It appears that everyone is in agreement of the definition of flare ups. Because most days are bad for pain and fatigue, until I got on this website I had not heard about "flares." Unfortunately now I have more days I can't do anything and barely walk. I have not been able to work since May of this year because of the bad days being so ongoing. My doctor told me that the medication only reduces the pain about 20% on the norm so like @ChardeMoore stated on the really bad days the medications don't work at all. The fatigue is also a major problem and the dizziness, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and insomnia due to the pain being so high. So we do the best we can. I have found no rhyme or reason for the flare ups - on days I rest you would think the following day would be easier, however, sometimes that is when the flares are the worst. I do think that it is important to listen to our bodies and don't overdo things when we feel bad - just because we only have a certain level that our "pain receptors" can deal with before they begin to shut down because of fighting pain 24/7.

Flare-Widespread pain, fibro-fog, itching, and just feeling frozen. Unable to think or concentrate. Not having a flare is less pain, thinking clearer, being able to concentrate better and flow through the day easier. I use to stay in bed during a flare but now make myself get up.

I start talking and can't remember what I was saying it's terrible really embarrassing in shops when you can't remember what your asking for yes flares are pain like no other every days pain but a flare is something else

I ache when I am not having a flare up, but when it is really bad, I call those days a flare up. They come out of nowhere. I have pain mainly everyday, so I don't call those days a flare up. Pain has been normal for me now. It shouldn't be normal, but with Fibromyalga we expect pain on a regular. Flare ups are days when you cannot handle the pain & meds are not working at all.

Oh and the brain fog confusion gets really bad. I can't hardly form a coherent sentence. It's a very noticeable difference to me and it is so frustrating. Most people I interact with don't notice unless I am on pain meds but I notice and it's enough to drive me crazy.