FM flareups after loss of a loved one. Part of grieving process?

Our stories sound so similar.  As an only child, I was the sole caregiver for my mother during the last three months of her life.  Of course, I treasured that time I had with her and happily did everything I could for her.  But, like you, I had a major FM flare following her death.  It took me several months to get back to "normal" – even with the help of an excellent massage therapist and acupuncturist. 

We know that stress can trigger a flare, particularly when that stress is prolonged.  And the illness and subsequent death of a mother can't help but produce stress in us, whether we realize it at the time or not.  My personal theory is that when we are facing some kind of crisis, the adrenaline kicks in and we are able to do things we normally couldn't handle.  But the longer the crisis continues, the more depleted our bodies become.  When the crisis finally ends, we begin to feel the effects of what we've been through. 

It sounds like you have a good doctor and are on the right path.  I would just encourage you to get extra rest and give your body time to recover and heal.  It wouldn't suprise me if it took as least as long to recover as the time you spent using that extra energy.  I'm not sure that the flare itself is necessarily part of the grieving process, but grieving might possibly be a contributing factor in recovery time.  You will eventually feel better.  In the meantime, allow your heart to go through the normal grieving process and allow your body time to recover. 

I wish you the best,

Karen

last august my mum was diagonised with bowel cancer.I have gone through selling my family home,my own home all within a matter of one month.I don't know how I kept going,but I truly think the Hyper of everything keeps you going.

it is only now that I have come back to my other home,and I am going through hell

I finally have time to sit back and take everything in,i'ts not nice.Family are not the people to talk to as they have their own opinions,which are not mine.Due to being up every couple of hours to check on mum,Iam finding sleeping through very difficult.

My marriage has nearly gone down the tubes,but family always comes first.

I really feel for any person in this situation,and I feel for you,but only strength and tenacity will get us through.Feel what you want, cry when you want ,and stuff the rest.maybe it's not chronic it is still a way to grieve our lost loved ones and no one can take that away from us,until they go through the same.

I too have severe fibomyalgia. I went through almost the same thing. I lost my 5 month old cousin in nSeptermber last year, lost my grandmother in November followed by my husbands grandmother 4 days later. Through it all I had the normal pain and aches but was able to do what was needed. Now I have three children so I forced myself to stay strong through the Holidays. Once that was all done I slowed down but then was hit with a bad flare. I was in tears it hurt so bad. Now I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia almost four years ago. I first had physical therpy 3 days a week (hurt beyond belief) which did not help. Then I was refered to a rhuematoligst who loaded me up with so many meds (pain, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, reflux meds,  blood thinners and anti depressants) I couldn't even get out of bed. But finally, I was refered to a pain speacialist who saved me, my marriage and my family. He installed an infusion pump into my abdomin with a catheter that goes directly into the lower spine. I go in every 2 1/2 months to have the meds in the pump refilled. It conatains a pain med, muscle relaxer and thinner. Yes this was surgery but well worth it. By the meds going directly into the spine it goes to where it is needed without the side effects of oral medication. The meds can be adjusted as needed and can give a bolace amount if a flare arises. From all my experience and research I have found that YES stress does cause flareups along with exhaustion and long periods of over excerting for long periods. I hope this helps you.