Hibernating

[chemar]

Hi everyone does anyone on ther bad days just feel like locking themselves in & not seeing anybody. Just asking cause I really feel like I don't want to see anyone or anyone coming up tosee me. Don't feel like this all the time, but it's happening more & more. Gentle hugs Michelle xxx

[kizzy12]

hi...i have spent the last year like that...my friend tries to force me out at least once a week but i just want to stay in on my own with my cat lol...its so hard to try and make the effort for other people when i end up suffering more for it x

[chemar in reply to kizzy12]

I no what you mean Kizzy I sometimes feel like I'm on my own, saying that my husband & daughter are absolutely fantastic but I still feel like this. Thanks for taking time out to answer me, hope you are well. Michelle xxx

[nomoreheels]

Oooh yes Michelle, though not so much recently thankfully. I think with me it's when I just get fed up with everything & everyone & I've allowed things to get on top of me & it's my way of coping. At times I've felt that way even when it's a lovely sunny day which ordinarily lifts my mood & I think what a waste hiding myself away under the covers but the need to disappear just overrides it. I'm never completely alone though as one of my dogs picks up on my change of mood & hides away with me! Generally I fall asleep & wake feeling more positive & my h just accepts it's my way of dealing with things.

I think it's your way of coping too so don't beat yourself up about it. Maybe the animal worlds hibernators are the sensible ones! x

[chemar in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks xx

[dillie]

yes, Michelle i do! like you it is happening more and more, i am beginning to dread going out to see people, and i can't seem to cope with loud, noisy places or lots of people. i saw an old friend last weekend out of the blue and all i wanted to do was to lie down in my bed, in the quiet, i couldn't wait to say goodbye. as i am recently diagnosed, i don't know what causes this and what the answer is, but just wanted to say you are not alone…i guess if you had flu (which feels so similar to RA) you wouldn't want to see anyone and wouldn't be expected too, but the difficulty is that this is a long term illness. i'm trying to find that right balance between socialising in a 'safe' environment so i don't become a complete hermit but it is hard somedays. hugs and i hope someone here will provide some good advice on this one!! xox

[chemar in reply to dillie]

Thanks xx

[sylvi]

I am exactly the same. When i am not feeling very clever i stay indoors and today is such a day. I have been no farther than the garage. I feel really lousy as i think i have a virus(well thats what i believe it is) People say when they see me how well i look,but i tell them they don't see me when i am bad as i don't come out of the house.xxx

[chemar in reply to sylvi]

That's the hardest thing isn't people judge us because we look fine! If only they knew thanks for ur reply xx

[Ali_H]

Hi,

What you are all describing is very familiar to myself also....

Possible explanation 1= a dip in serotonin levels. Serotonin levels influence mood, emotions, appetite, pain tolerance, body temperature and sleep regulation (amongst other things). When feeling like hibernating tune in and see what your appetite is like are you craving carbs? Are you feeling emotionally fragile, have you not been sleeping well, etc. Going for a walk or just being in the garden is an ideal way to boost serotonin levels as we get it from sunlight .... Even wrapping up in a 4 season sleeping bag and lying on a padded garden bench might help on those cold clear winter days. Look at protein intake and also vit B6 intake as an amino acid (can't recall which one typo-something!) because we also need these to create serotonin as well as the sunlight... Stress create cortisol and cortisol munches serotonin from our blood system. There is a food supplement called 5htp that some depression sufferers take because it is a building block of the amino acid tryptophan (well look will you look at that my iPad knew the name of it.... Clever little thing!

[Ali_H]

NOTE: Re last reply info - I DO NOT KNOW HOW 5HTP REACTS WITH RHEUMY MEDS I would have put that on the previous reply but the system would not have it on the last one... Why? Who knows?

Possible explanation 2: It could be simply that we are fed up to the back teeth of living with RA and all that goes with it... I certainly am and over the past few days my pragmatic coping strategy of gathering info, sharing info, making and getting to appointments etc has started to fail me and once again (after a 4-5 year snooze the Black Dog is wide awake and stalking me... I can hear it's low growl that rumble deep in it's dry throat approaching every time I try to 'relax' and just be with my RA rather than being 'busy'.

[Ali_H]

Why is the system cutting off half of my typing Aaaaaaaa!!!

I can't be bothered to type the rest for a 3rd time so will simply say 'catch you soon!'

Ali

[chemar in reply to Ali_H]

Thanks Ali your posts made me chuckle I'm not the only person whos a techno phobe! Thanks again xxx

[Caza]

I think it does us good to hibernate now & again even if it's a couple of days at a time. I love having me time, although I don't like the reasons for it. Even on the bad days I make myself go for a walk ( feet permitting) & always feel better for it. I'm fortunate enough to opt out when I need to. Wish you better, you need to do what's best for you,when you can x

[chemar in reply to Caza]

Thank you xxx

[Patsy-57]

I do the same thing. When bad just want to curl up and forget the outside world. People generally know now if they don't see me I am not good. They will usually ask my husband how I am.

Patsy_57

[chemar in reply to Patsy-57]

Thank you xx

[Hidden]

Yep! I try to fight it though 'cos it can go too far. But your post kind of made me feel better - just hearing someone describe how I sometimes feel just works somehow.

[oldtimer]

I know that when I feel like that - that I need to get out!

Even if it is just a little tiny walk around, it may tire me out but my mood lifts a bit immediately.

I can look at the hedges, the flowers, the trees and even smile at someone.

[Hidden]

With multiple problems I have so many different doctors appointments that I loathe going out for any other reason. Its so hard to shower get dressed and get yourself there and then you are exhausted when you return. I'd love to hermit myself ...and I know its not good for you... but I am so tired of being in pain and lacking energy. I just want to sit in my favorite chair and sip coffee.