What is a Flare up? You may be surprised to learn that a lot of people do not know the true meaning of the term “flare-up but if you were to ask anyone recovering from a motor vehicle crash, they could tell you. A flare-up generally refers to a sudden and temporary increase in the intensity or severity of something. If someone is recovering from a crash, a “flare-up” could mean an intensification of symptoms related to injuries or emotional distress. I like to call them the FU’s and I will admit that when I experience a flare-up, the FU is usually directed at the person that caused the crash that left me with life-changing injuries.
Here are a few examples of the different flare-ups we can experience as we recover:
Physical Injury Flare-Up: At times you will make progress in your recovery only to experience a flare-up of pain and swelling which could prompt a visit to a specialist as you are unsure what it is and what intensifies it. Expect unexpected health surprises as you recover from your injuries and don’t ignore it.
Emotional Distress Flare-Up: You may think that you are coping well with the emotional aftermath of the motor vehicle crash, but then you see a crash on the road and hear an ambulance rushing to the scene which triggers a flare of anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress.
Recovery Set-Backs – Recovering from a motor vehicle crash can be a daily challenge and unexpected setbacks can lead to a flare-up of frustration and disappointment.
Legal Obstacles – Just when you felt like the insurance claim was progressing smoothy with your lawyer, a flare-up of complications emerge, requiring additional documentation and examinations.
Dealing with any of these types of flare-ups can be stressful and challenging. As a survivor of a horrific motor vehicle crash that was caused by a distracted driver traveling at a high rate of speed leaving me with multiple injuries, I have and continue to experience numerous flare-ups.
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when you experience a flare-up and how you can help manage it.
Follow Your Treatment Plan –Stick to prescribed medications, therapies, treatments, or exercises as recommended. Consistency is “key.”
Rest and Pace Yourself – Give your body the rest it needs and allow yourself time to recover. It’s important to learn your limitations.
Apply Heat or Cold – Applying heat or cold may alleviate your symptoms. Warm therapy provides relief for me so you need to find out what works for you.
Modify Your Activity Level: During a flare-up, it might be necessary to scale back on certain activities. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms.
Stay Hydrated – Make sure to drink enough water. Proper hydration supports the body’s natural healing processes and can contribute to your overall well-being.
Stress Management – Engage in stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga.
Reach Out for Support – Sharing your experience will help. Connect with friends, family, or The Crash Support Network Group who understands what you are going through. Emotional support can be beneficial in coping with the challenges.
Communicate – Keep your healthcare provider informed about the flare-up, its duration, and any changes in symptoms. They may need to adjust your treatment plan or provide additional support.
Keep a Symptom Journal – Consider keeping a journal to track your symptoms, potential triggers, and any changes in your recovery journey. This information will be invaluable to you and your healthcare provider(s) while managing your condition.
Managing a flare-up involves a combination of proactive measures and responsive strategies to help alleviate symptoms and minimize their impact. If your loved one is recovering and experiencing a flare-up, it’s important to offer support and understanding. Flare-ups can be unpredictable and tough to manage. Showing your support can make a significant difference during our challenging times.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or issues after a motor vehicle crash, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately and consult with healthcare professionals to address both your physical and emotional well-being. Remember that these suggestions are general in nature as I continue to share my own personal experience and that every recovery is unique. It’s crucial to work closely with your rehabilitation team to help manage flare-ups and support your recovery.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
