What constitutes a flare?

A flare for me is an increase in pain and fatigue. I have a number of conditions so it may also include joint swelling, lesions, rashes and can't forget about the fog. My flares range in severity of pain. I have had flares that I've described as bone crushing pain. At times I've had flares where the fatigue was a dominant symptom, leaving me feel like I was depleted of all energy.

Some flares have lasted weeks and others a day. Abrupt weather changes...cold, damp, rainy weather can trigger a flare for me. Excess stress can also trigger flares. Overdoing has also triggered flares and then there are flares that just happen. I spend lots of time soaking in a warm tub and use muscle relaxers to help with the pain. Doing gentle stretching also helps from getting stiff.

The best thing is knowing a flare eventually ends!

Hugs, Robin

My flares pretty much are the same as stated above. Overdoing it and stress are big ones for me they take a lot out of me. Few days or even weeks it can take to come back, at least in mind it may take me weeks. I try to be watchful but I just don't know how much of one thing will really trigger it until it's too late.

Yep - mine is worse when I don't sleep or overdo it...sometimes mine just last a day and then im back to normal fibro for a while...A flare for me is crushing fatigue, extra twitching and pain in what seems like every joint

crazykitty said...
A flare for me is an increase in pain and fatigue. I have a number of conditions so it may also include joint swelling, lesions, rashes and can't forget about the fog. My flares range in severity of pain. I have had flares that I've described as bone crushing pain. At times I've had flares where the fatigue was a dominant symptom, leaving me feel like I was depleted of all energy.

Some flares have lasted weeks and others a day. Abrupt weather changes...cold, damp, rainy weather can trigger a flare for me. Excess stress can also trigger flares. Overdoing has also triggered flares and then there are flares that just happen. I spend lots of time soaking in a warm tub and use muscle relaxers to help with the pain. Doing gentle stretching also helps from getting stiff.

The best thing is knowing a flare eventually ends!

Hugs, Robin

I've never thought of the major day (or week) long fatigue was a flare, just a symptom...But now that you say that, yeah I guess that is a type of flare. I have been in that for two days so far, hopefully it will be gone tomorrow, I have a speaking engagement I have to attend/speak at.

My pain flares go from one day to two weeks, and vary throughout the time how bad they are. I have had flares so bad I cannot move from bed because my skin hurts so bad that even brushing against the sheets puts me in agony. I feel like I am covered in sunburn everywhere, joint pains, MAJOR neck and back pain, headaches, etc.

HI, I forgot how it feels, I thought it might be time for hubby to call my family that i wasnt long for this life. I can barely lift my head off my pillow. I have tried everything. This pain of fibro is joined by my arthritis all over my body.

This fibro flare has hit me like a mack truck. It hurts so much to move my fingers to let all my HW fmily know and say prayers for me. Its just horrible. I cried this morning cooking my hubby his usual big sunday breakfast. For 8 years I never once missed fixing my hubby a good breakfast. This past year or longer I cant get up any more. He is understanding but I just hate it. I try to do it up great on sundays.

I pray this doesnt last a month with this much pain. I cant stand it, or feel like I cant....I will thank yall in advance for thinking of me..........Cat

I too am new to the whole fibro thing, still trying to learn what works for me. I have had flares last a day, others last a week or so. I'm still learning what causes mine, and still trying to learn I need to let others take the reigns and run things sometimes. It's been a very hard diagnosis to bear...

I get the severe burning sensations in my body, but more often it is a deep, deep, muscle ache. I also have severe exhaustion almost daily, but that may be due to my sleep apnea. My hands go numb much of the time, but they also hurt so bad that I can hardly use them, even as I type this. I too wish us all a day free from pain, at least once in a while.