Does anyone else really struggle with fatigue?

[PennyInPain]

Hi, I'm new to all this. I was diagnosed with Fibro and CFS about six months ago, and one of the biggest things I've been struggling recently is this overwhelming fatigue. It’s a deep tiredness that just seems to settle over me, like a heavy blanket I can't shake off. In the mornings, I can manage alright, but by the time mid-afternoon rolls around, I’m just exhausted. I try to keep myself awake, but sometimes, I’ll be sitting in my chair, just reading or watching TV, and my eyelids get suddenly heavy and I'll doze off without even realizing it.

I feel like an idiot sometimes because I even nod off while holding a cup of tea, only to spill it all over myself as I sleep. I've learnt not to hold my tea while it's boiling hot so luckily I never burn myself. But still it's not overly pleasant waking up soaked in tea.

I'm turning 55 next month so age might be playing a part here but still it's incredibly frustrating, especially since I usually get a good 7-8 hours sleep at night. Which I have been warned may change.

But beyond the inconvenience, it's just really disheartening. I used to have more energy, especially for my grandkids. They’re always so full of life and want to play games, go outside, or just spend time together, and I feel like I’m letting them down when I can't keep up. Even though I try my best, it’s upsetting not to have the energy I used to. I just wish I could feel a bit more like myself again.

[Blue-52]

hi, welcome, the fatigue can be very overwhelming at times, and the only thing you can do is pace yourself, don’t try and fight it, if ur body is telling you to sleep, then sleep, you may find it will change over time, we can go from sleeping all the time, then not being able to sleep, and nights are the worse, tossing and turning, then in pain from moving around too much, at the moment, mine is kind of sleepy, but not enough for a full night, 4 hours, I’m fine, any less, over prolonged periods, and it affects my balance and eyes, also makes me light sensitive, keep listening to your body, and go with the flow, it’s hard I know, be thankful you are sleeping for now.

[stravinsky1]

Hi Penny, the first reply is absolutely correct. Pacing is essential. For me personally I am limiting myself to 10 minutes of activity then half hour resting, that way I can keep going for half the day. I'm not suggesting you limit yourself this much but find what works best for you. Try and stop your activity before you feel tired. If you push yourself your fatigue is likely to get worse. Enjoy your grandchildren but again maybe for shorter periods. Be honest with your family and friends about how you really are. I know that's hard but after 24 years of this I have realised it's the only way.

[KimiJay]

It's so sad isn't it. I have found that some of my energy/well - a sort of half energy came back to me and taking D Ribose helped me and also a much younger friend with ME. While my granddaughters were much younger I spent a fair bit of time on the floor with them. They will love it though if you are simply a good listener and give encouraging feedback on what they are talking about. Keep going. You'll work it out!

[Elaine200756]

Hi Penny 👋 I totally agree with Blue. Learn to really listen to your body and give it what it needs. It can be sad to look back to the person we used to be and all the things we used to do. This forum is a lifeline for so many of us, including me and I've learnt so many things which have helped and improved my symptoms and my life. These guys are special. They are so kind and supportive, and they understand because they are suffering too. I'm sure it will be a positive experience for you.

One other thing I would say to you is to see your doctor if you have new symptoms. I had a tendency to think everything was due to Fibromyalgia. It's not.

Look after yourself Penny. Lots of love, Elaine xx 🤗

[Chrisbel]

you could try breathing oxygen under pressure in a hyperbaric chamber, there are around 68 centres in the uk as they are helpful to MS sufferers so they have these in Multiple Sclerosis charity centres and I joined the one near me and used it over a period of time and it cleared up my fatigue and brain fog really effectively. Also I find that taking a gram of NMN, and coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) on an empty stomach in the morning helps with energy levels every day. Hope this is helpful.

[Ladame]

I fully understand what you are saying as I struggle with fatigue. It's overwhelming and you just have to give in to it and rest. It's frustrating but I (think) I'm starting to come to terms with it- mind you I'm 66 so could partly be age 😂 Best wishes, it's all part of "the joy" if fibro 😊

[fmlife]

can i firstly suggest buying a cup with lid, for your health and safety

fatigue wise yes have had that happen, its a challenge, body fatigue mind active or mind blown body active both not great

its so easy to say its cfs or fibro however

if you have accompanying headache it could mean have a chest infection, or low oxygen conversion, should always report these new symptoms to dr

lately have had issue waking so got a sunrise light it activates the wake up hormones on these dark mornings

fibro does impact vitamin b theres a number which forgotten at this moment

worth getting your full blood count done for peace of mind. have you been tested for coeliac

its very important to pace thy self in your activities, each activity needs splitting into little parts and rest in between.

its like vacuuming if sit on a stool can vacuum small area, a little rest before move stool or go lay down, a task has no time limit one area can be done each day of a room, that is task pacing. we were so used to whipping around getting things done that now we have to now chose our day we feel guilty and grieve the old way, however doing something is better than nothing its a celebration.

look for ways to make life easier for you,

someone mentioned flipping a double mattress just imagine how easy it be with lift motors and a pully system activated by a button,

consider what eating and its nutrient value,

wishing you a pain freer more energy day