Flare durations

[Goinglong10]

what is the longest time of a flare for others

[Kath1]

For me a flare can rumble on all month with peaks of a day or two and then getting slowly better and then a little worse. That is a bad month but it isn't as rare as I would like. A good week means 2-4 good days (usually2 ), energy is good and joints aren't bothering me too much. So cherish the good days! And continue to battle through the bad. The good days count for a lot. Sending you good wishes.

[TeaandToast94 in reply to Kath1]

I’m exactly the same and have the same outlook and perspective on it. I can be feeling off for quite an extended period of time, but within that, some days are still better and worse than others. If I feel good I make the most of it, but then pay for it afterwards

[WinterSwimmer]

I no longer think about it in terms of having a flare. I have had lupus for a very long time and have good days and bad days even when everything is stable and under control. On good days I feel 'normal' - might do a long swim, and sometimes even a second short swim, work and do all the other stuff that people do - cook, shop, clean etc. But if I abuse my good days by behaving like a 'normal person' I have to pay for it with one, two or three days when I can't do much. The worst tired days involve bumbling about the place unable to think straight or concentrate on work, feeling unable to do even simple tasks like clearing up or reading the paper... Even after all this time, I still don't always recognise that there is nothing to be be done except give in when I feel like this. Eventually I work out what is going on and retire to my bed. For me, a flare is raging inflammation in various parts of me (skin, joints, organs), an exacerbation of nephritis, and horrendous crushing fatigue. Each one takes another chunk out of the me I used to be. These go on a long time. Happily I have had only 5 really bad ones in in fifteen or more years. Kath1 is right - just try to make the most of the good times - lupus can trick you into thinking it has gone then come back at you without any warning. All of the major flares I have had have been trigger by a virus, which is why I was absolutely terrified of Covid.

[Potatoheat in reply to WinterSwimmer]

Been a long time for me too. Was fine on hydroxy till major flare 16 years ago. Hospital, immunesuppresents etc. My flares are moreorgan related than joint. Both vacs have caused firstly chestpain and palpitations and second one irritable bowel. Both about 6 weeks . Annoyingly I feel fine otherwise but it just causes stress from thinking theres something other than Lupus going on. Would love just a few months without any weird things occuring ! Upside of shielding no colds for over a year !