sleep

[paula1967]

Hi all, havent been on for a while but would like to ask people who have chronic fatigue how do you cope ???. Ive had it for 3 years now and seems to be getting worse, ive been in bed since friday sleeping on and off and just to tiered to do anything and its getting me down now. Is anybody else like this, gentle hugs Paula xx

[ladymoth]

I guess most of us have felt like this at some time. Depression is often associated with fibro/CFS and this will make the problem even worse, as being depressed removes all your motivation to do the least thing.

The hard fact is that no matter how bad we feel, we must eventually move about a bit and start some gentle activity. Rest is of course essential, but too much rest is very bad for us in many ways, it will cause us to become weaker and even more depressed

It would probably be a good idea to ask your GP's advice to see if they think you need some antidepressant medication and possibly some counselling, to help you over this bad patch.

I hope you start to feel better soon.

Moffy x

[Hidden in reply to ladymoth]

Oh so true Moffy!!

You just can't give in completely with fibro.

Everybody out there put your hands in the air and say "yeah! Yeah"!!

Well it was just a thought....

Bibi xx

[paula1967]

HI ladymoth thanks for your reply, iam already on antidepressants and spoke to gp but no joy there, its awful when i feel like this and look around the house and think god there never used to be a speck of dust and look at it now lol, thanks for your advice xx

[rosaann52 in reply to paula1967]

Have a read of your anti depressant side effects...some times the cure is worse than the illness...I took myself off them 3 years ago because they made me feel worse...I have had fybor and cfs for a long time...some day's are worse than others but at least my mind is'nt being 'clouded' by strong drugs .I only take paracetamol for my pain as ever thing else 'they' gave my either made the pain worse or made me a sombie.As for the dust as my dear old Gran used to say 'put salt on it, it will keep' ...on the day's your feeling better don't spend it dusting do something for yourself ...coffee with friends or go swimming or for a walk....it will do you much more good .....

[ladymoth]

Never mind the dust, Paula - it'll still be settling in 100 years - but I know how you feel!

Your doctor sounds a bit of a dead loss - maybe it's time to go back and make some demands.

One of our other staunch volunteers, VG, recommends that you write to your doctor, explaining that you feel you are not having any help, and that you would like them to arrange some investigations and a consultant appointment for you. Doctors usually sit up and take notice when they get letters, so hopefully that will do the trick. If all else fails, it's worth thinking about changing doctors.

Have a look at our website for hints about contacting a fibro-friendly doctor, and other survival techniques.

fibroaction.org/default.aspx

Best of luck, and please let us know how you get on!

Moffy x

[Lizzie559]

Hi Paula

I feel for you and have been there myself, just too tired to move. But as Ladymoth says, move you must, just a little. I found each day I tried to do something, something that you enjoy. Do you have a hobby? Painting, writing, knitting. Just try to get up get dressed and try and get outside for 30 mins. The outdoors is a great healer. Makes you feel so much better. Even if you can't walk, find one where to sit. You will feel so much better and come back in and look at things with fresh eyes.

Go back to your doctor and tell him just how bad you feel. Ask if there is anything else you can do to help your fatigue. After years I discovered I had Hashimotos Thyyroiditis, even though the doctors had tested my thyroid numerous times and told me I was normal. This may not be the case for you but research your symptoms on the Internet and question the doctor, not just accept that this is it for you, they are having different and new ideas all the time.

I wish you well and hope you will feel better soon

Love and hugs

Lizzie

[Hidden]

I can also go through phases of extreme tiredness where i have been in bed for weeks at a time . It gets me down sure but i try to enjoy my good days the best i can even though they are few and far in between. I have cfs/me & Fibro not a good combination.

gentle hugs

Kira x

[Hidden]

Yes don't forget the good days Kira!!

Bibi x

[Hidden]

I was like you are at the beginning. I keep a positive event diary so that I can see my achievements instead of focusing on what I can't do. At the beginning those achievements were....went to the loo.....(one spoon) brushed my teeth.....(one spoon).....took a shower ... (t spoons).....went downstairs ....(5 spoons).....walked Iround the garden.....(10 spoons)

Spoons refers to spoon theory which every sufferer should read x it does Google...

I allowed myself to see what my 'base level' energy was and to be happy within that level.

In time the level changes.

Now I drive my car and take my grandson to the park. These are huge achievements.

There's nothing to be gained from comparing where we are now to how we were as healthy people.

In time I found out what trigger foods there were and started to detox. That's helped too.

Guilt is not our friend....we need to be free to SEE what our bodies ate telling us.

We lose energy because our mitochondria stop functioning properly. Our ATP has been used up. It takes time for the body build more. I'm that phase we need to rest to allow that to happen. Fighting it makes it worse.

Move slowly and allow yourself to know....this WILL pass. Crashes are not permanent....they're the body saying .... Stop.....I need to catch up....physically, mentally and spiritually. Meditation is good. Listening to audio books is good.

Really hope you feel better soon xxx

[Petra]

Hi there I have had fibro for 5 years and yes the tiredness gets to you.As the above folk say try to move.Use the spoon theory, one spoon get up, one spoon shower, etc.Pacing is very difficult we all tend to go mad when feeling a little better or less pain.True also we tend to look back how we were.things have changed and I also look at the dust and house and it is just daunting.It is better to be happy and a little painfree than literally exhaust yourself trying to do everything.People who visit come to see YOU and not your house.They might even offer to give you some help which is what I have found house or even the garden.Write down what you feel like doing and tick them off there is no time deadline.Yes do go out either sit in the garden or walk round the "block".You will feel better and you may meet someone, say hello and comment on the weather.YOU WILL FEEL BETTER.We all have crashes.Guided imaginery is a good way to unwind and relax a little as is radio and audio books to take your mind off the pain and guilt.Hope you feel much better soon.Talk to your gp and a good "buddy" who understands/Family don't seem to be much help.Huge gentle hugs,lots of love.

[paula1967]

Thank you all for replying, there is some good advice there which i will try to do xxxx