Starting the New Year with Fatigue?

Hello Everyone,

I have not posted updates for some time now. One of my new goals includes taking time to post on my blog site.

Did you start the new year with deep exhaustion? You know that exhaustion that is steady or waxes and wanes for months. This isn't everyday tiredness, it's profound fatigue that severely impacts your life. And nothing seems to help-not sleep, stress management or a vacation. This seems to be a diagnosis dilemma for some doctors. In order to receive a CFS diagnosis, you need that degree of fatigue plus four of the following symptoms for at least six months: substantial difficulties with memory or concentration, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, chronic sore throat, feeling wiped out after even slight exertion, unrefreshing sleep and tender lymph nodes. In the beginning I even experienced trouble speaking, dizziness and irritable-bowel issues. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person, although even those with mild CFS can struggle with normal activities like walking up a flight of stairs or reading a novel and even feel worse after making an effort.

Some people feel heavily sedated (without taking medications) and are housebound for weeks, months, and years. I know you have heard the term brain fog...how about brain mud! The hardest part is justifying  why we can't just snap out of it with a little rest or sleep. There is a difference between being tired and feeling exhausted, it is like you are one step away from feeling comatose.

I have come a long way from when I first started experiencing all sorts of symptoms, I hope you find this encouraging. While I have shown significant improvement, I am in no way over my Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia. Sadly, there's no one-size-fits-all solution and the best you can do is try to get ahead of it with a program that eases pain, boosts stamina and reduces stress.  I have not tried going to an immunologist or an infectious disease specialist. Those options are still on my list to consider.

Meanwhile, I know this disease is isolating, so try connecting with people who understand where you are coming from, it can make all the difference on how you approach your health treatment.

One key tip: PACE yourself, even when  you feel almost normal.

I hope and pray you have a fatigue and pain free day.

 68P5X9ABQPEE

Making it One Day at a Time

Hello Everyone,

It seems these days I feel like I am making it one day at a time. It is a constant struggle to stay motivated with the extreme fatigue I am experiencing. I lost my purse and that seemed to get me down. I am simply concerned about my medication and the possibility of someone else using it.

I believe I am having some thyroid issues therefore, I have requested an appointment with my PCP.I am also scheduled to visit my pain management doctor.

The house chores are weighing me down. Cooking and cleaning seems harder these days and it is taking longer to complete chores. This gets overwhelming and depressing.

I think it is time to go visit my beautiful grandchildren. The twins are so happy, full of love and enjoy life. When you are a child and have wonderful parents who love and nurture you, it is easy to enjoy life and make others around you feel loved. They remind you to smile, laugh, love, and share positive emotions.

Anyway, my plan is to remind myself of the following to help me get motivated and continue on my daily journey of living life to the fullest:


* Discovering your inner peace - is the process of creative goals and visions, making them a reality.

* Realizing what, when, and where, then determine the steps required to start managing and achieving those goals...one step at a time.

* Keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas.

* Be realistic and let yourself feel joy.

As I meditate, I must clear my mind, breathe deeply, give myself a break, accept my shortcomings, pace myself, and remain receptive to new ideas on how to complete simple chores one day at a time. Wish me luck!

I hope and pray my daily experiences encourage you to accept yourself, pace yourself, and set realistic goals. Spend time with people that encourage love, laughter, and joy.

Visions and Goals, Stay Focused

Yesterday I decided to step back and clear my mind of any worries or concerns. I know my body reacts to the stress I place on myself, so I must listen to my inner voice. How? I take a deep breath, clear my mind, accept, and explore the people, world, and miracles of life.

Ultimately, I am in control of my emotions, thoughts, and actions, whether I have health issues or not, I am in control of my destiny and responsible for my actions. Once I assume responsibility for my actions, remind myself of my limitations, remain open and receptive to new ideas then I can manage and achieve reasonable goals.

The key is to know what, how, when, where, and why I desire certain goals and visions. By re-evaluating my life, I can be open to working towards attaining my goals and dreams. I can work toward figuring out different ways to manage my life and health instead of being a victim to circumstances or health challenges. Our mind-set leads the way, creates a path, and ultimately sets a pattern or direction. We can make it positive or negative, succeed, or fail depending on our attitude. I want to take time to enjoy life’s pleasures, experience new things, love, support my family, friends, and others, and remind myself that anything is possible.

Let me share an example, I have been stressing about my fatigue and my inability to get tasks, chores, and goals achieved. Who is going to take care of my family? I cannot afford to rest or get sick. I have wasted precious time and emotions worrying about my fatigue. I should have identified and w confronted the challenges that kept me going in circles or at a stand still because of my fatigue. Based on my own experience, I know it helps me to write down my thoughts and emotions’, figuring out what is stopping me from moving forward. Once I release those emotions I have been internalizing, I am able to ask questions and find logical ways of handling my challenges.

Identifying the underlying causes that hold me back, brainstorming practical solutions to specific issues, and dealing with my desires and emotions will encourage motivation. A “can-do” attitude goes a long way. Maintaining a realistic frame of mind, interacting with a diverse group of people, and setting limits creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

My first goal is to fight fatigue, not complete a chore or task! One day at time, one-step at a time, taking breaks and setting realistic time limits. This day forward I plan to take one day at time, take small steps, accept myself, and thank God for giving me the power to discover my inner peace. Here are thoughts on fighting fatigue:

FIGHTING FATIGUE:
Drink lots of liquids, no caffeinated coffee, soda, etc.
Eat a well-balanced diet, do not skip meals, and avoid junk food.
Stick to a regular sleep schedule and try resting or taking a nap during the day.
Stretch daily and complete posture scans.
Take time to meditate
Practice simple yoga move
Balance your personal time, work, family, and friends
Take a multivitamin
Do not smoke or consume alcohol
Be charitable
Listen to others, encourage, and do not judge others
Do not loose hope and keep your faith in God and people.

Thank you for reading my blog post and I hope my experience serves a purpose.

I hope and pray you have a fatigue and pain free day.

Energy....Someone Give Me a Dose

Hi Everyone!

Well, today I feel stronger but still lack energy. When I review my past blog posts I am reminded that I am getting stronger. I guess I am just a bit disappointed in my lack of energy. There are so many chores and tasks I want to complete. My body and mind are not connecting. Sounds crazy, but it is true.

The early mornings seem to be such a struggle for me. I don't want to drive anymore. Jerry can no longer drive, so it is up to me. I always wanted to do the driving and now I dread having to drive.

My daily chores are stacking up on me and I can't get motivated. My fatigue is draining me physically and mentally. Perhaps sharing this information will get me motivated. Please send some energy my way and I will try to hang in there. (Just doesn't sound like me, does it?)

I do have some good news...no more neck pain!

God Bless and I hope and pray you are having a pain and fatigue free day.

March 10, 2010 - My Journey

After reviewing my notes from the past, I know I am feeling better and in a better place. I remember the days I could not get out of bed, the fatigue, and pain I felt every moment of my life. While my pain and fatigue has decreased, I am experiencing some of those unpleasant symptoms again.

I do not stick to a schedule unless I have scheduled appointments or plans. I think it would be best to set a waking and bedtime schedule to follow on a daily basis. When you have no work or school schedule, you tend to be more relaxed and maybe even lazy. I am speaking from personal experience, perhaps nobody else falls under this category. I plan to start tomorrow, letting my hubby know when to give me my wake-up medication. I am just not sure I want to commit to it. I have to get motivated.

Today, Jerry gave me my medication (Concerta ER 54 MG) and pain medication at 8:30 AM, so I could wake up, bathe, get dressed, and take him to his doctor’s appointment at 11:30 AM. While I was in bed, I completed stretching exercises by slowly moving my arms, legs, hands, fingers, and toes. This gave me time to gain enough strength to get out of bed and bathe. It seems after a long hot bath my body tends to feel a bit more energized. Prior to the appointment, I took time for meditation and prayer. It cleared my mind from any negativity.

My planned activities were stretching, prayer time, driving Jerry to his appointment, updating my blog, washing a load of clothes, and cooking dinner. I was successful and completed my planned activities. I feel fatigued and unable to relax when I lie down to rest. I will have to figure out a way to relax.

I ate small meals throughout the day, watched television, and snacked on popcorn (my favorite). I can make a meal out of popcorn. Try to remember that during meals you should reduce the amount of fluid you drink (prevents the dilution of stomach acids). Drink water throughout the day (I did) and eat small meals, snacking on something before and after lunch to help stabilize stomach acids. I am eating very small meals because I do not have an appetite. I need to build up my strength.

I practiced stress relief by breathing deeply from my abdomen, not my chest. I also took time out to stretch throughout the day. I still feel fatigued. I am still struggling with headaches, stiffness of the neck, nausea, and dizziness. That might be the reason I cannot relax, the pain in my neck is uncomfortable. I may end up having to call my doctor prior to March.

I am experiencing pain on the bottom of my feet, neck, and ribcage. My concentration is off because my neck feels so uncomfortable. Hence, the reason I can't figure out how to post my daily journal creation! I have tried exercises, a heating pad, and massage. My head feels fuzzy, my nose feels stuffy, my ears are ringing, and I cannot relax. This process of recording my activities, pain and fatigue may help me identify problems. It is a struggle, but I want to keep it up. Wish me luck.

Meanwhile, I hope and pray you did not experience pain and fatigue.

Our Journey to Wellness

Hello Everyone,


I invite anyone burdened by this illness to join me in working towards restoring his or her health. Allowing God in our life to heal us, touch our soul with compassion for others, and touch our hearts with his courage and infinite love for all. We can reach our goals by remaining positive in our mind with the wisdom and spirit God shares with us on a daily basis. Listening, requesting, and giving guidance to those in need during this journey leading us to acknowledging the life style changes we have to make in our lives and maintaining that level of awareness for everlasting results.

The most loving Heart of Jesus who brings us the strength will guide us in making the right decisions, plan our wellness program, and follow it on a daily basis. With the proper support, nutrition, and gentle exercise program, we can create a path to wellness.

You can choose to join me on my journey by creating your own wellness program. I recommend maintaining a journal. Write down your symptoms, thoughts and find a way to measure your pain. After a few weeks, once you re-examine your symptoms, thoughts and pain level, you will find you have made great progress. Please remember to focus on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of your life.

I will share my journey with you by posting my wellness program, journal, and progress. Read my next post:

I hope and pray you have experienced a day without pain and fatigue.