Hey guys,

I don't know what is going on but for the past four days I have been flaring like no ones business. I have no energy and am dizzy all the time. And lately it has been the acid in my bones and veins pain with my bones feeling like they are breaking. I have been taking a double dose of my mede, tramadol while in this pain but all it seems to do is just make me sleepy but doesn't help much if at all with the pain. Does anyone have any tips on how to get thisflare streak to go away? Or any advise on what you do to combat the constant pain on bad flare days? Thanks

I wish i knew the answer tothis one. I can only commiserate with you. Seems like mine has been in flare since may-june. I finally, today, called my pain mgt dr for an appointment. He's not available for 3 weeks!!! I'm hoping there is something he can suggest. I dont find tramadol helpful. Others take lyrica. Sometime a change of scenery helps me feel better mentally. Pain is still there but i dont let it consume my thoughts. At least i get satisfaction of doing something different so im not as depressed as i would have been if i stayed home focusing on how crappy i feel. I cant stand staying home day after day after day. It feeds into the depression. So take a shower, get dressed, go for a drive, visit a museum, see a movie, eat cake. You will still have pain but you are nuturing your soul.

Nice suggestions happy girl! I would add getting in the pool or tub and just relaxing in the water, letting it take your weight and stress. If nothing else it gives you another sensation to interpret. I always notice my pain in my foot is reduced in the water even when it is really bugging me.

Have you determined if any particular activity or environment or even food exacerbates your pain?

Recently the weather has been too hot for my pain and makes me flare more, but on flare days I usually don't have much, if any energy to go outside so that helps. Doing things such as lifting things with my arms hurts but I know that I need to try to keep them moving even though it hurts. I haven't had much of an appetite but I try to make shakes with protien in them for when I don't have the energy to make a real meal.

You might consider trying the 4 F's diet, or even a Paleo diet which is similar. --High quality fish, organic grass fed meat, free range chicken and organic produce. Avoid all processed foods.

I will roast a chicken and veggies and have it for several meals. It takes minutes to put together, and I just reheat leftovers in the same pan in the oven, so not much energy is needed. --You could look into Meals on Wheels and see the quality of the food as well.

Yeah baths are tricky for me, sometimes the pressure of my arms floating on the water is too much and to hold them under can hurt. Other times it can help though so I will try it and hopefully it helps this time. Thanks!

Oh Happy girl =(
I'm sorry to hear that. Flares suck! Yeah I think I want to try a new medication that I am allowed to take on a more daily basis without it seeming to lose effectiveness after a few doses. Thanks and the tips, I will definitely try those. A friend came over with a puppy today and that proved to be a good distraction at least. I hope your flares lessen thanks