Managing Fibro Flares: Seeking Advice and Support

I also have Crohn’s along with fibromyalgia, usually my Crohn’s is in remission my fibromyalgia isn’t that bad. In that case I like dancing. Right now I’m trying to get into remission so I can’t do that as much, but I walk or use my biking machine at home. I find stretching can be a little helpful or using a CBD cream.

I have found that you can kind of “cheat” a flare by having a sugar free energy drink with vitamins- but it is a TEMPORARY fix at best. This method can allow you the duration of the effects of the energy drink to get more physical activities done that you couldn’t otherwise do without. I don’t think this is particularly healthy but it can be useful in case of emergency- please take more care of yourself afterwards (after the effects of the drink have worn off), hydrate and rest accordingly, and don’t do this too often!

I like re-watching favorite tv shows, drawing, journaling, coloring, podcasts, and passively watching streamers on twitch when I want to do something but don’t have many physical spoons

@expelliarmus — for the patches, so you use the ones with capsaicin, lidocaine, the “hot” one, or the regular one (w/ camphor, methyl salicylate, & menthol)

Honestly, nicotine helps me (I’m trying to get off it) so chewing nicotine gum is helping me atm.

Heated or frozen rice bags are super helpful. OTC Salonpas pain patches (but do NOT use heat with them), CBD/THC lotion, stretching, soaking in tub, napping whenever I feel I need to, and snuggling my dogs.

I find with those flares, forcing myself to do something light like stretching, going for a walk or low yoga really helps. Hard to muscle through but movement helps the pain.

I know it’s small but I love my heated blanket

I watch a lot of TV. I’m really liking PBS Masterpiece shows right now. For pain reduction, sometimes my weighted blanket helps

Typically when I’m not having too much pain I spend time at home watching YouTube or movies. I also haven’t found anything that helps during a flare except sleeping (which only helps sometimes). I’m all ears if someone has something to try during a flare 😅