Sacha

[Sasmi35]

Hi, I’ve been struggling with Fibromyalgia for years, been diagnosed just over a year. I have really struggled with work lately, I’m a teacher. I’m off for the Easter break and usually that’s time when my body rests and I feel better. I’ve been off six days now and my pain and fatigue is just getting worse. I’m starting to worry that I’m not going to feel any better over the break and know I can’t cope going back to work feeling like this or worse. All I’ve done is rest, why isn’t my body recovering? Any ideas? Sxx

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi, sorry to hear you are struggling. It sounds like you might be having a flare up...and extra rest is what you need.

You might find our employment booklet useful with regards to work fmauk.org/publications

[Sasmi35 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you. I’ve felt like I’ve been in a flare up since May last year. I’ve been in constant pain and tired, but this is on another level. If this is a flare up does that mean that how I’ve been feeling since May is my norm now? Sxx

[Maud-ie]

Have you seen Occupational Health yet? Get your Head/Human Resources person to refer you. They can be quite helpful and it's good to have them on your side. Good luck and take care x

[Feelinruff]

Hi sasmi, I'm used to flare ups that make me feel I'm never going to get better, and last a week, couple weeks, a month. But I've been signed off 3 times now since last September, last time was 2 months and now I'm off for a month and reduced my hours so I'm going back on just 2 days a week. I don't know if I'm even going to cope with that, all I can do is try.It's so bad I can't go outside for more than 5 minutes without feeling totally exhausted and ill. If you need to be signed off just do it, don't have the pressure of work as it just makes it worse xx

[Ontherun81]

Hi

Sorry to hear your body is having a flare up! Unfortunately Fibromyalgia hits us when it wants, we can't control it. It's horrible when everything hurts and you feel so low you just want to curl up and sleep till better! Maybe you've had a more stressful time before you broke up for the holidays and it's catching up with you. I only realise I've been stressed usually when I have a flare up! All you can do is rest, take pain relief (if it works)and wait for your body to come out of it. Maybe you've caught something too and that's made it worse? I hope you feel better and stronger soon too x

Sending healing to you 🌞

[Woodystar]

if you are in the UK then this changeable weather is not helping either. Our bodies respond so much to atmospherics and the changes move fluid around in us which in turn adds to the pain.

Go easy on yourself, drink plenty of water and keep moving gently, if we stay still the pain can get worse x

[Nipper11]

Fibromyalgia is unpredictable most of the time. flare-ups can go on a long time . Rest is key. However, to keep moving through these flare-ups is also key to your muscles staying strong . While resting, do stretching exercises with your legs and arms. This will ease the pain once you start to consider a routine plan. Keep your muscles warm and massage your muscles where you can with warm oils this will help them relax better. Look at your diet and eat fruit like blueberries strawberries 🍓 take vitamins C . Look at the vitamins that can support fibromyalgia. Build your body slowly. Dont beat yourself up because your body is taking its time to heal. Listen to music or listening books to lower your emotions about feeling so tired . Research self-help on sitting down exercises that will help you. I know this is very hard, and lots of fears creep in your mindset. See your GP for more help . Ask to be referred to the pain clinic or courses which support living with long-term illness/pain . There are a few out there, and they are all very good. I have attended 4 over the last 3 years, and they have helped me understand my body and mindset more .you done so well managing a stressful job working with children. Please don't feel scared of this flare-up. You will get control ahain

. Just look at little changes that can support you and your body.

Have warn bath .use a ten machine for your pain levels . When your energy levels are so low, rest and build your diet with food that gives you energy like porridge or research what food will help you. Take magnesium. This will help with pain. Don't lose hope there lots you can do to achieve through these flare-ups. If your flare-ups is still there when you return to work share with them that you may need some support and having more breaks than normal. Ask about cutting down your hours If this could be an option or working less days while you feel unwell. There are many audio books on fibromyalgia which help you to listen on how to support you and your body . You are a brave lady dealing with so much however don't let this flare-ups over take you . I am struggling like so many others on this site. But I keep my mindset open to say you will not overtake me anymore. Of course I sometimes fall 🙄 but that's normal when there so much to deal with. Big hugs 🫂 to you. You will get better 🙏 stay safe and never give up. Be kind to yourself because we are all worth it. Push your GP to support you much more now . Look at your drugs you take for pain levels . Ask to be referred to healthy minds team they are fantastic and have supported me and others on this site to understand more about everything that affects you because of fibromyalgia. Good 👍 luck. Xxx

[marguLIS]

Hi, your poor thing. I've always found that as soon as I stopped for a holiday, my body decided that it's a good time to let go of stress ,anxiety etc. Consequently, I never had a holiday without feeling really ill. Then I would feel more stressed because I may not have recovered in time to return to work. This was my circle of life. Try to ride it out, be kind to yourself and try to rest. Seek help from occ health. Hope you feel much better soon. Virtual hug on it's way.

[Field007]

Like you I a, on the Easter break and have been feeling absolutely awful with excruciating pain, not able to sleep and diverticulitis h stomach pain due to all the drugs). Even though I am on 120mg of morphine they have now added naproxen to the mix. I do everything from magnesium spray shrubs, tens, hydro therapy… . I was referred back to the pain clinic in Dec last year and contacted them to chase (have already been under them and done the course etc) and was told to expect to be seen this Dec. Whereas most teachers suffer with the colds and bugs once we stop, Fibro just seems to attack every joint and each break is getting harder to overcome.

My thoughts are with you x