How do you define a flareup vs. fibro progression?

This is my first "known" flareup. I realize I'm only 3+ days into it but... This raises a very important question for me as I'm already at that point where I feel this is never going to end. How long do flares usually last for you and at what point do you decide this is more than a flare and it's time to call the Doc?? If I had nothing to do in the coming weeks, I'd be a little more willing to let nature takes its course. But if this is more than a flare, rather a sign that it's time to increase the lyrica again, I'm going to want to get that working before our vaca (selfish I know). Anyone have any advice to guide me? Keep in mind I'm still only taking 150mg of lyrica daily so I have plenty of room to increase. Any pointers? Thanks.

Mrs. Mike, I'm sorry you are flaring. Flares come on at all levels of pain intensity.
They can seem to come out of nowhere, without any explanation or other times
be caused my a dramatic weather change or by overdoing.

Flares can last from a day to weeks, A couple of days ago I had one that was
a real pain zinger, but lasted only a day. There are things you can do to help
feel better...soak in a hot bath....use bed buddies...continue to exercise ie, gentle
stretching, short walks... relaxation therapy...deep breathing, meditation, listen
to music... find ways to distract pain.

I use a muscle relaxer(cyclobenzaprine) when I'm flaring and it helps take the edge off.

From what I have read fibro is not progressive, it may feel that way the older you
get. If you have other things going on with the fibro that are progressive, I think
it can cause you to flare more often. Ask your doc, what he suggests!

Hope your flare is short lived and you enjoy your vacation!

Hugs, Robin

Feeling better today despite getting only an hour if sleep last night from BAD pain in my left hip. I'm thinking 4 day flare.

Fibro is not degenerative like arthritis, where joints are actually breaking down.
In fibromyalgia our muscles are not being destroyed although they may feel like
it. Autoimmune connective tissue diseases can destroy, muscle joints and cartilige
and the body's organs if the disorder is systemic.

No one knows for sure what causes fibro but many researcher believe it is a
problem with our central nervous system and how our bodies are percieving pain.

hugs, Robin

PS  I forgot to add that if you don't exercise because it hurts your muscle do

become weaker and can atrophy...that is why it is so important to try to keep

your muscle mass. If you don't exercise you will hurt all the more!

Post Edited (crazykitty) : 9/25/2010 12:28:08 PM (GMT-6)