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How would you describe a flare up? Also what

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭

So I am newly diagnosed. I am usually fatigued due to depression. Especially in the winter. I have also been diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis so I chalked up the back pain to that. 9 years ago I had lost 70 lbs and was able to walk ALOT. Now I am walking for 10 minutes. I am retiring in 10 years from teaching. That’s my goal. 🤞

January 21
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Reactions
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hope this helps Lore. The older I get ,the less I’m able to walk as far. I’m sorry you have fatigue due to depression. I know that must make it so much harder. How do you ever work? Also I know that lumbar spondylosis is really hard to live with. Just do what you can. A wise doctor once told me, the trick with fibromyalgia is to stop before it hurts. Very tricky I have to force myself to do less. It doesn’t always work out. hugs🦋🩷Victoria

January 22
MyFibroTeam

How would you describe a fibromyalgia flare-up, and what triggers them?

A flare-up is when your fibromyalgia symptoms suddenly intensify beyond your usual baseline. MyFibroTeam members describe flares as periods when pain, fatigue, and other symptoms become significantly worse, sometimes making daily activities much harder Show Full Answer

How would you describe a fibromyalgia flare-up, and what triggers them?

A flare-up is when your fibromyalgia symptoms suddenly intensify beyond your usual baseline. MyFibroTeam members describe flares as periods when pain, fatigue, and other symptoms become significantly worse, sometimes making daily activities much harder to manage.

During a flare, you might experience:
- Increased widespread pain throughout your body
- Extreme fatigue that feels overwhelming
- Worsening brain fog or concentration problems
- Heightened sensitivity to touch, light, or sound
- More intense muscle stiffness

Flares can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The duration varies from person to person and even from flare to flare. Common triggers include stress, overexertion, changes in weather (especially winter), poor sleep, and dietary factors. Since you're experiencing increased fatigue in winter and noticing reduced walking tolerance, these could be signs of flare activity combined with your depression symptoms.

It's wonderful that you have a retirement goal to work toward! Managing fibro while teaching is challenging. Consider pacing yourself with activities, keeping a symptom diary to identify your personal triggers, and working with your doctor to address both the fibromyalgia and depression, as they often influence each other.

Your reduced walking capacity compared to 9 years ago is understandable with fibro, but gentle, gradual movement within your limits can still be beneficial when you're not in a flare.

January 21
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member I am sorry to hear about your heart condition. Thanks for sharing your experience. ❤️

January 23
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am afraid to take hydroxyzine as I read that it can cause heart rhythm disturbances and in some people can raise the blood pressure. I already have atrial fibrillation caused by a drug I took years ago for an allergy. I did not have atrial fibrillation until the doctor gave me a drug for a cold/allergy years ago after a trip to Alaska. The drug was Claritin-D. My heart never went back to a normal rhythm. I've been in atrial fib ever since 1991.

January 23 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

You’re very welcome! Amen Lore! Day by day!🙏🏻🥰🦋

January 22

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