How to deal with a fibro flare

The first time you get a fibro flare it can be scary. You are going along in your day to day life trying to cope with your fibro symptoms of fatigue, pain, brain fog, sleep problems etc etc and suddenly you feel like you have been run over by a bus. It's a flare!

At first you wonder if it was something you did, or some extra stress or even an extra illness rearing it's ugly head... but you need to know that this shall pass. 

Exactly what is a Fibro flare?

A fibro flare is defined as a sudden, intense increase in symptoms that significantly hinders your ability to carry out daily activities.

In some people, a flare can mean an intense increase in the regular symptoms they experience (like deeper pain or heavier fatigue). In others, it can bring a sudden onset of completely new symptoms on top of their usual ones. It is helpful to work out which kind of flare you typically get for quick identification in the future. This practice can save stress and unnecessary doctor's visits.

The Key: Identify Triggers

One of the most powerful steps you can take is learning your specific triggers. While flares often feel random, they are frequently caused by identifiable factors. Common culprits include: significant changes in the weather, emotional or physical stress (even positive stress like a big event), poor sleep for several nights, and overexertion. Identifying and logging your triggers is the first step toward prevention.

Immediate Action: The 3 'R's

When a flare hits, your body is sounding a loud alarm. Instead of panicking, shift immediately into management mode using the 3 'R's:

1. Rest: Cancel non-essential plans immediately. Get horizontal and let your body reset.

2. Rethink: Adjust your expectations. Give yourself permission to do nothing and focus on comfort.

3. Resource: Utilize your tools—whether it’s medication, heating pads, or the survival kits detailed in the articles below.

Flare Resources from the Fibro Blogger Directory

Here are some great articles from the fibro bloggers here at the directory—all of whom have experienced fibro flares. These articles will give you more insight and help you cope:

Coping & Actionable Tips (The 'How-To') 

How to handle a flare up: 5 tips (from Donna at February Stars)

5 tips for getting through a Fibro Flare (by Julie at Counting My Spoons)

ABC's of Bouncing Back from a Flare (by Julie at Counting My Spoons)

When A Pain flare is Overwhelming (by Beverley Butterfly at Blooming Mindfulness)

Mindset & Creative Survival

How to stay creative through a Fibro Flare (by Susan at Creatively Fibro)

3 Ways to Describe a Fibro Flare  (by Kathleen at FibroWorks)

Practical Kits & Products 

My Fibromyalgia Flare Survival Kit (by Carrie at My Several Worlds)

7 Must haves to get you through a chronic pain flare (By Shelley at Chronic Mom)

Special Event/Holiday Planning

Tips to Avoid a Holiday Fibro Flare (by Cynthia at My Inspired Fibro Life)

STOP That Holiday Flare Now! (by Sue at Rebuilding Wellness)

Family & Support

Easy Activities for Your kids When You're in a Fibromyalgia Flare (video by Melissa at Going My Own Pace)

The importance of support from family when Chronic Illness flares affect my ability to communicate. (podcast by The Disabled Diva)