Category: #fibro-flare

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WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CAUSE OF A FIBROMYALGIA FLARE-UP?…

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What is the biggest cause of a Fibromyalgia flare-up? Well, apparently it’s The Weather – which I am sure most of us knew that anyway. The UK is experiencing the second heatwave of this summer and I know I am suffering at the moment. How about you?

Fibromyalgia flare-ups are a temporary increase in the number and/or intensity of symptoms.  A flare-up can be different from person to person, but for many, it means severe pain, with little to no let-up. A flare-up likely includes debilitating fatigue, even to the point of feeling weak and unable to stand or walk for much length of time. Luckily, worsening symptoms usually have a distinct cause, and with the right approach, they can be treated directly and effectively.

Get to the bottom of intensifying fibro fatigue and discomfort before you try to treat it. Some flare-ups can last a few days to a few weeks and there are a number of causes for them.

Temperature makes a difference in how we feel with Fibro but it can also affect other musculoskeletal disorders. Colder weather seems to make symptoms worse whereas a climate where the temperature remains warmer seems to be less painful for Fibro sufferers.

Arthritis Foundation writes that “People with fibromyalgia do not all experience flares the same way,” Dr Clauw says. “A good way to explain it is that every person with fibromyalgia has their Achilles heel – their ‘thing’ that really gives them trouble. When their fibromyalgia worsens, that particular thing really gets bad.”

There are obviously many other triggers that can create a flare-up which include – physical or psychological stress, hormonal changes, travelling, changes in treatment, diet or poor sleep.

There are five “major weather factors” that can affect our bodies. They are temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, precipitation and wind. We may not be able to control what the weather does, but we can take some steps to try and head off a #fibro flare before it occurs when it is time for a seasonal change.

Researchers have been unable to determine why the changes in weather affect sufferers, however, there are some possible explanations. Firstly, changes in temperature can affect sleep patterns. Getting plenty of sleep is really important if you have fibromyalgia, and even small shifts in your sleep pattern can aggravate the condition. Secondly, as the seasons change, the amount of light you are exposed to can throw off your circadian rhythm (body clock), making you feel low and more tired than usual. Lastly, there may be a connection between low temperatures and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which appear to be connected to pain intensity.

Make a note in your diary of a particular treatment that helped or medication or piece of equipment like a tens machine that helped. Knowing that there is something you can do, use or otherwise for your flare-up, will get you through the worst days and back to controlling it as you normally do.

Do not push yourself. Go slow. Be gentle with yourself. If you can’t do the laundry for a few days, that’s okay. Also, if you can’t get the house cleaned this week, that’s okay.

If you have to cancel plans, that’s okay, do not feel guilty about it. Treat yourself the same way you would a friend that was going through a hard time.

Source: Arthritis Foundation

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IT’S SLEEP SUNDAY – LET’S TALK ABOUT 10 NATURAL REMEDIES TO HELP WITH FATIGUE…

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Chronic Fatigue is in the news a lot, especially if you have suffered from Covid-19. Here are 10 Natural ways to help with fatigue. 

 1. If you are suffering from a case of afternoon slumps then eat or smell peppermint. It is known to wake up and help decrease fatigue. In fact, research at the University of Northumbria found that in a test involving word recall, peppermint-gum chewer’s scores were up to 36% higher than non-chewers.

 2. They also say that Siberian Ginseng which has been around for centuries is known for its anti-fatigue qualities. It acts like a tonic, which can then increase the body’s vital energy. Anyone taking antidepressants, diabetes, or blood clotting medication should consult their physician first.

3. Vitamin B12 is also popular and it is naturally found in fish, dairy produce, organ meats, beef, and pork and is water-soluble. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the functioning of the nervous system, homocysteine metabolism, psychological function, red blood cell formation and function of the immune system. 

4. Graded Exercise Therapy. Studies have repeatedly shown that graded exercise therapy helps those with CFS.

5. Sleep, of course, is a natural remedy for fatigue… People with CFS often have broken or disordered sleep and may even suffer from insomnia. Going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same time every day. Avoid naps during the day (although I cannot manage without mine) and take time to relax before you go to bed.

6. Liquorice root, in a standardised form, is a commonly used natural remedy for chronic fatigue. This herb, which helps regulate normal system function and allows your body to better cope with stress, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. To help restore cortisol levels, look for standardized liquorice root in extract or pill form. Speak to your physician if you take blood thinners, potassium, or blood pressure medications as interactions can occur.

7. The NHS added that an excellent way to keep up your energy throughout the day is to eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours, rather than a large meal less often.

8. Cut out caffeine, the NHS say try to stay off caffeine completely for a month to see if you feel less tired without it.

9. Healthline quote the top 11 best vitamins and supplements for boosting your energy including Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, CoQ10, Vitamin B12, Iron, Creatine, Citrulline, Beetroot Powder, Melatonin, Tyrosine, Caffeine with L-Theanine.

10. Very Well Health writes that Tea contains two things that appear to offer health benefits: polyphenols and theanine. While tea hasn’t been studied specifically as a treatment for FMS and ME/CFS, research suggests that these two ingredients may hold some promise for sufferers.

Please remember to check with your GP first before taking any supplements especially if you are taking any other types of medication. 

Source: Very Well Health University of Northumbria The Healthy Science Direct NHS Healthline 

 

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10 TIPS FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS…

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If you have been newly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia here are a few tips to help you deal with the condition.

1. Never be afraid to ask for help, be it with the shopping, cooking or cleaning. As most sufferers tend to ‘look fine’ most people do not realise the pain they are suffering inside, so if you don’t ask you won’t get help. 2. If work is leaving you exhausted and in pain, then design a flexible plan that works for you and your boss. Ask about working from home part-time, or setting your hours for earlier or later in the day so you can be more productive, during this busy time.

2. At the office, rearrange your workspace for comfort and easy accessibility. A telephone headset, keyboard tray, or other products may help put less stress on your body.

3. Don’t try to always put on a happy face. Your loved ones need to know what makes your symptoms worse.

4. Rest, rest and more rest, every little helps to recharge your batteries. When you feel that overwhelming urge to sleep try and get forty winks.

5. Support groups can play an important part in the lives of people with chronic illnesses. Whether in person or online, they offer a safe place to talk with others who may share your frustrations and concerns.

6. Tomorrow is another day and with Fibromyalgia tomorrow can be a more comfortable day, so try to not think negative when you are having a bad day.

7. Keep all your ‘helpful’ pain relievers on hand, be it a hot water bottle, pillow, cushion or whatever you have that helps your pain.

8. A useful purchase for going out is a lightweight portable stadium seat which you can find on Amazon.

9. Also a sciatica support cushion can be great to have in your car while travelling. I could not manage many journeys without mine. There are lots to choose from.

10.This is an Adjustable Tripod Walking Stick and seat. If, like me you cannot stand for long in a queue then this is just perfect. The Height adjustable walking stick seat is designed to provide support and comfort and provides a stable and comfortable seated position when you need a break from standing.