that helps symptoms trmendously. Hypnosis, meditation. Mindfullnesd. Even colouring if hands can take it. Pleant of free meditation tracks on line.. i was amazed at the difference

[Ran2 in reply to Bruton]

Hi thanks for replying, yes I do meditation and this helps , I will look into hypnosis , and mindfulness, I am going to focus on pacing myself hopefully, sleep better then , thankyou

[fitznice]

Hi sorry you are struggling, I have the same condition, have you tried swimming? after lockdown where i literally locked up!, Im back to swimming twice a week and then a water workout class as well, the water supports you to do as much as you feel, i use the slow lane and there are others with obvious health conditions so you dont feel in the way as such. it really loosens me up and helps with movement, i also do gentle exercises in the water so you cant be seen either, also helps with mental health as its time away from everything, hope this helps