Jan58
"Hi everyone,up till Monday things up and down mentally but physically doing what we all can do when we can, as I hadn’t had a spasm for awhile I decided to do some work in the garden,the weather in the uk was nice for a change my husband told me to stop but saw determination in my face he knew I wasn’t as I love the garden and wanted to help but I went more than I should,it was stupid to think I could it, now I am having severe spasms pain is crazy, getting out of bed is a mammoth task thank god my husband was there as I nearly passed out with the pain,I can’t sleep I try but I can’t get any relief, painkillers not helping, naproxen does help but I can’t stomach protector affects my stomach but naproxen doesn’t weird that but I have to be careful of how many I take and after breakfast.
I think it’s a flare but not sure.
I have a heatpad and tens machine.
Any advice?
Thank you "
I can really feel how much this is weighing on you, especially not being able to do the things you love or even simple tasks like picking up a kettle. I know it’s not just physically painful, it’s mentally exhausting too. I really hope your body starts settling down soon and that some gentle movement gives you even a little relief. Be kind to yourself while you’re in this 💙 All the best, Latoya (Team Member) 
Hello latoya
Thank you so much for your message, it is very frustrating and annoying and stressful and it affects my mental health, what I try and do and love I cant do.
The spasms have eventually gone but I don’t know if I am still in a flare without the spasms as I have pain on reaching stretching for things and it’s at the top of my back.
I live in the uk and the weather here is supposed to be summer but it’s chilly and cold.
I will try do some stretching but before this flare just picking up a kettle I could do now and other things but I can’t and I try but it cracks my back,I just want it to go before I had the flare but it’s not and it’s two weeks now and I didn’t before have this as bad with other flares my husband is having to do more things to help.
Thank you very much for the article I appreciate that.
Thanks so much for replying.
Take care
JanOh no, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds absolutely awful. I can imagine how frustrating it must be to feel good enough to do something you love like gardening, only to end up in this much pain after. What you're experiencing does sound like a flare, especially with the spasms and not being able to sleep. It’s great that you’ve got a heat pad and TENS machine. Maybe try alternating heat with gentle stretching (if you can manage it) just to keep things from locking up more. I want to also share with you an article this offers a few more ideas that you might find helpful as you try to manage the pain. You can access it there- https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/build-your-own-flare-toolkit. Hoping things ease up for you soon and that you’re able to get some rest. You’re not alone in this 🩵 -Latoya (Team Member)