so, since this is all pretty new to me still I'm not really sure what a "flare" consists of. Although I've been on prednisone for a few months now and plaquenil 400mg/day for almost 3 weeks, I didn't think I could have a flare. But after a fun filled fall weekend with my family last night after dinner I passed out on my couch from utter exhaustion (approx 730pm) slept all through the night (fam knows not to wake me once I'm asleep since I have trouble sleeping through the night as it is). Anyway, I woke up this morning especially stiff and achy with a mouth full of sores
:( I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do if this is a flare. I'm sure I'm supposed to rest but I have so much to do. Suggestions....
It does'nt matter how much meds you take and how much they help...flares still occur...if it is a flare even though you have things to do, you need to do issues at a steady pace which alot of we as found better for our lifes and taking breaks in between as your not pressuring your body to much.
Some flares can happen with just a skin flare or a body flare with joints aching but when several different issues arise they're known as a combination flare which can sometimes go chronic stretching upto 6wks or more but if it's a milder flare then they can range from 2 days to several weeks.
These links may help you understand a flare more also.
Terri can tell you how many times I've posted about flares, trying to understand what is or isn't one. The best advice I got was learning that this may be the new normal for you. A flare will send you to the ER or urgent care. This may be lupus being lupus. Rest is the best thing for us. I fight it too, but its an adjustment we have to make.
Thank you so much for posting these links. I have been a little confused myself with the way I have been feeling. I have had the lupus rash for about 9 years and I was diagnosed in March of 2011 after a skin biopsy and blood work. For those 9 years I saw dermatologists and many doctors about my unsightly rash. Finally I insisted on a biopsy and I thought this is great I will get the treatment I need. I have been with a rhemutologist for a year and a half and we haven't found a medicine to work as of yet. I was born without a spleen so my immune system is shot and she can't seem to find a med because she is afraid of lowering my system too much. I am missing alot of work for what I guess are flare ups and your link have really explained alot to me. Thank you for sharing.
Tez_20 said:
Hello dizzylynn,
It does'nt matter how much meds you take and how much they help...flares still occur...if it is a flare even though you have things to do, you need to do issues at a steady pace which alot of we as found better for our lifes and taking breaks in between as your not pressuring your body to much.
Some flares can happen with just a skin flare or a body flare with joints aching but when several different issues arise they're known as a combination flare which can sometimes go chronic stretching upto 6wks or more but if it's a milder flare then they can range from 2 days to several weeks.
These links may help you understand a flare more also.
I do agree on that one you have posted a few trying to find out one way or another and rest is always 2nd on the list having seen someone as Trisha as stated. :)
Trisha said:
Lynn,
Terri can tell you how many times I've posted about flares, trying to understand what is or isn't one. The best advice I got was learning that this may be the new normal for you. A flare will send you to the ER or urgent care. This may be lupus being lupus. Rest is the best thing for us. I fight it too, but its an adjustment we have to make.
I'm shocked they did'nt find nothing from a biopsy or being able to help you but if your immune system is low flares can last alot long if meds are strong enough to help...steriod creams used to help me until my skin got past those.
I will admit Lupus can cause issues with we besides skin there's the joints and pains and it causes work to be to much of an issue...i really hope they can help you after stretching 9yrs with it.
Love Terri xxx
allman304 said:
Thank you so much for posting these links. I have been a little confused myself with the way I have been feeling. I have had the lupus rash for about 9 years and I was diagnosed in March of 2011 after a skin biopsy and blood work. For those 9 years I saw dermatologists and many doctors about my unsightly rash. Finally I insisted on a biopsy and I thought this is great I will get the treatment I need. I have been with a rhemutologist for a year and a half and we haven't found a medicine to work as of yet. I was born without a spleen so my immune system is shot and she can't seem to find a med because she is afraid of lowering my system too much. I am missing alot of work for what I guess are flare ups and your link have really explained alot to me. Thank you for sharing.
Tez_20 said:
Hello dizzylynn,
It does'nt matter how much meds you take and how much they help...flares still occur...if it is a flare even though you have things to do, you need to do issues at a steady pace which alot of we as found better for our lifes and taking breaks in between as your not pressuring your body to much.
Some flares can happen with just a skin flare or a body flare with joints aching but when several different issues arise they're known as a combination flare which can sometimes go chronic stretching upto 6wks or more but if it's a milder flare then they can range from 2 days to several weeks.
These links may help you understand a flare more also.
This is my view personally on a flare and the difference from normal day pain etc.
When mine started it was blisters to the face nothing else lasted over a month...then a full blown ring rash over my body Lupus mimicing ringworm and then things stemed onto pain lodging in one place then moving to another, then joint pains getting more severe.
So in the end i thought start and work out what's coming from what which i've done not quite 100% solid but just over half way there, recognize your system's and things occuring out the blue and all this as helped me to recognise when a flare as come on.
My skins alway 50/50 on issues but if i break out with another issue to me that's a flare, if my organs start stabbing pains out the blue or they swell that's another flare and if my joints play up extreme that's another one but if i get the lot going mad all in one go then i'm in a chronic flare.
It's all down to recognizing you daily symptoms to extra ones coming on you and lasting longer...those are the flares.
I hope this as helped on how i've come to learn and recognize my own body playing up. :)