How frightening it is to be so much better!

What a good idea this is...no one I know here has ME and they have no idea how frightening it is to be so much better (doesn't that sound an odd thing to say?). I am facing the triple challenge of having to decorate my house (it needs it) doing voluntary work whilst looking for part time paid work and also starting a new relationship after 2 years alone. I wonder how/if I'll cope particularly as my new man isn't local so if all goes well I may have to move as well as!

HELP!

Best wishes to everyone.

Overdoing things

I have had me for 2 years now but I am beginning my road to recovery and finding it very difficult. As soon as I increase my social activities I overdo things and my symptoms come back with a vengence.

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Dealing with setbacks

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Re: Overdoing things

by PhilM on Mon 20 Nov 2006 15:57 GMT | Profile | Permanent Link

When u feel better, instead of doing what you feel you can do, do half of what you feel u can do. Always stop *well* before you start to feel tired / ill / exhausted. Then see if you still have a return of your symptoms. if so, next time do a quarter, and so on.

Pacing is the key to a recovery process - once the recovery process has started of course.

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Re: Overdoing things

by Renee on Thu 23 Nov 2006 13:36 GMT | Profile | Permanent Link

I agree that pacing is the key.
As part of your recovery process, I believe it is important to observe what it is that triggers your symptoms when doing social activities. It's not just delayed fatigue from using energy. What kind of social activities? Are there people draining your energy levels? Is it a time to review and change the kind of things you do?
From my experience during my recovery process my social activities have taken second place. I have had to put myself first - not easy when I've spent most of my life being the life and soul of the party!!! But on reflection getting ME is mega life changing and a lesson/prompt to change my lifestyle and behaviour.
I do very little socially, but when I do something it is totally my choice and the pleasure is vast.
Last weekend I managed to go to the cinema with my husband, watched a funny film and laughed loads.
As I'm working part-time, and Xmas is around the corner, I was asked to the Xmas do. Initially I felt happy but then reality set in. I knew it was too far away, too late finishing and would be surrounded by smoke and alcohol. Of course knowing I'd have to say no set off some emotions but it made me look closer and I realised it wasn't right for my well being and I will not do anything to jeopardise my 'wellness' (especially after 3 relapses in 3 years, from overdoing it)
So as time progresses you will learn from your own recovery process, up or down. Wishing you well with this.