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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pasadena, CA

I hear about flares, which remind me of cold sores, I don't understand this when it comes to FM. If it weren't for pain meds, I would b in agony 24/7 I wish I could get a break from pain, so, someone please what type of FM is conltinious, b/c that's what I deal with.
Thanks in advance for your time and concideration.

November 8, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members clarified that fibromyalgia is a single syndrome rather than multiple types, though symptoms and pain patterns vary widely from person... Read more

Members clarified that fibromyalgia is a single syndrome rather than multiple types, though symptoms and pain patterns vary widely from person to person, with some experiencing constant pain while others have periods of relative relief interrupted by flares. Several members shared personal strategies for managing continuous pain, including identifying triggers like light touch or air movement, using compression sleeves, adjusting shower routines, and staying informed through research newsletters from sources like ProHealth. A recurring theme was the unpredictability of fibromyalgia over time, with members describing how their condition has shifted between constant pain, functional periods, and severe relapses, emphasizing the importance of trial-and-error experimentation, self-advocacy, and understanding the underlying mechanics of the condition to find what works best individually.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member No, I'm not. Everything that happens in your body does show up in the brain, that's where it is processed. However, the brain in this case is receiving info that there is pain, from the nerves and processing it as pain, although there shouldn't be any pain at all. The nerves are causing both the pain and the message! The brain is NOT sending the pain to your body, your nerves are. As for lack of O2 being the 'cause' you are wrong again, that is a 'theory' not a proven cause.

November 12, 2015 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

The reason pain is continuous is because the switch in the brain that "feels" pain has become stuck in the on position. This is what I have gleaned from all that I have read. Part of what has worked for me to control my pain is to figure out what really sets it off, then try to take steps to not do those things anymore, or to figure out a way to side track the pain.

One of my biggest pain triggers is air moving over my lower arms. This sets off a feeling of being stabbed by millions of needles. My solution was to take a pair of light weight socks and cut the toes out, and use them like sleeves, or just to always wear long sleeves. Unfortunately, I'm also of the age to have hot flashes, so I can't stand to wear long sleeves all the time, thus the temporary ones.

I've also found that if I'm touched lightly it hurts more than if I am touched with a firm motion. I can't tolerate light rubbing of my feet, but firm massage feels good. It was a real trial and error job to find what helped and what hurt more. Some days I cannot take a shower! I have to take a sponge bath at the sink. The drops of water from the shower sometimes feel like a million needles from each drop of water.

November 10, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Everyone, has so much informatión! Understanding Fm is extreamly important to me. Thank you so much. I wish to God with all my being that this nemesis didn't exist. Love to all.

November 9, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have constant pain as well, but I do flare up and the pain is unbearable and makes me want to die, or at least wonder if going on living this way is worth it. So I do understand the flares, but it would be nice to have a pain free time in between, but that doesn't happen for me.

Have a great day.

November 9, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am like you,have not had a pain free day since this disease started. Some days are better than others. I don't really use the term flare.

November 9, 2015

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