The pain is real!

Anyone who lives with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain knows the delimma between taking advantage of low pain days or avoid triggering a flare-up.

The story is always the same. You have a inflammation and pain flare up and feel like crap for days, then suddenly, the pain gets better and you have more energy. You also feel relieved and happy. A very natural reaction is to do more on low pain days, because you can and because let’s face it, life should be about living and not about survival for the sake of survival. but the problem is that doing more will probably trigger the next flare up.

Living with Fibromyalgia for me has been a constant roller coaster ride. I am still learning my limits and find that once I think I’ve got it figured out, that’s usually when I stumble uppon a new trigger.

Fibromyalgia symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated by various factors. It’s important to note that triggers can vary from person to person, and what affects one individual might not affect another in the same way. Here are some common triggers that can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms:

1. Stress: Emotional and psychological stress can lead to increased pain and fatigue in individuals with fibromyalgia. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises can help mitigate these effects.
2. Physical Activity: Overexertion or engaging in strenuous physical activities without proper pacing can trigger flare-ups of pain and fatigue. It’s important to maintain a balance between activity and rest.
3. Weather Changes: Some people with fibromyalgia report that changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure can influence their symptoms. Cold and damp weather, in particular, might exacerbate pain.
4. Lack of Sleep: Sleep disturbances are common in fibromyalgia, and a lack of restorative sleep can lead to increased pain and fatigue. Establishing good sleep hygiene practices and addressing sleep disorders can be helpful.
5. Physical Inactivity: On the flip side, prolonged periods of inactivity or sitting can also contribute to stiffness and discomfort. Engaging in regular, gentle exercise is important for managing symptoms.
6. Diet: Certain foods and beverages might trigger symptoms in some individuals. While specific triggers can vary, some people report sensitivity to caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and certain food additives.
7. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can sometimes influence fibromyalgia symptoms.
8. Infections and Illness: Some individuals experience symptom exacerbations after viral or bacterial infections. This is known as post-infectious fibromyalgia.
9. Environmental Factors: Exposure to strong odors, chemicals, or allergens might trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
10. Anxiety and Depression: Mood disorders like anxiety and depression are often comorbid with fibromyalgia and can contribute to symptom severity.
11. Travel: Long journeys, especially those involving sitting for extended periods or crossing multiple time zones, can lead to increased pain and fatigue.
12. Physical Trauma: Previous injuries or surgeries might lead to localized pain that can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.

It’s important for individuals with fibromyalgia to identify their specific triggers, as this can help them develop strategies to manage these triggers. Keeping a symptom journal can be useful in tracking patterns and identifying potential triggers. It’s also useful when speaking with your doctors.

If you have Fribromyalgia, what is your style? Do you take full advantage of low pain day or do you try to avoid triggering a new flare up?