Fibromyalgia Flare SOS: The 24-Hour Recovery Plan

Beyond 24 Hours: Full Recovery

After 24 hours, you should see improvement, but full recovery typically takes 3-7 days. Continue pacing carefully, gradually increasing activity as symptoms allow. Don't rush back to your normal routine—that's how flares turn into week-long crashes.

Resume activities at 50-70% of normal for several days. Monitor how your body responds. If symptoms worsen, pull back immediately. Slow and steady prevents relapse.

Prevention for Next Time

Every flare teaches you something about your body's limits and triggers. Use this experience to adjust your baseline activity level, identify warning signs earlier, and refine your prevention strategies.

Keep your flare kit stocked and ready. Update your emergency plan based on what worked this time. Share your needs with family and friends so they understand when you need to cancel plans quickly.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if the flare lasts more than a week, if symptoms are unusually severe, or if you're experiencing new symptoms you haven't had before. Sometimes what feels like a flare is actually a separate medical issue that needs attention.

Also reach out if flares are becoming more frequent or severe despite your best management efforts. Your treatment plan may need adjustment.