How long do your flares last?... - Fibromyalgia Message Board

DecLady · 01-17-2003, 07:33 AM

I started this one about a week after Christmas. I am sort of new to this syndrome, but if you ask DH I have had it for a couple years..but I just got diagnosed around Dec. 1. In the past I have had months of feeling "normal" then a stretch of pain. I am finding that now I have more pain, and I crave the relief my pain medication brings...I can power thru it when need be, but the endlessness of the pain wears me out! I know there is no perfect solution to this all, but I am trying to make some peace with it for myself.

Anonymity · 01-17-2003, 09:44 AM

Mine last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Like you, I consistently "power through them." I refuse to allow them to disrupt my life too radically; I am very, very stubborn in that aspect. I have yet to find a pain medication that really helps, so I grit my teeth, take a medicine that helps some, use heat packs, and sleep more. The flares have really been hard this past six months or so, since I'm working full time. I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems. Flares are terrible, I know that, but you can make it through them. Good luck!

Sweet Pea · 01-17-2003, 04:22 PM

I usually am never pain free. But I also have major flares that last from a few days to a couple of weeks. After the spasms break, I have residual pain that continues in the areas of the spasms. My pain is 98 percent on the left side. Usually in my arm and shoulder. After sitting in a car or upright for any length of time my lower back spasms and goes down my leg and into my foot. If I'm lucky the lower back stuff goes away for a while and it's just in my left arm and shoulder. This is when my left shoulder raises higher than my right. When I'm totally blown away by pain, it is in my entire left side and in my right arm pit area. At other times the pain is in my neck, boths sides (of neck), migraines and right teeth. Isn't that something? I freaked out about the teeth thing but I have had root canals in that area and know that the teeth have no real reason to hurt. If I push a certain spot on the side of my head, the teeth spaz out so it's got to be a muscle spasm. Then there are the times when my trigger points in my collar bone area burn and ache. When I ever actually ever get pain free, it's just a totally bizarre feeling. I'm sitting or doing something and I realize that I don't hurt, anywhere. I'm afraid to move or do something that will ruin that feeling. If it lasts for a day or so, I get so hopeful that I'm done. I got that way more in the beginning than now. Now I know to enjoy it while it lasts because I know it won't last. So there are all the gory details. As for how it happened, car accident.

kathym43 · 01-19-2003, 09:46 AM

Hi there! It is amazing how many different symptoms that we all have. I have not been able to sleep at night for a year and a half. I don't look forward to going to sleep. Other than that, if I over do anything the pain lasts for a few days. It is even hard to go grocery shopping, it is hard to lift my arms and I get so worn out. I pray that there will be something to cure us. Take care everyone, take it easy. Kathy

Katiebird · 01-19-2003, 10:07 AM

Hi, I was so happy to find Fibromyalgia on this site. My family does not understand this ailment and I really don't think my husband realizes the pain I have especially if I forget to take my tylenol on time. My family and friends treat my condition like a common cold. Right now I guess you could say I am having a flareup. Last night was the worse night I have been through. The pain in my arms, shoulders, neck and back was so bad I couldn't find a comfortable way to rest. Sleep has been a problem for me for many years. I also have high blood pressure and I think the medicines I take make my condition worse especially the diuretic pill. Has anyone had this problem? The Doctor has put me on Amitriptyline which is suppose to help me sleep. It really doesn't work all that well - but it does relax me. It is so nice to be able to talk to people with the same problems who understand. Thanks for listening. hugs Katie