Ups and Downs; unpredictability of FM and ME/CFS. How can I avoid a flare during the holidays?

Identifying comorbid (meaning they cluster with a particular disorder/disease) and co-existing illnesses is important, either way, they are great aggravators to the symptoms of fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis /CFS (AKA, CFID) and to each other. Identifying other contributors to pain, fatigue and dysfunction are important too. The short list is poor posture, inadequate sleep, anxiety (particularly during the holidays), infection, sedentary lifestyles, overdoing etc.

Excerpt Chapter Two©

We are susceptible to a flare when we deviate in any way from our personally tailored, multidisciplinary treatment plan. This worsening of symptoms does not mean FM is progressing from one step to the next in the disease process. “Unpredictable” is the best way to describe the way symptoms occur. It is literally a 24/7 job for all of us, and varies in difficulty from one patient to another.
(Cooper and Miller, pg 23-24, 2010)

Excerpt Chapter Six ©

When you have a chronic illness, it’s easy to feel overloaded. Energy is a valuable commodity, and lack of it is a perpetuating factor in circuit overload. We, in our unique flock, often seek advice on how to deal with issues that cause us to feel so overwhelmed.
(Cooper and Miller, pg. 294, 2010)

As we come upon the holiday seasons, stress always seems to make the short list. Try to avoid known stressors over the holidays, stay within your identified limits, let others help, commit without excuses, but don’t over commit, and understand that sometimes it’s okay to say no, after all everybody does at some time or other. Most importantly make a conscious effort to enjoy and pick out moments that you shall treasure from your experience. For every down there is an up, it is the way of life. Stay on top of it.

Paste this to your mirror:
“This is the season to reflect, meditate, and find pleasure in the company of others.”


Learn more about managing stress in crisis:

Chapter 6 DEALING WITH CIRCUIT OVERLOAD, PG. 294 - 309
Brain Fog—Symptoms of Blowout before a Power Failure 295
Time Management—An Exercise in Energy Conservation 302
Crisis Management—Dealing with Major Life Events 307
Chapter Conclusion 309
Summary Exercise: Unloading the Gray Matter 309

All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com

Share Care Fibromyalgia expert.
Healing, harmony and hope, Celeste