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first time major fibro-flare

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Posted 2/1/2010 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having a terrible time and am really starting to feel myself giving up.  I am 3 weeks into my first official flare and feel today like I'm getting worse and I'm scared that I'm never going to feel like myself again.  My doctor put me on Sevella and tramadol and I put myself on high doses of Serapeptase.  I really feel like I'm getting worse and I don't feel like I can do this much longer.  I have a 4-year-old who says I can't be fun anymore and my wonderful husband is feeling helpless.  Nothing is helping and I was hoping that someone has some idea of something new I can try to even get temporary relief.  Thank you
Posted 2/1/2010 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined in.  I'm sorry you are going through a flare.  They sure aren't fun.  But getting yourself all stressed out isn't helping at all and is actually making the pain worse.  So try to relax.  You are tensing those painful muscles with your stress.

 

Hot showers and baths work very well.  Moist heat feels wonderful.  Many members have a Bed Buddy.  You can get these at Walgreen's and other places.  You can make your own too by taking a tube sock, filling it 2'3's full of long grained rice, and tying a knot at the end of it.  Pop it in the microwave and it will give off moist heat due to the moisture in the rice.  It sure feels good on those muscles.

 

You do need to keep moving with fibro.  Having a four year old sure helps!  But, if you sit or lay too long, you will be stiff as a board and in more pain.  Gentle exercises and gentle stretching helps.  I walk and swim for my exercise. 

 

Be sure to check out the Fibro 101 thread...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro, including some gentle stretching exercises that really do help.

 

I use malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements and they help with pain and fatigue for me.  There are links about them in the Fibro 101 thread.  Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying anything, though.

 

Try to keep a positive attitude.  If you are constantly thinking about pain, it will make you absolutely miserable.  Instead, look forward to each new day with anticipation.  I take things one day at a time.  I know I can easily handle one day.  Enjoy your child.  You can do things like reading and coloring with them and that's fun to a four year old.  Or, I'm sure you have some games you can play with them, too.  You shouldn't have to occupy their time all day long, though.  You do need your own time, too.

 

I do hope you start feeling better soon.  Remember.  fibro flares do get better!  I'm looking forward to getting to know you and I hope to hear more from  you soon.

 

Sherrine

Posted 2/1/2010 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,Avenkest, welcome to our fibro family! So sorry you are flaring. Sherrine gave you
some great advice. Heat is a fibromites friend especially when you're flaring and even though
you're flaring it is important to exercise.

I'm also on Savella and I take a muscle relaxer Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) when I'm flaring,
it helps. Relaxation therapy is something I do on a regular basis. I'ts a combination of
deep breathing exercises( long deep breaths through the nose, slowly exhaling through the
mouth) I do them listening to music or sometimes soaking in a hot bath. This helps with
stress and with fibro the less stress the better!

Take one day at a time and if you can find something fun to do to distract from the pain
all the better. Hope your flare ends soon!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 2/1/2010 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Avenkest,

I also wanted to welcome you to the forum. You have been given some good advice by other members. Mostly try to relax, getting tense only makes things worse, especially in a flare. Take life one day at a time. That is the best advice that I can give, other than the heat. I have a bed buddy and I absolutely love it. It really feels good wrapped around my neck and shoulders, that is where we carry all of our tension.

Best wishes to you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/2/2010 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
You have gotten some great advice already. I know when your flaring it feels like it will never end. There is nothing worse than your four year old saying your no fun. I've been there. But you can read or color with them. Also if they have play dough it is good for you to work your hand and arm muscles, you can soften it while they build. My kids would often take a bubble bath with me at that age. I got the relief of a warm bath, they got the fun of bubbles. I built a beard on them, and we laughed and shared dreams and it helped me relax. and relaxing is key. You really have to try to relax and try to stop stressing about how much it hurts. I know, your thinking easy for me to say. But we have all been there. We have all been in your shoes, hearing someone say relax and calling them names, and thinking to ourselves if only they knew how bad I feel. Remember, we do. You have come to the right place to vent, because while your family and friends can hopefully emphasize, we really do understand. So when we say relaxing is so important, we know. Try to have fun with your four year, do something to relieve your stress, and almost magically, your feel a little better each day.
gentle hugs,
Debbie
Posted 2/2/2010 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all of you for replying to my post.  I am really trying to relax but there is really a big part of me that says that I am giving in or giving up or something like that.  It's like if I don't fight it then it's going to be really bad.  This isn't a willpower issue is it?  I do have a microwave heat cushion and some days have felt as though I spent the day waiting for the microwave to ring again.  I've been making a point every day to do something fun with my kiddo and I appreciate all of the ideas.  I'm so tired of life being this hard.  I figured it out and it has been 29 days since this whole thing started- I keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel but I'm beginning to wonder if I took a wrong turn because it sure is dark in here LOL.  When this does end, will it end abruptly or slowly?  If my period is my trigger is there anything I can do try and keep it from starting a flare?
Posted 2/2/2010 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry everyone- I never said anything to introduce myself. My name in Andrea and my daughter is Ella. I have suffered chronic pain since a car accident in 2001 and was managing it until my mother-in-law, and best friend, died 7 months ago. Since then my pain has been less managable until finally the attack which led to my diagnosis. I really appreciate hearing what you all have to say- I feel less alone knowing that you know what I am experiencing. Thank you all.
Posted 2/2/2010 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Andrea,

I know that you are suffering, but please try to relax mentally. That doesn't mean that you can't do things, just try to take the stress off of your mind.

I do meditation which really helps. Slow breathing also helps. IN through the nose and out through the mouth. It is called smelling the roses and blowing out the candles. I think that this would help you.

I am sorry to hear about your MIL. It is sad when somebody close to us leaves us. But know that they are in a better place now. Take comfort in your fond memories of her and carry her in your heart.

I hope that you feel better soon.

Best wishes to you.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/2/2010 11:45 PM (GMT 0)

Wow, your post sounds exactly like me today.  I'm ready to give up too, so it was good to read the responses.  I feel incredibly guilty sometimes.  Hang in there.  I'll hang in there too.  I am wondering too about flares becoming worse around the time of your period or if it can start a flare.  Tomorrow is another day.  Stephanie

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