Massive flare up

Oh you poor soul what did they do for you at hospital x

Oh so sorry to hear you are in so much pain Jenifer! You are in a real flare up sweetie! Yeah I have been feeling it these days as well but not to that degree. Weather changes really get to me and stress of course. Even good stress. We can wear ourselves out very quickly. Have you had unusual stress these days Jen? Has anything out of the ordinary happened? Have you felt more emotional and helpless of late? Those feelings can ignite a flare up for sure. Don’t give up sweetie. We all know your battle. But you WILL have better days sweetie. It won’t last indefinitely. Meanwhile one of my best friends is an old fashioned ‘hot water bottle. I keep it close when I need that comfort and heat on a particular area. Can you take an Epsom Salts bath as well and have a real good soak? Do things to sooth you as well Jen. Play some calming music like Enya or similar. That always helps me. If you are stressed or worried about someone in your life at the moment, try to remember that we are not responsible for the decisions and actions of others. Even our grown children. We can lead a horse to water as they say, but we cannot ‘force’ it to drink. We take on a great deal as women and mothers and wives. But in the end sweetie, we all have our own paths to choose and follow. Let things take their course. Tough love is still Love. You need to make yourself a priority Jen. We can’t help anyone if we don’t help ourselves first. And even then, we can just do so much for our loved ones. Having Fibro can also make one feel like they are a burden. But I have found that most sufferers are some of the most caring and nurturing people I know. They have certainly done more than their share. To the point where they have oftentimes worn themselves out and have little strength left for self care. When Jesus was on earth, one of his wisest teachings he shared was; ‘to love others as you do Yourself.’ We empaths often forget that crucial part, ‘ourselves’. So never despair sweetie. We are all in this together. You are never really alone. And This too shall pass. Maggie xx

Magpie has really said it all. As you are treating yourself, to the lovely relaxing music, heat, nibbles and favourite things, you tell yourself positivily that this is your time, your treat !!!! and you deserve it. Heat bags/hot water bottles/electric blankets are my favourite things nowdays. Cuddle up, keep warm and enjoy relaxing. 

I had a massive flare this past week.  We had the remnants of a tropical depression come through our area.  The result for me was 1 full day in bed and part of another day.  Thank goodness we are out of school for summer already because as a teacher of small children, I would have had to called in a substitute and taken sick days.  As it was this year, I ended up with no extra sick days.  I either had massive flares or fibro related sickness, like IBS.  It is a horrible sickness and I am still learning to cope.  I spend a lot of time in prayer.  I use a lot of essential oils for mood.  I spend as much time as possible with loved ones, and I try to press on even when I don't feel like it.  I agree 100% with the previous poster though, take time for yourself and don't feel bad about it!!!! After my initial diagnosis I was so depressed and felt as if I had been handed down a life sentence.  I began to pray though and ask God to reveal to me how I could still praise through this storm in my life.  He was quick to remind me that I still had breath, so I could praise Him.  He also reminded me that I was not sitting by the bedside of either of my children and watching them suffer from some terrible cancer or other deadly disease.  So that was enough for me to say, Lord You are still on the throne of my life and I am going to praise you for as long as there is breath left in me, because despite this terrible sickness that makes me hurt so very badly at times, He has still been so so good to me, and I have a home waiting for me in Heaven.  Also, I will have a new glorified body that will not have fibro.  I still have some days that are pretty good with very little pain and discomfort.  I think the Lyrica dose my Rheumatologist has me on plays a very large role in that, but hey I will take it!  Jen, my prayer is for you to find things that help you too.  I hope that you will try different things like heat, ice, essential oils, prayer, meditation, etc. and find some things that help you de-stress.  Also, if you haven't already, find a good rheumatologist that can try different meds that might help you.  

Blessings

 

Ditto what others have said.  I use topicals. Have tried SO many and they help. I also like to read poetry, watch & feed the birds, soothing music-- anything to help take the mind off the pain.  The epsom salt soak is a good idea. There are also various mineral blends (Natures Alchemy is one) that combine the analgesia of the minerals with aromatherapy.  I've tried Hemp oil blend in creams and patches avail online; it;s not the psychoactive hemp. Also the TENS units avail OTC now help.  I hope you feel better soon.

Your mention of upper body and collarbone make me think of my diagnosis or Polymyalgia Rheumatica, which was in addition to my fibromyalgia.  You might mention it to your doctor; there is a medicine for it.  A blood test will tell if you have it.