Accepting fatigue

[Jigsawlass]

I have hit a major fatigue day today . Maybe 2 hours of ironing Monday and driving for the first time since December has contributed. Anyway, I walked to work, 10 minutes away , as usual . Had to stop 3 times as I felt so wobbly . Got to work , did some admin , gave my boss the heads up that I was feeling very strange and running on empty. Today is a long work day for me as a music teacher. Teach all day and then run a choir after school. I decided I needed to act on my boss's advice to put myself first so am now back home in bed . I see this as a positive step in accepting my fatigue rather than soldiering on. I'm beginning to realise how much energy is used on things like driving etc ...it was a short journey but I was tired when I got back !

[SheffieldJane]

How sensible! We have invested in a steamer which is great for things that really have to be ironed and you can sit and point it at the garment. Ironing is tiring at the best of times. It cleans suits too. Pacing is absolutely key. Teaching all day and then choir is simply too much. Perhaps some adjustment to your schedule/ working pattern is required?

[Capprice in reply to SheffieldJane]

Oooh .. I like the sound of steaming instead of ironing! Can you recommend a steamer? UK x

[SheffieldJane in reply to Capprice]

Mine is “Steamered”, a Swedish make in a lovely shade of mint green. Perfect for taking on holiday and dealing with creased garments. No bigger than a hairdryer, but it works if your things aren’t too intricate.

[Charlie1boy]

Well, I’m sorry to say no surprise there! I’m male and was retired when diagnosed seven years ago. The GP had said nothing about fatigue and being tired etc. I found out the hard way; rather like you.When I thought about it afterwards, there was no way I could have carried on working (did a lot of driving), but even routine retired stuff like shopping and gardening, and bits of diy completely did me in. I certainly could not have managed anything like your schedule, and I have to take a daily siesta to keep functioning.

Hopefully, you will be able to sort out what you can or can’t do, and how much rest and relaxation you need.

For sure, others will be along with more advice. You have my absolute sympathy.

Good luck.

Paddy

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Acceptance is good..But do you really need to do 2 hours of ironing....not sure I could ever manage that..even when younger and pre GCA. Certainly haven't done that amount in years!

Either do it little and often, and then only the items where it is really, really necessary. But to be honest most materials washed on a cooler cycle don't need it nowadays.

As once said, life's too short...and with PMR or GCA, so is energy (or spoons)!😲

Sure you were linked the pacing post in previous replies, but if not please read, or re-read _

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk......

[Jigsawlass in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes, I read the pacing post but will read again. Today is a major step in acceptance and I will build on this. I am emailing the spoons theory to my boss so it can be shared more widely. Also cancelling meet ups I had in the diary this week which I feel would be too much x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It then becomes about prioritisation - IMHO the joys of standing ironing should be quite a way down that list!!!! I actually like ironing but I keep the ironing board up and the iron plugged in to minimise the effort required. I did 2 t-shirts and 2 sets of single duvet covers and pillowcases yesterday while my cleaner was here - well under an hour altogether but I still had a short sit down in the middle.

Before anyone says anything - pure cotton so do have to be ironed! And an unusual size for here so not easy to replace ...

[Jigsawlass in reply to PMRpro]

I enjoy ironing too and keep the board up , but I obviously overdid it ...I don't iron cotton sheets or duvet covers lol

[Seacat30 in reply to PMRpro]

Flat things are a pleasure to iron. Shapes are not. Anything that requires use of a sleeve board is horrid.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Seacat30]

Quite! I have a nice cotton blouse - never realised what a sod it would turn out to be to iron. Doesn't get worn much! The linen ones are a pleasure though ...

[Seacat30 in reply to PMRpro]

I used to work in a museum. Ironing damages fabric. I am an expert finger dryer.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

What is ironing? Gave that up around 15 years ago................board and iron to charity shop - yes the one who accepts electrical stuff.

You know who to contact if you want some replacements................

[piglette in reply to jinasc]

Never heard the word ironing it must be a foreign word! I have heard a word cleaning, I have got an Hungarian machine called Viktoria that solves that problem.

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

No duvet ironing for me...years ago got a throw....covers bed completely...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

Can't cope with that - have to be able to get my feet out from underneath - couldn't even manage a double lightweight blanket, had to be singles, one each.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

1 tog for me

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

OH would love it if I was like that!...I have to wear double socks, long sleeved tops in bed.....dread this winter's bills!...already have blue toes!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

Oh no - I use summer duvets even in deepest winter! Mind - the flat is pretty draught-proof, not like the average UK place

[Constance13 in reply to Longtimer]

Bit like me!

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

I always use pure cotton too but find I sleep just as well with creased duvet covers over me!!😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

No - love the feel of covers dried outside and freshly ironed

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

I know! We’ve had this conversation before.😂😂

[Karenjaninaz in reply to PMRpro]

I find ironing rather soothing. My ironing board(UK made) has an adjustable height and I can sit and iron - while watching the TV.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Karenjaninaz]

I like it when there is something decent to watch - but I can't sit and iron.

[Karenjaninaz in reply to PMRpro]

I have very long arms…

[Twopies]

Our ironing board is down in the basement somewhere. We send our ironing to the cleaners with instructions: “press only, no starch!” There’s no way I could stand to iron let alone use my arms that way.

[MrsNails]

Had to teach my left handed husband how to iron shirts 👔 long before PMR due to a shoulder injury but he got the hang of it - most of my clothes didn’t need ironing or went to the Dry Cleaners!

[Bleakley1]

Totally understand where you are coming from. My problem with fatigue is a bit similar but s lot of it is because of lack of sleep. Some nights I will sleep for nine hours other nights only two or three then feel ill the next day. Even after a good sleep fatigue can still rear it's head. Feel as if I am on a roundabout that I can't get off. Not on a high dose of pred either. Six mg

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bleakley1]

Have you read this ? Might help-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Bleakley1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for reply. Will read it through

[agingfeminist]

I think we all learn the hard way...and it is a tough thing to accept. You have been achieving an amazing amount...I manage a five minute walk before legs turn to jelly. I do work full-time but only online from home. I take a 2-3 of hours crash out time every afternoon. I try to catch up in the evenings. I do manage housework...if paced...but ironing!!! (nothing has ever got ironed...hung carefully to minimize crease sis the most I have ever done for my family) Now I can only stand for short periods and lifting a half full kettle is my limit. A lot of adjusting from total fitness...I hardly recognize myself. I don't much like the new me...but it is what it is and the steroids keep me pain free.

I hope by easing up a little, it won't impact too much on your life...you are doing superhero stuff at the moment.

[Gibguy]

It took me 2years to begin to accept acceptance as a key element in dealing with the unpredictably an daily turmoil that is PMR.

[FRnina]

some time back there was a post from Purple Violet: to quote 'There are 3 things: every day take a 1-hour siesta without fail. Take on enough water throughout the day. Learn to say NO'.Especially the last is important I think.

[KASHMIRI1]

Good morning to you l came to the same conclusion as you this week and stopped trying to push on with things. I have been waking in the early hours and getting into worry mode about my health issues. Not very helpful at all. It has made me so depressed that l thought l was going mad on Sunday. I have had a lie down and a sleep in the afternoon this week and got to bed nice and early. It has seemed to help.

[busyrosiebee]

i only buy clothes I dont need to iron☺️i feel no guilt in prioritising…you need rest friend!

[Lafontainepam1]

I’m sorry your feeling so bad, but I totally understand! I went to the grocery store yesterday for a few things and today I have no energy! I’ve had this for 10 years and it always surprises me how little I do on some days and have no energy the next!! Rest is the smartest thing you can do! Good for you💕

[BabyRuby1]

Ironing ? No way…that went out in the 60s. Having to still work with PMR …. Couldn’t do it!Wear wrinkled clothes