Re: How Do You Handle A Flair?

[Guest guest]

Doreen,

I am so sorry that you are suffering like this. I don't have fibro

and my pain is different. I have been fortunate and have never taken

anything but Tylenol and Ultram ER for pain. It doesn't take the

pain away, but I can deal with it. Narcotics make me VERY sick, last

time I took one I threw up for 2 days.

I agree with you about the ER. They tend to think people are just

there for narcotics. I have witnessed it before.

Honey, I hope you get some relief very soon. I will keep you in my

prayers.

Shirley

>

> Hi Everyone!! I am beside myself in pain, praying that the meds I

took

> almost an hour ago will kick in soon. I think I am having a Fibro

> flare. All I know is it started last night, had me up and down all

> night until I gave up at 3am and it hasn't let up since. The pain

is

> radiating up my back from the lower ribcage with a general all over

> hurt. I've been in bed off and on almost all day and I just don't

know

> what to do with myself. I've already taken my nightime meds that

> consist of 1500mg Sulfasalazine, 1200mg Neurontin, 800mg Skelaxin,

> 10mg Oxycodone and 1mg Xanax. So far nothing is working.

>

> I'm just wondering how you all handle your flair-ups? This is such

a

> horrible feeling. Part of me wants to go to the hospital, but

without

> insurance, I hesitate and they aren't going to give me anything

> stronger than the 10mg of Oxycodone - not that it would do any good

> anyway. Part of me feels that maybe I should take some Ibuprophen -

> maybe it would calm the inflammation - if that's what it is. Then

the

> crazy out of my mind with pain part thinks what if I don't have

RA/FMS

> to begin with and the doctors have misdiagnosed me altogether? This

> seems to happen way too often considering all the Rx drugs running

> through my veins.

>

> Ok, I'm going to stop the whinefest here and thank you all in

advance

> for any and all info you can provide.........Doreen :/

>

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you're in a flare Doreen. I definitely know what these are

like. I start popping *all* of my pain meds. Sometimes a hot shower or

bath will help as well. For some odd reason I find that I can

sometimes fall asleep in the recliner when I can't fall asleep in bed

during a flare.

You might also want to call your rheumy or dr for advice on the pain

meds. It's possible that they will recommend a stronger dose or

another type.

I hope you feel better soon!

Kim

>

> Hi Everyone!! I am beside myself in pain, praying that the meds I took

> almost an hour ago will kick in soon. I think I am having a Fibro

> flare. All I know is it started last night, had me up and down all

> night until I gave up at 3am and it hasn't let up since. The pain is

> radiating up my back from the lower ribcage with a general all over

> hurt. I've been in bed off and on almost all day and I just don't know

> what to do with myself. I've already taken my nightime meds that

> consist of 1500mg Sulfasalazine, 1200mg Neurontin, 800mg Skelaxin,

> 10mg Oxycodone and 1mg Xanax. So far nothing is working.

>

> I'm just wondering how you all handle your flair-ups? This is such a

> horrible feeling. Part of me wants to go to the hospital, but without

> insurance, I hesitate and they aren't going to give me anything

> stronger than the 10mg of Oxycodone - not that it would do any good

> anyway. Part of me feels that maybe I should take some Ibuprophen -

> maybe it would calm the inflammation - if that's what it is. Then the

> crazy out of my mind with pain part thinks what if I don't have RA/FMS

> to begin with and the doctors have misdiagnosed me altogether? This

> seems to happen way too often considering all the Rx drugs running

> through my veins.

>

> Ok, I'm going to stop the whinefest here and thank you all in advance

> for any and all info you can provide.........Doreen :/

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Doreen!

I know flares are extremely difficult to handle.  When I get one they seem to

last for months at a time.  Some of the things I have learned are...pace myself,

get lots of rest, use the heating pad for pain for both RA/FMS, ice for any

inflammation with the RA.  HOT baths! Long, relaxing ones! Also, relaxing music,

aromatherapy candles, taking 10 deep breaths.  Try to watch a funny movie, or if

you enjoy reading a good book.  Be patient and gentle with yourself.  One thing

I can tell you...even though its very hard try to distract your mind from the

pain..a positive affirmation... " this too shall pass " " pain is weakness leaving

the body " .  I have a very severe panic disorder with anxiety disorder with

agoraphobia that I am just breaking free from.  When I allow myself to focus on

the pain, or let it affect my anxiety, the pain increases tenfold.  Emotional

pain on top of physical pain is very difficult.  One thing I have learned in CBT

for pain

management, is choose a color..say yellow, and imagine that color beginning at

your feet, its a warm glow moving over every hurting muscle and joint.  It helps

to relax the mind and guided imagery has helped me.  I used to believe NOTHING

would help me but learning to focus my mind elsewhere has  helped me immensely. 

It may not make my pain better but I do  know stressing makes it so much

worse...good luck..may this pass soon for you

From: Mimi <mimi212@...>

Subject: [ ] How Do You Handle A Flair?

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 8:04 PM

Hi Everyone!! I am beside myself in pain, praying that the meds I took

almost an hour ago will kick in soon. I think I am having a Fibro

flare. All I know is it started last night, had me up and down all

night until I gave up at 3am and it hasn't let up since. The pain is

radiating up my back from the lower ribcage with a general all over

hurt. I've been in bed off and on almost all day and I just don't know

what to do with myself. I've already taken my nightime meds that

consist of 1500mg Sulfasalazine, 1200mg Neurontin, 800mg Skelaxin,

10mg Oxycodone and 1mg Xanax. So far nothing is working.

I'm just wondering how you all handle your flair-ups? This is such a

horrible feeling. Part of me wants to go to the hospital, but without

insurance, I hesitate and they aren't going to give me anything

stronger than the 10mg of Oxycodone - not that it would do any good

anyway. Part of me feels that maybe I should take some Ibuprophen -

maybe it would calm the inflammation - if that's what it is. Then the

crazy out of my mind with pain part thinks what if I don't have RA/FMS

to begin with and the doctors have misdiagnosed me altogether? This

seems to happen way too often considering all the Rx drugs running

through my veins.

Ok, I'm going to stop the whinefest here and thank you all in advance

for any and all info you can provide..... ....Doreen :/

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Shirley for the prayers. Its now been 2½ hours since I took

my night time meds and I'm still not getting any relief. I think I

will take the Ibuprofen as I can't take another pain pill for 2 more

hours.............Doreen

>

> Doreen,

> I am so sorry that you are suffering like this. I don't have fibro

> and my pain is different. I have been fortunate and have never

> taken anything but Tylenol and Ultram ER for pain. It doesn't take

> the pain away, but I can deal with it. Narcotics make me VERY sick,

> last time I took one I threw up for 2 days.

> I agree with you about the ER. They tend to think people are just

> there for narcotics. I have witnessed it before.

> Honey, I hope you get some relief very soon. I will keep you in my

> prayers.

> Shirley

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Kim. I think I will call my Rheumy in the morning if things

aren't better. I have a soft-sided waterbed which is normally heavenly

in support and comfort, but since this flare, even that is not

comfortable. Then if I try to sleep elsewhere, I have to drag the CPAP

machine along with me - most of the times for naught as nothing is

comfortable by this point. Thanks for your input........Doreen

>

> I'm sorry you're in a flare Doreen. I definitely know what these are

> like. I start popping *all* of my pain meds. Sometimes a hot shower

> or bath will help as well. For some odd reason I find that I can

> sometimes fall asleep in the recliner when I can't fall asleep in

> bed during a flare.

>

> You might also want to call your rheumy or dr for advice on the pain

> meds. It's possible that they will recommend a stronger dose or

> another type.

>

> I hope you feel better soon!

>

> Kim

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Doreen,

I think you should whine ;o) I have Fibro and RA and pretty much do what you

did and take all the meds at once and hope to fall asleep. Hot baths help.

The fibro and RA flares are a bit different in my opinon.. with the RA I know

the

heat with help with the fibro I kinda roll up into a little ball in front of the

tv and

whine.. I haven't figured that one out... I'm a bit of a lightweight when it

comes to drugs

so I'm out if I take them.. I take 2 lorazapans and I'm asleep...

Just be careful with taking too many drugs at once.. I did a few weeks ago and

it really tore up my stomach thought I had an ulcer had to go to the doc.. 'fess

up

to what I did and ended up with more meds to help the stomach.... oh

I know that doesn't help but at least you know we can relate.

I hope your meds have kicked in and you are asleep by the time you get this msg.

-Maggie

>

> Hi Everyone!! I am beside myself in pain, praying that the meds I took

> almost an hour ago will kick in soon. I think I am having a Fibro

> flare. All I know is it started last night, had me up and down all

> night until I gave up at 3am and it hasn't let up since. The pain is

> radiating up my back from the lower ribcage with a general all over

> hurt. I've been in bed off and on almost all day and I just don't know

> what to do with myself. I've already taken my nightime meds that

> consist of 1500mg Sulfasalazine, 1200mg Neurontin, 800mg Skelaxin,

> 10mg Oxycodone and 1mg Xanax. So far nothing is working.

>

> I'm just wondering how you all handle your flair-ups? This is such a

> horrible feeling. Part of me wants to go to the hospital, but without

> insurance, I hesitate and they aren't going to give me anything

> stronger than the 10mg of Oxycodone - not that it would do any good

> anyway. Part of me feels that maybe I should take some Ibuprophen -

> maybe it would calm the inflammation - if that's what it is. Then the

> crazy out of my mind with pain part thinks what if I don't have RA/FMS

> to begin with and the doctors have misdiagnosed me altogether? This

> seems to happen way too often considering all the Rx drugs running

> through my veins.

>

> Ok, I'm going to stop the whinefest here and thank you all in advance

> for any and all info you can provide.........Doreen :/

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, - I also have anxiety issues and that does make

everything worse - especially when I am thinking " Oh no! Not again! " .

I am so worn out by all of this and then I feel like I take more

medications than would kill an ant colony, which also makes things

worse. I did use a heating pad last night - which was soothing. I

guess I'll turn that on again..........Doreen :/

>

> Hi Doreen!

> I know flares are extremely difficult to handle.  When I get one

they seem to last for months at a time.  Some of the things I have

learned are...pace myself, get lots of rest, use the heating pad for

pain for both RA/FMS, ice for any inflammation with the RA.  HOT

baths! Long, relaxing ones! Also, relaxing music, aromatherapy

candles, taking 10 deep breaths.  Try to watch a funny movie, or if

you enjoy reading a good book.  Be patient and gentle with yourself. 

One thing I can tell you...even though its very hard try to distract

your mind from the pain..a positive affirmation... " this too shall

pass " " pain is weakness leaving the body " .  I have a very severe panic

disorder with anxiety disorder with agoraphobia that I am just

breaking free from.  When I allow myself to focus on the pain, or let

it affect my anxiety, the pain increases tenfold.  Emotional pain on

top of physical pain is very difficult.  One thing I have learned in

CBT for pain management, is choose a color..say yellow, and imagine

that color beginning at your feet, its a warm glow moving over every

hurting muscle and joint.  It helps to relax the mind and guided

imagery has helped me.  I used to believe NOTHING would help me but

learning to focus my mind elsewhere has  helped me immensely.  It may

not make my pain better but I do know stressing makes it so much

worse...good luck..may this pass soon for you

[Guest guest]

(((Doreen)))

Sending gentle hugs your way. It is so hard to be in pain, and it

never gets any easier. I take a short dose of Prednsione, and it

helps. The doc might give you a steroid shot to ease your pain. I

hope you feel better soon, take care, Tawny

>

> Hi Everyone!! I am beside myself in pain, praying that the meds I

took

> almost an hour ago will kick in soon. I think I am having a Fibro

> flare. All I know is it started last night, had me up and down all

> night until I gave up at 3am and it hasn't let up since. The pain is

> radiating up my back from the lower ribcage with a general all over

> hurt. I've been in bed off and on almost all day and I just don't

know

> what to do with myself. I've already taken my nightime meds that

> consist of 1500mg Sulfasalazine, 1200mg Neurontin, 800mg Skelaxin,

> 10mg Oxycodone and 1mg Xanax. So far nothing is working.

>

> I'm just wondering how you all handle your flair-ups? This is such a

> horrible feeling. Part of me wants to go to the hospital, but

without

> insurance, I hesitate and they aren't going to give me anything

> stronger than the 10mg of Oxycodone - not that it would do any good

> anyway. Part of me feels that maybe I should take some Ibuprophen -

> maybe it would calm the inflammation - if that's what it is. Then

the

> crazy out of my mind with pain part thinks what if I don't have

RA/FMS

> to begin with and the doctors have misdiagnosed me altogether? This

> seems to happen way too often considering all the Rx drugs running

> through my veins.

>

> Ok, I'm going to stop the whinefest here and thank you all in

advance

> for any and all info you can provide.........Doreen :/

>

[Guest guest]

Doreen and group;

Awe Doreen. Go to ER hon. Don't suffer like this. At least they give

you something. I know they think we are looking for pain meds to

get high. People that do that mess it up for us that are really in

pain. Also, how can we convince a doctor we are in pain if some of

our own family don't believe us.

I have read all my post and I do see some good ideas for your flare

ups. Sulfazaline does nothing for my RA pain. If seems like my RA

got worse from taking the RA meds. I know it didnt. I know we get

crazy out of our minds when in this pain. Because when I took the

humira shot I beging to think more rationally when the pain left.

Doreen complain all you want. Send me an email and complain too. I

want to see you feel better. I been in bed for a couple years. No

not all the time. My husband wont allow it. But when I am in bad

pain he goes crazy with ideas. CAn I rub some bengay on ya. Or what

about a hot shower. Or have you taken your pain pill.

I notice when we get in pain we don't even take a pain pill

sometimes. I mean it wont help the pain it's so bad. So my husband

makes me try other things. CAuse he cant stand to see me suffer. I

dont have a crying fit but he knows. Feel better Doreen.

gentle kind hugs

Clora