Motivation and Chronic Illness
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
March 27, 2008 12:28pm CST
I suffer from M.E./C.F.S. and Fibromyalgia and getting started in my day is the toughest part.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, how do you get going?
I'm used to my partner (who is also my full-time carer) being there to bring me a cup of tea and push me and help me to get started during the day.
He's just started a new job and he's gone before I wake up each day. I'm finding it really difficult now. I can't seem to get myself out of bed and my mind is such a fog that I'm really struggling. I get so confused and that frustrates me no end. Today I tried to make myself a cup of tea and kept having to snap at myself, "keep focused, tea tea TEA!"
I ended up nearly pouring beer into it instead of milk!
I don't know what to do with myself. I have hobbies, like scrapbooking and sewing, but when I don't have someone there to help me find the things I need to get started I really flounder. I'm also so weak and tired that I don't have the energy or mental capacity to do things. That's the main problem really.
How do you get going mentally? What stimulates you to kick-start your day?
5 people like this
6 responses
@mbs730 (2147)
• Canada
28 Mar 08
Wow I am not sure if I should compare to you what I deal with but I have depression and it takes a toll on me, not just mentally and emotionally but physically. I have to force myself to get out of bed every morning no matter how hard it is. Besides, the kids need to be ready for school.. my husband takes an hour just getting himself ready *rolling eyes* so... the job is left for me to do!
1 person likes this
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
30 Mar 08
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!
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
28 Mar 08
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.
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling too and I wish you all the strength and hope in the world.
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
27 Mar 08
I have been suffering for the last 2 years with a chronic back injury. Since then it has gone into my hips and down my legs. I have a very hard time getting out of bed in the morning that it does take me sometime to lay there and say is this going to be a good day a bad day or an inbetween day. What gets me going is usually my cat right now as she loves to have me around her. She is almost identical to me with the sleeping. She sleeps when I do and she cuddles with me all day when I am awake. She's such a good cat. Another thing that keeps me going is I am not going to let this bring me down and beat me. I have so much going on right now that needs to be done. I am battling it out with my insurance company as they don't want to pay me what is rightfully mine. I am working and searching on things that are going to help me reduce pain and my depression that I am experiencing again. I hate feeling this way and I am trying hard to keep a positive outlook on life. But I will be the first to tell you that it is hard. All I can say is keep positive and have a positive mind you are going to beat this.
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
28 Mar 08
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.
@nicholejade (2430)
• Canada
28 Mar 08
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.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
28 Mar 08
i have fibromyalgia,
diabetes
thyroid problems,
irritated bowel syndrome
urinary problems,
I just am a mess
some days I can hardly move with the pain
I just try to push myself to write because that is what keeps me going mentally and pays me good when the assignments come in
1 person likes this
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
28 Mar 08
Oh dear you poor love. My best wishes for health and healing to you. Well done for your success in writing.
@chrislotz (8136)
• Canada
28 Mar 08
I really don't have any answers for you, and I really feel for you, but the reason I wanted to respond to your discussion is to say you are a very strong person and I wish there was a way I could help you. Also here in mylot, it is a good place for you to be so that you can get some of your frustrations out and so people can give you a lift in your spirits. I am happy to have you on my friend's list. I hope you stay in mylot as you are a very valuable member and a good friend. Keep up the good work posting.
1 person likes this
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
28 Mar 08
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!
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!
@aenasao (129)
• China
28 Mar 08
Phaedra,i am very sorry for your chronic illness,yet,i know good mood can help you defeat the illness.you can think like this: things now already be like this,what can i do is to make things better,yet,how to make things better,what can i do now is to keep an optimistic attitude to life.Try to forget your illness,think of some pleasant things happened in the past.encourge yourself to be brave.i think you will be fine soon,trust me,i strongly support you.
@KayMelissa (3)
• United States
8 Jul 12
One join people who know how you feel. http://www.facebook.com/LadyFibro
