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Is burning pain considered a flare?

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 9/1/2015 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
My symptoms have settled down since I started the Gabapentin and muscle relaxers. Most days I'm able to work like I used to. The last few weeks, though, my joints and leg muscles have started to burn but only around dinner time and until I take my nightly medication at 9pm.

What causes our joints and muscles to burn? I'm working harder these days so does that cause it? Or is the Gabapentin not working as well as it used to? Am I eating something I'm not suppose to?

I normally just ignore these symptoms and tell myself that it's not the end of the world if my joints or muscles burn! smilewinkgrin
Posted 9/1/2015 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, burning pain is a symptom of fibro. Those whacky nerves are letting you know it's time for the meds. There is no damage being done, that we know of, anyway. It is pretty normal for me.
Posted 9/1/2015 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
@Myself 09 Is there a way to avoid the burning? Is it caused by over doing? Or 'just is what it is'. :-)
Posted 9/2/2015 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
I use a heated blanket for my burning pain. It helps with some of it. You could also try BenGay cream.
Posted 9/2/2015 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Grammy G,

Anytime your pain is above what is normal for you and lasts longer than normal, whether that be a few days weeks or yes sometimes months, it would be considered a flare. My muscles burn and sting as well from time to time. Remember you have tendons and ligaments by your joints that the fibro loves to irritate. There is nothing wrong with your joints per say even though it feels like it. I say this assuming you have been checked for any type of arthritis of the joints.

You mentioned that you are working harder. If you are doing more physical activity than you usually have done in the past then yes this could be a big part of what is happening as well. One of the biggest enemies is worry and fear. The fibro loves those two companions and will use it to make you feel worse and to doubt your ability to feel better. If you can cut back maybe a little if possible on what your doing or find a different way of doing it or rest at different intervals, this could help too. Please try and stay as positive as possible because it goes a long long way into feeling better.

Take care , and keep us posted
Michael
Posted 9/2/2015 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
-waves at Michael-

GrammyG-- this is just a kind of fibro nervepain,and it usually happens to me with overexertion. I tend to do more than I likely should, and the burning feeling is a sign that you are close to having/ have already done too much. I mention this because it takes time to learn to listen to the body and understand the signals it is sending. I am pretty good now at knowing when I need to stop. Understanding your limitations is key to managing it.

I usually will take a half-tab of hydrocodone,and then take a hot bath with epsom salts (I scent them with essential oils.) I rub lotion over my legs and arms and massage them. I drink a lot of water,too. This really helps my body calm down. Usually, by morning,the pain is gone.

If the burning extends overnight or even for a few days, then that is a signal you need to cut back on what you are doing. I am an exerciser, and have built my endurance over time.

Feel better, soonest!
Posted 9/4/2015 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you to everyone's suggestions! I greatly appreciate the support and information. Now I have a better idea of what to watch for and how to cut back. This was a GREAT help! Thank you!

I really have become better at not allowing fear or anxiety to take hold. I'm learning (slowly by God's grace) how to not focus on the Fibro but to focus on the present moment (LIFE!) and all the wonderful blessings that it holds!.

Thanks, again!
Posted 9/4/2015 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Rock on with your smart self, Grammy!

Fibro is just a condition--it shouldn't be the defining thing about us. It can be managed. It is too easy to dismiss things and hide. Learn to listen to your body.
Posted 9/4/2015 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Grammy G, are you only taking the Gabapentin at night ? I ask because my doctor prescribes me to take three times a day because I have nerve pain during the day.

Maybe you should check with your doc about taking a another dose during the day if the Gabapentin is helping.
Posted 9/4/2015 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
@Myself 09 You are so funny! :-) Thank you! I sure don't want an illness to define me and let's be honest... NO ONE really wants to hear how you are feeling anyway.... unless it's the wonderful people on this forum! I'd rather care about others than focus on my aches and pains, anyway.

purple_lynx7 Yes, I am only taking Gabapentin at night (only occasionally during the day if I have company or need to function better during the day). I had another doctor tell me to spread it out during the day but then I couldn't sleep at night. How do you sleep while taking it throughout the day?
Posted 9/5/2015 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
If you take the gabapentin during the day, does it make you sleepy during the day and is the burning gone? What if the doc increased your night dose with a daytime dose?

For some reason that Gabapentin does night make me sleepy during the day only at night. So far I am sleeping fine except for when i am flared up and then I take a small dose, 10 mg, of amitriptyline .

I don't like to take the amitriptyline every night because it will make me sleepy, groggy the next day.
Posted 9/6/2015 10:19 AM (GMT 0)
I believe there are different levels of burning. We can have burning from inflammation and some of us can experience more intense burning when we're experiencing a flare.

Any inflammation I experience is usually a result of a bad food choice.
Posted 9/7/2015 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
@purple_lynx7 I occasionally will take a Gabapentin during the day if it gets too bad but I really don't want to increase my dosage. I keep trying to figure out if I am doing something to cause the problem and if it will continue to increase because I'm pushing through the pain.

Thank you... @almost medfree That is very interesting information.

Life is blessed and full. The burning has settled down for which I am so thankful! I appreciate all the help to get over the bump! :-)
Posted 9/7/2015 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
You're welcome, GrammyG. When I began eliminating foods from my diet that can cause arthritis symptoms/inflammation, I was better able to figure out which foods bothered me. Here's an article from the Arthritis Foundation about some foods to avoid:

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/foods-to-avoid-limit/food-ingredients-and-inflammation.php

Now I better stop talking about foods so our thread doesn't get locked and moved.
Posted 9/8/2015 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
@almost medfree

I looked for your email but it's not listed. I would love to chat with you about food related stuff if you have time.
Posted 9/8/2015 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
GrammyG, thanks for the invite but due to my physical limitations I am not able to spend much time on the computer.

If you'd like to chat about foods, we can talk in the diet discussions thread.
Posted 9/28/2015 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
The most recent & new for me is my left breast start @ sternum like waves lasted a few months. I rewind my mind & find no glaring cause.
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