Motivation and Chronic Illness

I'll try and find that! I need all the help I can get right now.

2:50 am. Yikes.
I'm the opposite. I seem to be the worst first thing and find it takes hours to get myself up and awake.
I go to bed with lots of plans and then wake up so confused, foggy and weak that I can't get started on anything.

I've had these symptoms for about 3 years and they've only gotten worse as time's gone on.
I'd take walks if I could but I need to use a wheelchair to do any real travelling as I can only walk so far with my cane and I can't propel the chair myself.

It's so frustrating not to be able to get anything done.

x

If thats the case, then I don't think you should be forcing yourself to rise early...You should be staying in bed late in the mornings and be able to enjoy your day into the evening and night. As far as walks, my "walks" began inside. I would walk from the bedroom to the kitchen and count that as my daily walk. I made myself get dressed every day and walk through the house using the support of the walls.

There are ways to build up strength. You can use stretch bands to get the muscles warmed up. Hot water is wonderful, baths or showers. I still don't have a bathtub that I can fill with hot water. I had a half bath for 5 years and now I have a small water heater so the water goes cold and its hard to get a warm bath. Longing for the day!

Don't give up my friend. Every little thing you do counts. Use the cane to steady yourself and decide you're going to walk through the house one time, then two, the three, gradually build up a routine that works..Just do it during your good hours..Sleep in late if thats whats comfortable for you. My mind would go crazy with thoughts and whacked out dreams if I tried to sleep in.

Carry your heating pad and blanket with you all over the house. Just make sure you dress and brush your hair and teeth. These are basics that make you feel somewhat human on the worst of days.

Is there anything wrong with having an afternoon tea rather than morning? I think you're trying to get up before you're body is ready.

Well I do sleep until lunchtime as it is! Which I have to say I need to stop being ashamed about. It's just when I do get up eventually it takes so long to get going. Some days I don't at all. I think I need to set myself walking goals in the house. You're right, that's a super idea, thank you! I tend to live in my pyjama bottoms and a t-shirt because it's comfortable. I think you're also right that psychologically getting dressed would have an effect on me. The trouble is I have limited energy and getting dressed uses up a lot of it.

Baby steps eh?

Thank you for all your super ideas and I hope you get your bathtub soon!

Absolutely baby steps! I didn't dress for a long time...but I did brush my hair and try to apply a little makeup...To start with I wore jammies and chapstick...Now 6yrs later I've worked my way up to fully dressed with hair and makeup done...Some days are what I call slob days;) no makeup sometimes sweats...But I "feel" better when I'm made up...it takes practice though..

I was watching this old black and white movie where this woman has a strange disease. She had to be in bed all day long but she made her servants dress her in the finest night gowns..Then they'd brush her hair and she's apply makeup...Everyday she had to look her best even though her best was in bed..I was inspired by that movie and decided that I wanted to look my best...Whatever my best was for that particular day.

Simple steps to look better led to simple steps to feel better...Which in 6yrs time led to me moving without my cane and living 3 stories up...I climb stairs daily now..Some days are easier than others..Some days the stairs exhaust me..But it makes me feel good to say that I checked the mail today or I took out the trash..

Actually after 6yrs of being home, I start a part time job tomorrow. Its only going to be an hour or two but I do have to get down and up the steps to do it.

Its a slow process, just don't give up on it..I'm here when you need a friend.

That sounds really interesting, any idea what film it was?

I have an exercise DVD that's broken up into different sections. Although most of it is too much for me (aerobics and kickboxing!) there is a ten minute segment of gentle yoga that I can just about manage some days if I lie down afterwards! It's difficult to remember that you need to be proud of even the tiniest of accomplishments when you want to be doing so much more.

I'm sorry to hear you're suffering too. I have two cats and I think that without them I'd go mad. They love to sleep on my legs, which is comforting and lovely, except when my fibromyalgia is acting up and the slightest pressure can be excruciating.

It's wonderful that you have such a positive outlook. I try to most of the time, but when my mind is so fogged and weak some days that I just can't get anything done, I feel a bit defeated. I suppose I just need to look forward to better days.

Cats or animals for that matter sure do help things to say the least. Keep your head up high and I am here to chat if you like. We can be motivation to eachother.

That's a good idea, thanks. I like to collect inspirational quotes to put in scrapbooks, but I should put them around the house to inspire me everyday. It's difficult as my partner and I share the house we're in with two rather unpleasant people, but hopefull y when we get our own place this summer I can make it a home of light and good thoughts!

Unfortunately I've not seen those ads in the U.K.
Medications are not marketed like they are in your country.

My doctor keeps telling me that there are no medications to help me other than painkillers. I hope that changes soon.

I just saw the commercial for it about an hour ago but did not write it down. I wish I had.

Thank you for your support.

It's not about comparisons. We all struggle with our own stuff and it's unique to each of us. I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling too and I wish you all the strength and hope in the world.

So true and thanks for replying, by the way I love your name.

Well thank you! It's actually a throwback to my angstier goth days as a teen.
Perhaps I should think of something pertaining to who I am now more. I still love the Phaedra part though!

That's so kind, thank you very much!

It's not always easy to post and respond and I feel guilty when it takes me a while to be mentally alert enough to reply to people who have responded to my discussions. I keep on going though!

Oh dear you poor love. My best wishes for health and healing to you. Well done for your success in writing.

Good grief! I believe that's what's technically called "the full whammy"!

I also suffer from severe allergies, depression, a possible IBS condition, back pain and other things, but I think the chronic fatigue and it's associated symptoms like vertigo are what are hitting me hardest. I'm tackling the depression spiritually and it's helped a lot.

I love that you're sure to laugh each day. That's really important. You're lucky to have each other obviously.
Sadly we can't afford a nurse and friends and family either work or live far away. I have two beautiful cats to keep me company though and am trying to look at the situation as a challenge rather than a raw deal. It's not always easy to put on a brave face though.*hugs back*!

Sometimes I think we are cursed, although most of the stuff is happening to him. If I was your neighbor I would come over and help you. It's nice you have the cats, but they can't make you tea! You have a good attitude. Some people would just sit around and feel sorry for themselves. If you ever want to email me, I'm good for support and laughs catjane06@yahoo.com.

Awe, you're incredibly sweet!

I see that you live in Pensacola. There's a Joan Osbourne song named that, that I love!
You're lucky to live in such a warm sunny place as Florida. I live in Wales where it's always cold and rainy and it makes my illness worse! I'm quite envious. I'll have to emigrate to sunnier climes one day!

It can get quite cold here in winter, but it warms up nicely. It's in the 70's all this week. Yes, I notice on bad weather days all my aches and pains seem to act up! Oringally I am from Canada, so I know what cold is, for sure! Take care!

Thank you, that's really sweet. I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling too. I think if I had a water bed I'd never leave it! It's hard enough to part with my duvet each day!

I didn't know people still had water beds! I have slept in a couple and hated them, too much motion! It must be difficult to not be able to get out of bed. So sorry you have to go through that. I hope thngs get better for you soon. Hugs.