A couple of days ago, I posted about a recent bout of fatigue that had me feeling helpless and immobilized. I asked for any help, suggestions and advice that you had. I was so touched with everyone's thoughtful replies! It was so helpful to hear what has been working for you. It was also very comforting to know I am not alone.
I was able to implement some of your advice immediately: Slow down and rest. My entire Saturday consisted of sleep, cat cuddles, and more sleep. All 3 of my fur babies were fantastic nurses, just as you all were fantastic friends.
I will continue to look into your other suggestions, but I wanted to take a brief moment to express my gratitude to you all. I didn't realize how isolating MS can be when no one around you has it. For the past few years, I've been muddling through it on my own, consulting my Neuro when I can and scouring the internet for everything else. Having people to talk to, consult with and commiserate with is a necessity. It has also become a joy. I am so appreciative of this group and all of its members 🧡 Thank you
I love that! "Weighted blanket" 😂 I never thought of it that way, but it's true- Even if I didn't have fatigue, I wouldn't have been able to get out of there
Pets are excellent stress relievers! So you are a cat person, I am a dog person. I had a dog (Mia) for more than 12 years. She passed away in July Two month ago I adopted a German short haired pointer. He (Obi) and my wife are best friends. Slowly he is hanging out with me more and more. He is a shy, but friendly dog who loves water and enjoys playing in his kiddie pool.
It is often said that one is either a dog or a cat person. What in your mind is the difference between a cat and dog person?
My condolences for Mia's passing. So glad that you now have Obi though ❤️
I actually was a dog person before I got my cats! But living in an apartment with no yard and working long hours meant that I wouldn't be able to give a dog the level of care it deserves. Now that I have cats, I do appreciate them. I love dogs and cats equally, as they each bring amazing characteristics to the table!
But to answer your question- I feel as though dog people are more outwardly sociable, loving and warm. I feel that cat people are loving and warm too, but may take a moment or two to show it, as they are very discerning. As for those of us who are both- well, we are just all over the place 😅 But that's just my humble opinion 😊
I hope the rest has been therapeutic for you. It’s so good to know that you find you can lean on us as family and friends who understand far better than most what you feel.
The rest has been therapeutic, but so is talking to all of you.
No one else in my life has fatigue, so I have no barometer for it. When I have days where I just can't physically move or have a coherent thought, I feel like I'm slacking or being lazy. By talking to all of you, it hammers home that fatigue is real and it doesn't necessarily mean that I have an issue with work ethic; it doesn't mean that I'm lazy. And that is a big relief ❤️
My poor father had a heart issue which caused him great fatigue from childhood on. He lived with an aunt and uncle on their farm for a time and was constantly chided for being lazy. Because of that, he worked 14-16 hour days the rest of his life until his stroke. It's a shame what others and our own selves can do to impose a guilty feeling that isn't deserved. I hope that when you rest, you can always remember that rest is therapy, too, just like medicine. I don't always remember that myself, being task-oriented, but I'm learning with the help of everyone here!I hope you're feeling better today.
Oh thank you for sharing this with me 😞 What a lesson about fatigue... I'm so sorry to hear that about your father.
But I understand how he felt. I was told the same thing by my mother when I was growing up. So I've worked since I was 15 and a half to prove I'm not a slacker. When I was in college, I had a full class load and still worked 30-40 hours a week. After I graduated and started working full time, I'd work 10-14 hour days. At a job I had earlier this year, I worked from 7am-9pm, seven days a week. Losing my job in August was a bit of a blessing- it's the first time I've actually had the luxury of rest in a very long time. I will remember to appreciate it.
I think I missed your post, but when I first started having issues all day, I used ice on my head and deep breathing to help get me through the roughest parts. Sometimes just sitting for 10 min will give you a little reset.
Glad to hear you are feeling better, I am sure your kittys are giving some of the right medicine that you need to feel better, I know when ever I dont feel well whatever it is my pups all hang out with me and they take my mind off of whats ailing me. Take Care.
You've expressed very well one of the most difficult aspects of MS, not the disease itself, but the social and psychological isolation it causes for so many of us. When family pulls away and few others truly understand, the forum is a source of friendship, understanding and help with the struggle.
I already own the perfect book ("Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett) 😄
But as far as the book recommendations, I ordered the poetry books that were recommended for a change of pace. Those should be quick reads. Then I'll move on to the murder mysteries
Yes, Cats area great stress reliever. Unfortunately 1 of my 2 that I had since 2008 just passed, and she was a great friend. She is in the igloo in the inset picture. Glad to hear your feeling better.
Were your fur babies purring? I read something a few years ago about purirng cats: A cat's pur is a particular megahertz ideal for healing. That's why a cat will pur even if it is sick or wounded. It is healing itself. If the cat is a member of a colony, ALL of the cats will come over and curl up around the sick or wounded cat, all of which will be purring!
Your fur babies consider YOU a member of their colony, so they will get their healing motors running.
So Bella (the calico) purrs everytime she is laying next to me. Odin purrs most of the time. But, Chloe is very conservative with her purrs. Instead, likes to "moop" (she can't meow, so she makes a weird hoot/mooing sound). So they all contribute in their own way 😻
I am so glad you've joined us here. Already you have written wonderful, encouraging words which raise us up as well! There are nothing like furry water bottles that make you feel better, is there? I am so glad you rested.
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Update for my friends here
Moby my Cat
