I feel fine but my partner is worried because I need naps all the time.

[charks]

When I first experienced B12D I gave up my business and retired early because I was so tired all the time. 2 years later I feel fine most of the time with a good energy level. Last week we went on a 10 mile walk. But I still need lots of naps. Will this get better?

[Nackapan]

Going for a 10 mile walk surly deserves a nap!!!

Don't push too hard.

You've done so well in recovery

Sometimes I wish I could 'power nap'

Never had that ability.

Use it .

Slerp recharges you

[ForViolet]

So, do you mean a nap every day? Or by saying you take naps all the time, do you mean a couple of naps every day?

I take a nap almost every day for about 20 minutes.This past week, I took two naps on a couple of days. I have more energy after eating liver or even just beef.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Yes, I certainly think, for some people who did not get any early results from B12 injections, there is still the possibility for long-term improvement to be had.It has been the case for some of us here.

I was once told by a senior ENT consultant that I was doing the right thing by frequent self-injection and that I should not get disheartened, to continue with it, because it would take a very long time to get better. He gave me the confidence I needed, and he was absolutely right.

It is diffcult to see signs of slow recovery. Now and again, my partner has to remind me "You couldn't have done that two years ago". I also keep diaries -so when feeling that nothing is happening for me, I can look back. Easy to forget how bad it was. Can also look back at early posts here.

I eventually gave up my job after attempting a phased return after long-term sick leave and found that I'd stalled at "two days and struggling". Most of my symptoms have gone, or are rare, or don't really bother me too much. I am more aware of my limits too.

Where once, a simple supermarket trip would mean dizziness, confusion, sensory overload, air-hunger and subsequent 3-hour nap, at worst I get a touch of the yawns on the way home now. So not always perfect, but managing to do a lot more than just existing.

Keep going. Keep looking for what works. Monitor progress. Blood tests regularly (once a year) for folate, ferritin, vitamin D, thyroid, FBT to ensure all else not holding you back. No need to have B12 tested - it will be high.

It has taken me 6 years to get this far - but the best part of the first 2 years mostly just trying to prevent continuing deterioration.

I am still expecting more improvement.

[Narwhal10]

Hi charks,

I do hope you enjoyed your hike. It is difficult to say with regards to your circumstances. You know your body best. When we over exert, we can be more prone to set backs (medically speaking ‘post exertional malaise’ or ‘boom and bust’ which can include an exacerbation of symptoms) but it’s individual and where you are in recovery. So ‘pacing’ is required and regular naps/breaks may be a way of life for some of us.

For myself, I’m pretty organised,first thing I write on a white board, self care included (brushing my teeth etc) To do list . It doesn’t always go to plan as the body can be a little mischievous. I give it what it needs 😴. But on that to-do list is 2 meditation sessions. I need to switch off from the world to manage my symptoms.

Fatigue is very poorly understood. We are motivated to do things but it requires effort or energy. So because we are deficient in B12 and possibly other things we cannot produce two really important compounds for energy production (ATP and NADPH). I just say to those graced by my presence I’m like a rubbish battery. Note: introverts are choosy and if I socialise then in the back of my mind am I going to be ok to cook and feed myself ?)

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Sorry it’s a lengthy document but scan of first page is enough to give you an idea.

Best wishes