I am having my first major flare up in a long time. I'm used to small flare ups in one part of my body or another, but this is head to toe, the worst flare up I've had in years. Everything is swollen and in pain. My pain meds aren't enough. I can barely use my hands. They hurt so bad. Any advice on how to get through this?
Flare ups are a killer. They hurt us and remind us that even though we live with daily pain, it can get worse. The length of a flare up is different for everyone and sometimes every time. I have had flare ups as little as a day and as a long as 16 months. When your meds are not hitting the pain, you know it is a serious flare up. Best to take it as easy as possible, but move around. Staying in bed or sitting too long will make it worse. Warm baths and plenty of water to drink. These things won't stop it but it can help for the moment. Trying to take your mind off it will help a bit too. However, when I am in a bad flare, nothing takes my mind off of it. That is the evil of this beast. I do hope your flare doesn't stick around long. Gentle Hugs.
So sorry you’re going through this! You did a good job to post and ask for help. If you can, call a friend and make sure you have someone with you who can empathize, pray for you, and just be with you.
Definitely agree with the heat or ice.
Get out of any responsibilities you may have for the next few days or week.
Remember it won’t last forever. It may be super severe right now but it will calm down to a tolerable level soon enough.
Trust your gut. If you feel like you need a hospital, go.
Music can be really helpful.
Breathe. Walk if you can or gentle swimming. A physical therapist or massage person (who does it gently) can go a long way too, pending what is flared up.
You may feel tempted to stay in bed all day but try to move as much as tolerable.
Pray.
Sorry, that was a lot. Feel free to take or leave any of that. You know yourself better than anyone so go with your instincts.
Big hug
Try a heating blanket if you have one and if you don’t, it’ll be the best investment you ever made!! In the winter it totally works to sooth your throbbing body and although the summer is hot, if you have air conditioning on, I find that cold triggers it as well so again, the blanket is perfect!! Good luck!!
Rest, sleep and go to the hospital