Managing Flare-Ups
By Tamara Peters
updated on 06/20/2007 at 11:06AM
Published on: October 28, 2002
article reprinted from Suite101.com
I’ve often compared living with fibromyalgia to riding on a rollercoaster with its many ups and downs. As the symptoms wax and wane we may feel in total control one day only to spiral out of control the next. The highs and lows may cycle rapidly for some, or more slowly for others. The pain of FM is often exacerbated by both internal and external factors resulting in what we FMers refer to as a flare.The symptoms of a flare may include: profuse sweating, irritability, inability to sleep, lethargy, increased pain, fatigue, and fog. Whatever symptoms we are experiencing at the time will usually be magnified ten-fold.
The dreaded fibro-flare can strike us at any moment - seemingly out of the blue; however, with a little detective work we can usually, but not always, determine the cause. It is important to be aware of what causes our symptoms to flare up in order to avoid them whenever possible. The following are some known causes:
Weather changes: Sensitivity to cold, damp, humidity, heat, approaching storms (barometric pressure changes), temperature extremes, and change of seasons.
As you never know what surprises Mother Nature will have in store for you, and weather conditions cannot always be avoided, be sure to dress sensibly for the conditions in your area. Layer your clothing so that you will be warm when it is cold, or can take off a layer or two when it is too hot. Be especially careful to avoid direct, cold drafts. Cold air tends to cause our muscles to gel (tighten up) which increases pain and stiffness. Stock up on herbal teas, hot cocoa - anything you find warming and soothing for that approaching chilly weather. Of course, if you are living in an area where very hot weather is predominant then you might find this article helpful.
Stress: Physical and emotional.
You cannot always control the stressors in your life, but you can certainly control your reaction to them. An excellent article for managing stress can be found at immunesupport.com. Make a conscious decision to reduce the physical and emotional factors that cause you bodily or mental tension. One way to do this is by learning to say no to those situations that will only increase your pain and fatigue. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Reducing clutter in your life is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress. The FibroFriends have found flylady to be an invaluable help for reducing chaos in our lives. Many people find that owning, and caring for, a pet to be a wonderful way to reduce the effects of stress in their lives. Who can resist the wet, sloppy kisses of a pet not to mention the unconditional love they offer so freely. A variety of stress management and emotional wellness links can be found here.
Over exertion:
Increased activity or prolonged inactivity can cause our muscles to rebel. Over doing it is a sure fire way to bring on a flare-up, but then so is doing too little. On your good days you may be tempted to push a little harder in order to get things done. On your really bad days you may only want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers up over your head. This is when pacing becomes so very important. Modifying your activities - proceeding at a slow, steady pace - on bad day, as well as good days - will get you that much further ahead in the long run, and just might help avoid a flare. I generally find that practicing what I preach is easier said than done. On those days all my good intentions seem to fly right out the window. I’ve found that taking an over the counter medication (OCD), such as advil, does not eliminate the pain, but it does seem to help take the edge off. You may need to experiment to discover if cold or heat works best for you. I find a hot shower, along with my microwave heated ricebags to help relieve my aches and pains. If cold works best for you then try gel-pacs. You may find warm water therapy, massage, yoga, stretching, and gentle exercise to be helpful as well.
Hormonal fluctuations: Premenstrual and menopausal states for women - andropause or male menopause for men.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause our bodies to go haywire. It is during these times that we need to be extra kind to ourselves. Menopause and PMS can aggravate and intensify our symptoms. Fluid retention may be a problem so be sure to check with your physician if you feel the need for a diuretic. A look at menopause, and what it means for you as a woman can be found here. For the men, yes you sure do suffer hormonal fluctuations, you will find further information at wellnessmd.com.
Anxiety and depression:
As we struggle to come to terms with our illness, and cope with it various aspects, we may find that anxiety and depression are our constant companions. We may feel anxious about our future, and depressed by the prospects. Depression is especially difficult to cope with during a flare-up. As our symptoms escalate we may find ourselves struggling to keep our heads above water. Check out this excellent topic on depression, by John McManamy, for invaluable information, and coping tips. Sometimes just knowing that a flare will eventually end - even though the amount of time it takes may be undertermined - will help you see that light at the end of the tunnel.
Now that you are more aware of the symptoms, and potential causes, of your flare-ups I hope I have helped you to prepare a plan to deal more effectively with them in the future. Above all - be sure to check new and unusual symptoms with your physician. Never assume they are just part of Fibromyalgia. Schedule periodic checkups that will allow you to discuss your concerns with your physician at that time.
Tamara Peters works with Suite101.com in the following capacities:
Managing Editor: Medicine and Diseases
Contributing Editor: Fibromyalgia Friends
Associate Editor: Coping with Fibromyalgia-I&II CpE
Article originally printed at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Fibro_Friends/95939
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