Catherine: Welcome to MFT; it is a good source of information and support. Your questions, unfortunately, have no definite answers as each of us are affected differently by our little fibro friend. For me, a flare-up is an episode where your chronic pain level is significant worsened. I've had flares lasting anywhere from a few hours to months - they are unpredictable and can affect different areas of the body. Honey, you must now begin the most important job of your life - the search for what will be of help to you and that will not happen overnight. As I've already said - it is different for everyone. I can share what has helped me and maybe some of it will help you. too. First - I'm no longer willing to take the prescription medications - I have tried most of them and even if they do help it usually stops helping after a time plus fibro-fog is bad enough and I don't need drugs making it worse which, they do. Bottom line, for me, is that the drug side-effects far worse than any benefits.

I have been helped most by 1) EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) counselling to keep the stress under control; 2) Hellerwork massage to help with the body pain and trigger points; 3) A consistent exercise program - which can be so very, very difficult in the beginning but so helpful; 4) Over-the-counter pain control medications; 5) Supplements - currently am only taking Curcumin and fish oil. In the past have taken magnesium to help with sleep, Vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, etc.; and 6) Maybe the most important of all is that you need eat a good, healthy diet and that includes learning what foods can cause flares and which can help.

My final recommendation is that you become your own best advocate about your condition - learn as much as you can about it and stand up to anyone who refuses to listen, doesn't take you seriously or tells you that you are "making it up", it's "all in your head". This can be done with tact, kindness and dignity and you will be so empowered.

I hope this has been of some help to you. Just remember that you are not alone, you are stronger than you think and you can do this, my new Fibro-Warrior friend. Blessed Be.

for me there is no real flare trigger except for overdoing something I probably shouldnt be overdoing it in the first place, like weeding or raking etc. you will learn the signs of it coming on, you just need to slow down and try to listen to what your body is telling you .... and read, after 17 years its like I am discovering fibro. all over again by reading thease posts and asking questions and getting on google ,,,, hugs to you .....

Keep your chin up. When I was diagnosed I could barely get out of bed. I've had Fibromyalgia since I was 12 or so ( 32 years). Now I'm working full time, a power lifting gym rat with a wonderfully active life. My flare ups occurs only a few times a year and only last a few days. Here's what I did;
1. I did not join a support network, at the time most were disheartening. Support groups and network have become more positive. You need to pick and choose.
2. Research, research, research. Look for alternatives to medications. Focus on diet and exercise research.
3. Cut out artificial food and sugar. The are taxing on your central nervous system.
4. Exercise but
Start slow. It builds your body's tolerance to stimuli. For me weight training and interval cardio training work best but it may be different for you.
4. Move, a lot. If I sit in one position for more than 20 minutes I hurt more.
5. Invest in a filler. You can get them at any sports shop and there are tons of how to videos on you tube. This for me is vital.
6. Finally find ways to smile and laugh as much as possible.

The future doesn't have to be grim. It may take a while until you start to feel better, but never stop looking for ways to find relief.

Thank you just want to know what to expect and I guess no one can answer that. Not very good at dealing with people who don't understand at the moment must be honest but I guess when I have no support and don't understand it myself how can I expect others to?

seems what ever body part you use in a repetitive motion will start hurting..For instance if you do the dishes it will be your neck and back..if your on the internet..will be your neck back hands...what ever you do in a repetitive manner..the best thing to do is take a break from it every 15-20 minutes..if you keep going it will cause a flare..the pain will increase..so stop more often then get back to it..for me..heat helps when I am resting in-between..seems to help bring down the pain level..then I go back to what I was doing...emotional stuff..will sen your whole body into a flare..like someone ran over you with a mac ruck..these are some of the things I have learned for my self hope it can be helpful..