So tired......

[elle1a]

I have now been off work since last Friday, never felt so much pain, I have pins and needles in my hands, feet and back and feel like i have spent 3 days and the gym!! Doctor now put me on Tramadol...... don't like that idea, This is the worse flare up i have had, anyone know how long it might last.... starting to feel really low xx

[Hidden]

Sorry you are feeling so rotten elle. I don't think it is possible to predict how long a flare can last as it differs greatly for so many people. Don't despair though as there are a whole range of medications that can help. If the tramadol is not working for you, don't suffer quietly, go back to your GP and ask for a review of your meds. If the pain continues you could also ask for a referal to a pain clinic. I am attending one now and it really helps. I do hope that your flare is short lived and that you feel a bit better soon. Gentle hugs and good wishes to you. Jane x

[Ozzygirl64]

Lady G is right, we are all different so flares vary from one to the other. I am coming to the end of my 6th week in a fibro flare but this is not my longest by any means. The last really bad flare I had lasted just over 10 weeks and I was completely exhausted plus I am not on any pain meds, I only take Amitriptyline to help me relax. My shortest flare was 8 days. I just really want this one to go soon before it tries to ruin my Xmas. I do hope it eases soon and if you feel the Trams are not for you, go back. Tramadol can be extremely addictive plus I had them once, I took two only and my skin was crawling, a common side effect of them. I never took them again. My hubby has them but he has a curvature of the spine and they are the only thing that work for him. He used to be on 6 a day, but now 4 and only if he needs them xxxxx

[elle1a]

Thank you for your responses, I am hoping this flare up want last for long as I am so fed up and I'm not sure how understanding my boss will be.... does anyone know why these flare up''s happen xx

[Hidden in reply to elle1a]

Unfortunately there is no rational for this that is applicable to everybody. We are all different and different things will trigger a flare for different people. It could be something like weather conditions, stress, or another health issue that triggers a flare and some people, myself included, don't have flares, we just feel unwell for most of the time. You can't help being ill so try not to get stressed about the amount of time you have to be away from work as this could actually make your condition worse. Take the advice of your GP, stay warm and drink plenty of fluids. Hopefully you will feel better very soon but if not go back to see your GP and ask for your meds to be reviewed. Good luck! Jane x

[Hidden]

A combination of things can cause a flare-up of our Fibro -

An important first step is identifying what makes your symptoms worse. Common triggers include:-

Cold or humid weather

Too much or too little physical activity

Stress

Poor sleep

By relieving or rectifiying these things your flare-up is more likely to subside quicker. There is no fast fix unfortunately. Also, don't forget to take the required dose of meds to try to stabilise everything. Rest and try to get restorative sleep, which can be easier said than done with Fibro.

I hope this passes very soon for you Elle, take care and rest when you are able to.

(((hug))) xxx

[ladymoth]

Hi Elle, I do hope you feel better soon.

My GP gave me Tramadol, which didn't work very well on its own, but my rheumatologist told me to take it together with Paracetamol.

This is quite harmless, so long as you don't exceed the proper dosage and works pretty well, for me at any rate.

Just a suggestion - what works for one doesn't work for another, but I gather that this combination is often recommended for fibro. I found that it relieved that awful burning pain in the muscles which is so unbearable.

Rest and get well ...Love ... Moffy xxx

[elle1a]

Thank you all for your kindness, its so nice to speak to people who know what you are going through and the pain for are feeling, I have a very surportive family which also helps xx

[lozb]

I take tramadol the same as you ladymoth along side paracetamol 2 of each upto max 8 each per day, as and when needed, and they are about the best I have found so far, althought they only take the worst edge off pain xx