Hi, Michelle, and welcome to the family. It can be confusing when you don't know what it is or when you get the dx and feel like you don't know what to expect. My first suggestion to you would be read as much as you can, from books and the internet. A good place to start is the 'Fibro 101' at the top of the first page. There are several topics there you should find helpful and informative. Ask whatever questions you can think of and someone should have some ideas and suggestions that may help.
If you aren't getting the help you need from your dr, it might be time to look for a new dr. I have had FMS since childhood, I had a horrible time w/ my cycle, too heavy for too long, several times a month, and of course, spotting. My own personal 'Hat Trick'. I was on med for that before I even know what 'it' really was. I had a miscarriage w/ my first pregnancy, and spotting thru both of my later pregnancies. I hemorrhaged all those yrs until I finally had an hysterectomy 6 yrs ago. I was anemic till then. I looked for answers for decades, 3 1/2 yrs ago I was finally dx w/ FMS. The list of symptoms that I 'had' were everything that a woman could have. Yet, no dr could connect the dots to come up w/ FMS. I did!!
This is not an illness for wimps, we have to be strong to make sure we get the help we need. One of the things I LOVE about this site is we look out for each other. We hold each other dear, we support each other. Sometimes, you just need to know someone else 'knows' what you mean.
There are days that will get you down, but like has been said, stress only makes things worse. Make some plans ahead of time to help you deal with stressful times. Make a cup of tea, do some gentle stretches, take a walk for 20 min, something you like and hopefully it will help lower your stress level.
A flare can last for a couple of hrs to months, not pleasant, but not uncommon. Treat yourself kindly, pace yourself, ask for help. We are so used to doing everything, we need to adjust our thinking. Sometimes this is the hardest thing to 'learn', but so necessary for our lives.
God bless. Alice.