Painful flare : I was doing quite well... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Painful flare

PenelopeClearwater profile image

I was doing quite well last week - pushing myself but not taking as long to recover… cut to this weekend/now and I just want to cry.

Everything aches to the point that I want to escape my body because it’s turned on me big time. Sleep is hard again because of the pain. I keep waking up with a migraine. I can barely drag my body around. And even thinking about words is hard, let alone trying to communicate with others.

Urgh… no real reason to post, I’m just feeling awful and wanted to reach out to people who understand 🥰

Big love to my fibro family 💙💙

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PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater
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47 Replies
Lanny36 profile image
Lanny36

Having the same problem myself at the moment too. Walked more than usual last Thursday (not a massive distance compared to my pre-fibro walks) and that led to not sleeping well due to the pain and that has made my symptoms worse and now got the IBS issues going on 🙈

I feel ur pain Penelope, sometimes pushing ourselves isn’t a lot for the majority of people, but when u can do a little more without any issues it feels great! And then when u do it again it kicks ur ass!

Hope u feel better soon lovely ☺️

I hope you do too - sending (gentle) hugs!x

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer

Morning, sending gentle hugs to you as it’s pretty rotten feeling unwell and in pain, try and rest as much you can and hopefully after a couple days you might start to pick up more xx

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toYassytina

Thanks, lovely 💙

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer in reply toPenelopeClearwater

Take care we are in this horrid I wanted club together xx

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye

I hear you, I'm the same at the moment, overdone it the past few days and now everytime I move I'm calling out in pain!. I ache all over and you can forget sleeping!, just hard not to feel so frustrated with my body for not doing what I want it to do and even after all these years learning to rest.

Love that I've discovered this place though, just reading that other people feel the same is helping me feel less down.

Sending you gentle hugs 💙.

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toButterfleye

Yep - it really helps to be part of this community. I never really understood support groups until now.

I had an Epsom salt soak in the bath and am now lying in bed and actually feeling quite peaceful 🧘

I hope you find some peace and respite soon!

💙

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toPenelopeClearwater

Glad you're feeling more peaceful, unfortunately we don't have a bath, I didn't have the strength to get myself out of it so we now have a walk in shower and having a shower leaves me exhausted and in tears so not very relaxing!. I've just soaked my hands and wrists in a bowl of warm water with some magnesium flakes though as they've been painful today and I soak my feet when they're very painful.

I'm now going to spray my legs with some magnesium spray and get into bed with my hot water bottles and read, just hope I manage to get some sleep tonight!. xx

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toButterfleye

I can’t stand showering anymore - definitely relate to being in tears from it.

I really hope you manage a restful night x

ButtercupDaisy profile image
ButtercupDaisy in reply toButterfleye

Have you considered buying a shower stool? I have a lightweight portable one and it makes showering so much easier and more relaxing. It makes such a difference as you can just sit there and relax while the water soothes and refreshes you. You can also buy shower gels and body lotions with Epsom Salts in.

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toButtercupDaisy

That’s a good idea! Do they fit in bathtubs? 🤔 I’m gonna look it up tomorrow. 😁💙

ButtercupDaisy profile image
ButtercupDaisy in reply toPenelopeClearwater

There are various sizes, so maybe…. I have a separate shower cubicle but also a bath so will try it in the bath for you tomorrow and report back with the sizes. You can also get seats that go in the bath and lower you into the bath.

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toButtercupDaisy

Thank you, that’s really lovely of you ☺️ but only do it if you’re feeling up to it! 😅

Goodnight, all! Sleep well 😴🤞💙

ButtercupDaisy profile image
ButtercupDaisy in reply toPenelopeClearwater

So the shower stool fits in my bath - but obviously it’s meant for a shower cubicle/wet room so not sure on the Health and safety aspect of putting it in the bath. But it does fit (although I have a wider than average bath)- it’s supplied by Aidapt and is the ‘Rochester’ shower stool. Its widest total dimensions at the feet are 37cm by 46cm. It’s suitable for weights up to 25 Stone. There are plenty of similar stools online. I’ve also seen seats than fix above the bath and lower down into it. Hope you find something that suits!

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toButtercupDaisy

Thank you so much for looking at the stool for me - you’re so lovely ☺️ I shall look into it further!

And a folding one sounds great too, so I’ll see what I can track down xx

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toButtercupDaisy

Hi ButtercupDaisy, our shower has a fold down chair which I do have to sit on to shower and also grab rails which I also have to hold onto when feeling dizzy. I just find that the whole thing of getting undressed, showering then getting dressed again so exhausting, my Mum (who I live with) has to help me dress after I get out the shower as I can hardly move, I'm not even in there that long!.

That's a great idea about shower gels with Epsom salts in I'll have a look into those, thanks. xx

BaffledKaffy profile image
BaffledKaffy in reply toButterfleye

Would you mind sharing the brand if you find a shower gel with Epsom Salts? (IF it’s allowed, that is?) I will search too, but it will be a bit later … Thanks! I would love to try the combination …. it sounds as if it might be soothing …

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toBaffledKaffy

Hi Bafflekaffy, sorry for the late reply but a quick search on Amazon has come up with Dr Salts Muscle Therapy Epsom salts shower gel for £3 which I think I'll give a try, so fingers crossed it might help a bit. xx

BaffledKaffy profile image
BaffledKaffy in reply toButterfleye

Thank you for this info …. I wasn’t thinking about your UK vs my US brands, but perhaps I can research and find something here, or even find that same brand (it can and has happened!) thanks again!

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toBaffledKaffy

Yes, didn't realise you were in the USA, hope you manage to find something suitable where you are. I've ordered the one I found on Amazon so we'll soon see if it's any good!. xx

BaffledKaffy profile image
BaffledKaffy in reply toButterfleye

Even though I probably can’t get that brand, please let us know if it helps … hoping for positive results for you! I’ll research here in the ‘ States, too … Thanks!

ButtercupDaisy profile image
ButtercupDaisy in reply toButterfleye

Yes that’s the one! There’s also Dr Teal’s and Westland, both of which I’ve seen in TKMaxx

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toButtercupDaisy

Thanks, I'll keep those 2 in mind. xx

Arymretep profile image
Arymretep

I'm the same this week, we've had such fabulous weather here, and it was hard to keep out of the garden , I didn't do a lot really but we all know what it's like , you don't feel the pain at the time , but boy do we pay for it afterwards , my go to is Epsom salts baths too👍

Gigiruth profile image
Gigiruth

Me too! Flares are hideous. I find changable weather does not help. I am watching what I eat for inflammation but I am new to this.Bath salts are good. I hope your flare passes soon.

Look after you

Gentle hug

Gigiruth

Kalamazoo1 profile image
Kalamazoo1

Get plenty of rest and take pain relief. You will get back to being able to manage , big hugs x

Notifewithfibro profile image
Notifewithfibro

I don't have flares mine is just there all the time. So your not in pain 24/7? Just interested not saying that my pain is worse then yours. I just don't understand when fibro people say they are in flares. Do you work? Light hugs to you and hope your flare is short lived.

Dizzytwo profile image
Dizzytwo in reply toNotifewithfibro

Hello nice to meet you 😊 I would think most people with fibro are in pain 24/7 it may just differ in degree.

Like fibro everyone's pain threshold can differ.

If your pain is at a 5 out of ten for example. But then feels like an 8 or a10 that for most would constitue a flare up.

I am glad you dont experience these kind of pain fluctuations. Fingers crossed you can maintain a lower pain level. And hopefully finds something to help you reduce it even more 🤞🤞

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toNotifewithfibro

Hiya

Like Dizzy says, I do have pain all over 24/7, but it’s generally a dull constant that I’ve got used to - always exhausting and always leaves my nerves pretty frayed! I also get sharp (again constant) pain centralised to my pelvis - it sometimes moves to different areas or manifests as a migraine. But recently it’s been extreme pain through all muscles, causing my legs to go so weak that I couldn’t walk around the house 😩

Definitely the worst flare I’ve had, yet!

Urgh, this condition is just the worst, isn’t it!

I’m not able to work, unfortunately… trying to sort out PIP, but I can never concentrate well enough.

I hope you get some relief too, poppet - sending hugs 🤗 💙

Jaykaydylanmack profile image
Jaykaydylanmack

Aww good morning penelope clearwater,Thank goodness you did message because I'm feeling the exact same way as you are, honest to goodness since I think last Thursday I had a good day, not too much done but it was a very good day with regards to pain, as was Friday and Sat, I always now have it in mind that if I'm well and pain levels are low then what's round the corner but it's hard because when I'm good I like to at least try and be the old me and do things and spend time with my husband and boys and doggies, all limited but just be there with them. (you know what I mean)?

Then this morning about 6am I woke and my hands and feet are actually pulsating with pain or what seems like it, my hands and feet are puffy and swollen due to meds and have been for long time now but both my hands feel as of every bone in them have all been shattered and broken, I csn feel heat in them too, in my mind I know that's not the cSe but it's the only way I know to describe the pain to you, my feet are sore too, sensitive on the bottom which then makes me sad and worried and I then start to think my mobility is now going, I'm only 4w as I've said on here before, this all started 2 years ago now and I've went from working full time to being house bound most of the time except hospital and consultants appointments etc.

The fatigue is absolutely awful I woke up at 7pm yesterday and me and my husband were back in bed for 9pm I'm just done in and don't know what to do with myself either, honest to goodness, I mean this in the nicest way but when I had heard the only one person I know talk about fybromyagia, I got the gist of the pain as she talked about it but seen her still in active life so never thought anything else of it as it was a mum at the primary school at that time long ago, until now and I would not wirh this on my worst enemy, its debilitating, I just fear that at such a young age I may be bed bound. I do have flare ups when I'm bed bound but they come and go but to have the pain in my feet that's makes me think it's too sore to walk is just so upsetting.

Anyway I would be ever so grateful to anyone if you have these symptoms, could you please let me know and hope you feel better real soon penelopeclearwater.

Take care everyone.

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toJaykaydylanmack

Hi Jaykaydylanmack, I understand how you're feeling I too get a lot of pain in my feet, they're agony and feel like I've walked miles!. Have you tried soaking your feet in a bowl of warm water with some magnesium flakes or Epson salts in?, I've been doing this and then resting my bare feet on a hot water bottle to try and help the pain, also I find a magnesium spray (I use the Better You one from Amazon) very helpful but you can only use a certain number of sprays a day so I save that for before I go to bed then use it on my feet and lower legs.

You'll find that this forum is full of lots of useful info and very friendly people, just knowing that I'm not the only one going through this is helping me feel less down.

Sending you gentle hugs 💙.

worried4me5 profile image
worried4me5 in reply toButterfleye

Lovely tip there for the spray thanks. I'm running out, so will check that out. I'm also on a bad day and might also have covid 😳

Butterfleye profile image
Butterfleye in reply toworried4me5

Hi worried4me5, oh no fingers crossed you don't have Covid. Fibros bad enough without adding that too!. Sending positive vibes 🤞. xx

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toJaykaydylanmack

I’m so sorry you’re going through all that. I miss the old me, too and I honestly felt really scared yesterday too, when my legs just weren’t letting me move around the house. I’m so scared of being in too much pain to do anything again.

It’s hard to think positively when it’s so unpredictable. Doctors keep telling me to keep active, but when I try, I’m in agony and/or feel completely wiped out for days on end.

As ever, I’m just glad to have this community - it makes so much difference to have people relate to it. 💙

Content1 profile image
Content1

Bless you Penelope and all others in a hard place just now. I'm there with you, after going some cleaning last week. I have had to rest completely and only moving to get more painkillers! If my neighbour tells me once more that her sister has Fibromyalgia and just gets on with life, I shall send for Will Smith! Today my pain is getting back to bearable level,it never goes completely,so I can move again. Look for the good things, they're still out there x

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toContent1

Yes! My neighbour keeps saying she has terrible arthritis and that she just powers through and never grumbles, despite the pain… I had to move back in with my parents, as I was single and living on my own until a few years back, so I can’t even tell the neighbour to do one 😅 maybe I should buy her a medal for next time she mentions it 🤔😆

I’m lucky to have my parents, but they’re ageing too and I feel like such a burden on them… even though they tell me not to feel that way.

Hugs all round 💙

Twinklelittle profile image
Twinklelittle

Oh bless you and ditto!So exhausted I can't think ...in pain everywhere.

Need a good night's sleep more than anything!!

Hugs

X

cantthinknow044 profile image
cantthinknow044

Any help I'm having the same here pain in my chest iv been to see doctor put me on tablets but don't work. I have an appointment next month. My whole body in pain can't sleep at night.

Nice to know its not just me

Daz

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply tocantthinknow044

I’ve started using sominex for sleep - I discussed it with the pharmacist, who checked it is ok to take with my other meds, so it might be worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist about that?

I do find that rest and sleep are the best things… not easy though x

KaliAka profile image
KaliAka

Do you think the weather change this week hasn't helped . I think this cold has set my pain off. Hope you get some pain relief

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toKaliAka

You know, I think it might be that - so many people have related and said about feeling so bad this week, so maybe it is weather related.

There’s always something… I’m trying to keep a journal, but I struggle to remember what I’ve eaten/done and to write… got to buckle under and do it, maybe I can identify some patterns and triggers 🤞

🤗💙

cantthinknow044 profile image
cantthinknow044 in reply toKaliAka

Yes change in weather can give you a lot of pain.

Daz

Katmac36 profile image
Katmac36

Know exactly what you mean. This weekend has been a flare, cannot seem to get over the feelings. Feel like I have been ran over by a truck.

Content1 profile image
Content1 in reply toKatmac36

That's just what I've been feeling, a steam roller in my case. Today is the first day since Thursday that I have felt human! Still in pain, but bearable now.

Sdrh profile image
Sdrh

Hey, I did the very same a few week ago. Kept going thinking I was ok then bang!! I could have cried at work. Luckily I was due a week off to recover but it took a while.

I was even tested for polymyalgia rheumatica cos every joint was so sore. But all was good. I felt amazing after my week off but can feel it building again so feet up tomorrow for me. It’s all about getting to know how we are working and what, how much and how far we can go and do.

Hope you feel better

Big hugs 🤗

TheGreenSmile profile image
TheGreenSmile

Hi Miss Clearwater & Lanny36 & Others,I myself am not a sufferer, but my sister is and a very dear friend also. I wish there was something I could do, or if there was anything I could suggest to help sufferers of FM, but it’s a minefield of trial and error for you all to find something that can help you to cope, in the short term.

With many illnesses, there is something that can help… But I’m find that FM sufferers are plagued with multiple attacks on their system - and I can’t believe that the Government aren’t doing more to help.

I don’t want to start on the list of ongoing symptoms that I know exist, else this would be a much longer message. Just hang on in there and hopefully the researchers will find some dna code that can reverse what you all are suffering from.

I wish you all the very best for the future…

PenelopeClearwater profile image
PenelopeClearwater in reply toTheGreenSmile

Thank you 💙

It means so much to not just be told to get on with it and power through… so many non-sufferers seem to pride themselves on powering through their headaches etc and consider it the same thing.

Best of luck to your sister and your friend - they’re lucky they have you in their corners 🥰

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