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How long do "flares" last and how do you get out of one?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bellevue, WA

I have been in what I'm told is a "flare" since the beginning of June. Every time I start to feel more normal and try to increase my activity level back to what it was before this or do anything physically strenuous, I feel horrible all over again, like I have the flu. I get a low-grade fever that never goes above 100 (though I feel like I am really ill with a very high fever), and my whole body aches and throbs and burns and feels weak (but most severely in whatever muscle group I overtaxed… read more

August 23, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared that fibromyalgia flares can last far longer than expected, with many describing continuous flares lasting months to years... Read more

Members shared that fibromyalgia flares can last far longer than expected, with many describing continuous flares lasting months to years rather than days or weeks, and some noting they rarely experience symptom-free periods at all. Several members described adapting to a new reality where they distinguish between good days and bad days rather than flare versus remission, with weather, activity levels, and stress often influencing symptom severity in unpredictable ways. A recurring theme was the grief of lost normalcy paired with small moments of hope, like brief pain-free windows that feel magical even when fleeting, and the hard-earned wisdom that pacing and self-compassion are essential even when the body doesn't cooperate.

A MyFibroTeam Member

When I first had a flare it lasted for more than 3 years. The fourth year a got a couple good days. Now I only have good days in the summer.

August 23, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Mine have lasted 6 1/2 years. Yes you read that correctly. I thought that once I stopped working it would go away. Didn't happen. I thought if I took muscle relaxers it would stop. It didn't happen. I thought if I took pain pills it would stop. It didn't happen. I thought if I had massages, acupuncture, Bowen therapy, myofascial release, structural integration, chiropractic work and on and on that it would stop. It didn't happen. My answer is that it can last your lifetime.

August 23, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I've had a few pain free moments which I want everyone to see. I actually put phone on speaker so my bf could listen to me stomping my feet. He thought I was strange but after not being able to walk for 3 days it was a very happy feeling. Of course a few hours later after I did all the work I needed to do I was reminded that it was only temporary and I shouldn't over do it even when I think I can.

November 17, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member There have been great moments I realize I am aware of 0 discomfort, in a happy and free state, and remissions of any length can happen if I find somehow everything is fine though I don't know what I did or didn't do to make it happen. It IS rather magical.

November 10, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

One can hope.

August 25, 2016

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