Anyone experienced a fibromyalgia flare for 6 months?

Posted by suzanne1951 @suzanne1951, Jul 4, 2023

My fibromyalgia has been flaring for more than 1/2 year. Instead of getting better, I am getting worse. No stamina, complete exhaustion, flu-like achy, headaches. I spend at least half my days lying on the sofa. Has this happened to you? Any advice?

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@gloriape

I've had fibromyalgia for 50 years. A friend of my put it.perfectly, 1 good day and 10 bad ones.
I recently started medical cannabis as a tincture. Its a low dose but is helping.

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I won't take cannabis or smoke it but have tried creams and they don't help like rubA535. I'm happy you have had some relief.

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I am 78 and a fibromyalgia sufferer since my mid 20's. I was in the medical field so I get a lot information. My condition has been horrible this past 2 years. I sleep most of the day. Total fatigue. And cry when I wake up from sleep.
Iv

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I am 78 and a fibromyalgia sufferer since my mid 20's. I was in the medical field so I get a lot information. My condition has been horrible this past 2 years. I sleep most of the day. Total fatigue. And cry when I wake up from sleep.
I've tried everything to get relief. All in vain.
One Rx does help but not nearly for the 12 hrs. Very expensive if you don't have drug coverage ($1,400/month) and you can't stretch it out. Have another Rx to try stop break-through pain (oxychondone/aspirin). Plus heat, relaxation etc. Tried gummies but didn't help just made me more fatigued. So. I am no help with suggestions for you. Some days I don't think I can get through another day. I have a wonderful husband who does most of the duties I feel are mine. So I am blessed. My heart goes out to all of you suffering and pray science comes up with a miracle drug. Be kind to yourself. Wrap up in a warm blanket and sleep when you have to. Do only what has to be done on flare days. Don't stop looking for help.

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I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 25 years ago, but I started having chronic pain in my groin about two years after giving birth to my second child, so Ive likely had it 40 yrs. Fatigue and fiber fog are the worst symptoms for me. I do have a lot of pain, but the pain is from repetitive stress injuries or just getting stiff from sitting too much or working out too much. In other words, it’s not just a “ mysterious pain.” I have been a sober alcoholic for 32 years but that doesn’t mean I can’t use drugs that doctors prescribed to me. And I do use as many drugs that help me. I must have a stimulant in my arsenal, otherwise I cannot function- but I don’t use it every day. Right now I am using Vyvanse. This seems to work fine. It doesn’t really last any longer than Adderall or Nuvigil but when it wears off, it’s a little less of a crash. I have had terrible migraine headaches. For three months now I have been using injections of Aimovig. The number of migraines I am getting a month has reduced to about four which is amazing. When I do get a headache, I use Fioricet. This is a combination of caffeine, Tylenol, and butalbital, which is a narcotic, but a small amount. It is a controlled substance and my current neurologist keeps trying to make me try these new drugs that cost a fortune and simply do not work, he has a hangup about the controlled substance status. When I am achy and stiff, I use Soma or the generic carisoprodol. I cannot use any regular NSAIDs because they upset my stomach., I do have a prescription for Celebrex, which is a wonderful medication, but there is a stigma about it. Exercise is absolutely crucial even if I just do a little bit. Otherwise, I find that my depression gets worse and my body just sort of folds in on itself. i’m happy to have found this group and I hope this is helpful.

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@ellenblythe

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 25 years ago, but I started having chronic pain in my groin about two years after giving birth to my second child, so Ive likely had it 40 yrs. Fatigue and fiber fog are the worst symptoms for me. I do have a lot of pain, but the pain is from repetitive stress injuries or just getting stiff from sitting too much or working out too much. In other words, it’s not just a “ mysterious pain.” I have been a sober alcoholic for 32 years but that doesn’t mean I can’t use drugs that doctors prescribed to me. And I do use as many drugs that help me. I must have a stimulant in my arsenal, otherwise I cannot function- but I don’t use it every day. Right now I am using Vyvanse. This seems to work fine. It doesn’t really last any longer than Adderall or Nuvigil but when it wears off, it’s a little less of a crash. I have had terrible migraine headaches. For three months now I have been using injections of Aimovig. The number of migraines I am getting a month has reduced to about four which is amazing. When I do get a headache, I use Fioricet. This is a combination of caffeine, Tylenol, and butalbital, which is a narcotic, but a small amount. It is a controlled substance and my current neurologist keeps trying to make me try these new drugs that cost a fortune and simply do not work, he has a hangup about the controlled substance status. When I am achy and stiff, I use Soma or the generic carisoprodol. I cannot use any regular NSAIDs because they upset my stomach., I do have a prescription for Celebrex, which is a wonderful medication, but there is a stigma about it. Exercise is absolutely crucial even if I just do a little bit. Otherwise, I find that my depression gets worse and my body just sort of folds in on itself. i’m happy to have found this group and I hope this is helpful.

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@ellenblythe Your story was very interesting to read. Thank you! You said that exercise is crucial. Well, maybe join our virtual walking group!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lets-go-walking-join-me-for-a-virtual-walking-support-group/
Is there anything specific we can help you with?

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Hi,
I know this is an old post, and yes I have fibro flare up for several months, I didn't understand what I was going through in the first three years because neither did my GP's. My injury is from a car carsh in 2013, I understand my condition now, I have changed my diet, and eat a wholesome, alkaline and balanced diet, no processed foods or fizzy sugary drinks, don't drink alcohol much and I don't smoke. I move as much as I can, do Qi Gong and Yin yoga at home, go for walks when I am able, I use a walking aid.

I have acupuncture, cupping and massage when I can afford it, I live in England, UK so our National Health Sevice (NHS) is free. I have been on every pain medication you can think of and some anti depressants as they are good for nerve pain. I read up on National Institute for Health and Care Guidelines (NICE) guidelines and they have stated Tramadol should not be used for fibromylagia as thye have no effect for patient symptoms. The main treatment for fibromyalgia is exercise, talking therapies and medication, I do as much gentle exercise as I can to keep my muscles tones, my joints healthy and felxible and reduce the stiffness, its not easy I'm 58 and have a spinal injury to which has caused impingment of the nerve and muscle weakness in my left leg and chroinc pain in my lower back, hips and pelvis. So you understand why I exercise even when the pain is bad, as I know weight gain will make my condition worse. Gentle stretches helps to reduce my pain and headaches.

I take Pregablin as I had an allergic reaction to Gaberpetine, also the link between it and impaired cognitive functions and dementia as curent research has found. I take co-codamol only when the pain is severe. I have Epsom salt baths with cloves and cinnamin sticks as they have anti flammatory properites which relax my muslces and eases my pain. I take vitamin B12 and D sprays and vitamin C especially for winter months to avoid colds as I have had pneumonia twice. I try not to take to much medications due to the long term effects. I use aromatherapy oils to relief my anxiety caused by my symptoms and also do self massage when I have any sort of pain to help reduce it if I am able to.

Yes, it's a battle, but counselling has helped give me coping mechanisms to cope otherwise I would have given up a long time ago. The chronic fatigue and pain is debilatating on top of all the other symptoms I have to manage and live with. You need to discover what changes to your lifestyle you need to make to manage your symptoms, have you spoken to your GP/ doctor and asked for advise on how to manage your symptoms?

Every day is a challange, I find that my mindset will determine how bad my symptoms are, when I am not working and my flare up is bad I just rest or my body just shuts down the pain is that bad, I do as my body tells me.

I hope this helps, if you are still reading these posts.

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@covidstinks2023

I am presently on 100 mg of Plaquenil for newly diagnosed Lupus every other day, (it has helped greatly with my pain & inflammation with fibro too), but, the side effects are not good. I see my Rheumatologist soon. I too have had Fibro for 20+ years. I was blessed to have a doctor diagnose me with Fibro and run a sed rate to rule out other autoimmune issues. He knew his stuff about Fibro...before it was widely known about at the time. You are so right, a painless day is a rarity. I cannot take NSAIDS like Advil, Motrin, Aleve. I wish I could! I am not on any antidepressants nor am I taking any prescription pain meds. The Plaquenil has given me much relief...but, the side effects are not good as I said! I am so glad that Tramadol helps you. You are correct, if you overdo, you pay for it FOR DAYS! God Bless you & Happy 4th!

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Hi!
U said you recently got a diagnosis of Lupus on top of Fybro?? I didn't know you could have both.
I use to take Tramadol but doctors here in Wisconsin refuse to prescribe them or any pain medication for that matter. Not even the Pain Management doctors!
I refuse to take anymore NSAIDS after I was diagnosed with cirrhosis caused by me taking huge amounts of prescribed Ibruprofen for years.
Do you have the rash that accompanys Lupus?
Curious.🦅

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@ellenblythe

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 25 years ago, but I started having chronic pain in my groin about two years after giving birth to my second child, so Ive likely had it 40 yrs. Fatigue and fiber fog are the worst symptoms for me. I do have a lot of pain, but the pain is from repetitive stress injuries or just getting stiff from sitting too much or working out too much. In other words, it’s not just a “ mysterious pain.” I have been a sober alcoholic for 32 years but that doesn’t mean I can’t use drugs that doctors prescribed to me. And I do use as many drugs that help me. I must have a stimulant in my arsenal, otherwise I cannot function- but I don’t use it every day. Right now I am using Vyvanse. This seems to work fine. It doesn’t really last any longer than Adderall or Nuvigil but when it wears off, it’s a little less of a crash. I have had terrible migraine headaches. For three months now I have been using injections of Aimovig. The number of migraines I am getting a month has reduced to about four which is amazing. When I do get a headache, I use Fioricet. This is a combination of caffeine, Tylenol, and butalbital, which is a narcotic, but a small amount. It is a controlled substance and my current neurologist keeps trying to make me try these new drugs that cost a fortune and simply do not work, he has a hangup about the controlled substance status. When I am achy and stiff, I use Soma or the generic carisoprodol. I cannot use any regular NSAIDs because they upset my stomach., I do have a prescription for Celebrex, which is a wonderful medication, but there is a stigma about it. Exercise is absolutely crucial even if I just do a little bit. Otherwise, I find that my depression gets worse and my body just sort of folds in on itself. i’m happy to have found this group and I hope this is helpful.

Jump to this post

Hi!
I started suffering from headaches about4 years ago then debilitating cluster migraines came 3 yrs ago.
I tried 3 different monthly injections plus Nurtec for breakthroughs over the course of those years. Did not get much relief. My neurologist then suggested Botox injections. They are the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time!! They are life favors.
I go in for my 32 injections every 3 months.
Now if they could just find a way to take away all this Fybro pain. I don't even remember what it feels like NOT to be in pain. Sad.

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@vellen

I order my groceries online and have a friend pick them up for about $15 twice per month, no order fee. I am so glad I stumbled onto that because like you, grocery shopping would wipe me out for two to three days.

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Hi!
I have Homecare and hired my 4th oldest to be my caregiver. It was very difficult for me to admit I need help. But I had to face reality.
It's actually worked out quite well.❤️

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