Fibromyalgia flares - how do you manage them?

[PhilSwagielka]

I went for a very long walk on Monday and I think it's triggered a fibro flare as I've been in terrible pain since and had no energy and really bad brain fog. My legs and arms really hurt and I had very little sleep last night due to a restless legs attack. I've been taking OTC painkillers but they only do so much. Today I felt really sick and shivery and had to basically power my way through a job I was doing. I've been considering asking the doctor for pain meds, although I know they're reluctant to prescribe, but not bloody Amitriptyline because this just makes my restless legs worse.

I know there's a few other people on here with fibro so I was wondering, what do you do when you have a flare and how long do your flares last?

Sorry you've had no replies so far. My flares can last from a couple of days to several months. I find heat helps, hot baths, capsaisin cream, keep taking paracetamol every four hours during the daytime. Lots of rest if you can manage it. Eat well and try to distract yourself from the pain. Hope you feel better soon.

I have been looking for a fibro thread as I think this what I have. Had blood tests to rule out other things which might explain the tiredness and seeing a physio next week to check restrictions in movement, particularly my arms which I am really struggling. Pains in arms and thighs, headaches, brain fog, poor sleep, loss of appetite( but not weight). Feel so desperately weary and achy and everything is an effort. Will see GP after physio report but she has already flagged up it could be fibro. My mother has it.
How/when were you diagnosed and is there anything else I should be trying at this stage?

Hi,
Sorry to hear you're suffering. I have it also and its pretty bad right now. I find the change in temperature sometimes makes it worse. The best thing for me is definitely warm baths, especially before going to bed when the warmth helps relax your leg muscles. Also make sure you don't drink too much caffeine or alcohol as I think being dehydrated is also a trigger. And take magnesium supplements if possible as its thought a deficiency (which is really common, especially in women and stressed people!) can make muscles painful.

@dementedma

I have been looking for a fibro thread as I think this what I have. Had blood tests to rule out other things which might explain the tiredness and seeing a physio next week to check restrictions in movement, particularly my arms which I am really struggling. Pains in arms and thighs, headaches, brain fog, poor sleep, loss of appetite( but not weight). Feel so desperately weary and achy and everything is an effort. Will see GP after physio report but she has already flagged up it could be fibro. My mother has it. How/when were you diagnosed and is there anything else I should be trying at this stage?

I was diagnosed about five years ago, a process of elimination as there are no tests for fibro. I've probably had it most of my life. I have tried an awful lot of medications but have had a lot of side effects. I'm currently on codeine and amitriptyline and have capsaisin and voltarol cream for aching joints and muscles.

@dementedma I can't suggest medical advice but tbh what you have sounds similar to me. It took me about 10 years to get diagnosed. Initially I was told I had post-viral fatigue, then chronic fatigue syndrome and I had loads of blood tests to check for anaemia etc. I worked in a rheumatology department and managed to get a referral there, and my consultant diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. One of the nurses gave me an unofficial checkup too.

@Wittywomble I always have a bath before bed with Epsom salts. I do drink coffee but only decaf at night because I won't sleep otherwise.

The really irritating thing is that you're always told that exercise is good for fibro, but it was going on a long walk that put me here in the first place. I do try and go for a walk of some sort every day but the gym is out for the time being.