Chronic fatigue is flaring

Posted on January 8, 2022 by

30 Comments

I’m struggling. I’ve been fighting the fatigue for awhile, but for sure it’s reared its ugly head more and more since Thanksgiving.

My out of town doc put me on a very low dose of oral hydrocortisone that I started about Nov 30th and that helped for a bit. Since I’ve never tried this in the almost 9 years of this illness journey, she wanted me to try it out. I’m usually open to trying new things that are doable with our budget.

Boy-oh! I’m not going to lie. Within a few days of starting this med, I really started feeling better. I couldn’t believe it! I had more energy throughout the day than I’ve had this past year. And all at a very stressful time of the semester! My brain felt like a light had turned on. I could think more clearly and stay focused. While this time between Thanksgiving and Winter break is usually a very difficult time for me – grading, finishing high school and college finals and semester grades, etc.- I was able to take it in stride.

At the start of winter break, I was hopeful and looking forward to the holidays. And then. I’m not sure what happened. I did get the covid booster on December 21st. This time was Pfizer whereas my original vaccine was J &J in March. I had no issues in March so I figured no big deal, right? Not so much. I received the shot about 2 p.m. and by 9 p.m., I had a terrible headache and nausea. By early the next morning, I was running a 101 fever with a horrible headache, joint pain, and nausea. I stayed in bed most of that day. By Thursday, I was up, but not feeling great. I have no idea if the booster pushed me over the edge of course, but my H- town doc, when I saw her the 27th, said sometimes, vaccines can cause inflammatory responses. But even then when I saw her, I was feeling better and thought all was good.

But that’s how it goes some or most of the time with chronic illness. It’s a management issue day to day, hour by hour. By December 30th, I was really struggling. I couldn’t get up in the morning. Awaking, I would have a headache and nausea or stomach cramping. I would drink alkaselzer and head back to bed, mostly to sleep. Until 9:30….10:30….11:30…I would then get up, do a few small things, eat some oatmeal, and back to bed. This continued through the weekend. And Monday. We started back to school January 4th but there was no way I was making it.

The rest of this week has been much of the same as last. Mornings are the worst. I’m trying to rest when my body tells me and that’s most of the time. The past few days I’ve been able to stay upright for a few more hours each afternoon; I’ll take the little wins. On Monday, I’m heading back to my H-town doctor, and we’ll see what she thinks. I did blood work for her on the 27th, but I guess with the holidays, COVID, etc., my results are still not back.

I’m trying to stay positive and not beat myself up about not being at work for my students and for my colleagues. When my brain can semi concentrate, which right now it’s mostly brain fog, short term memory issues, and lack of recall, I’m trying to do some work from home.

I’m grateful that I had winter break. And that I still have a few paid sick days left. And that I have colleagues who are very understanding and supportive. That I haven’t been out of work this much for a few years. That my husband and my mom get it.

But it’s still scary. Right now, I’m trying to just take it day by day and not worry too much-yet-about what things will look like moving forward. That’s all too much for my mushy, foggy brain to deal with right now. Maybe tomorrow.

The lilies my in-laws sent us on Christmas Eve are still blooming ❤️

BTW, the handsome boy featured is Newton, one of our smart and clever young sirs. I think he is the most clever! 🙂 Wishing you all joy in this new year. Take care – belle

Category: chronic illness, Daily GrindTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

30 Comments on “Chronic fatigue is flaring”

  2. Although we don’t know each other and I’m only here because you ‘liked’ a response I left on another blog, I really feel for what you’re going through and hope strength returns soon! ~best wishes all the way from New Zealand 🙂

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  3. You must have been so encouraged when the hydrocortisone gave you relief. Hopefully, your blood work will give you and your doctor some answers.

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  4. I’m really sorry that everything has turned around back to where you were. I hope the doctor can figure out what was working and get you back there. I am fighting something similar but not as extreme here. A big part of it is my all over the place work schedule. Lots of hugs to you! And he is such a handsome boy! ❤️🐾

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    • Hi there, thank you for your kind words. I saw my doctor today, and she wants me to take a few weeks off to rest and try to get on track. I’m not happy that it’s come to this, but I’m not sure what I could have done to prevent it. I still struggle with letting go and accepting that I have chronic illness. However, I’m grateful I can take the time off. At least for a little bit. I know you’ve been dealing with some health issues as well. I hope it improves for you. Please know I’m a faithful reader of your blog, and I appreciate reading your words daily. I also appreciate that it’s work on top of your regular job! Thank you! Take care, friend.

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      • It is hard to not do anything when something is wrong. It’s even harder when you know you couldn’t have changed things but your mind is sure there had to be something.
        Thank you so very much for being a reader and a friend! This morning I needed to hear that someone out there cared about my writing. Take care of yourself! I hope the time off helps.❤️

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  6. Sorry you are encountering a fatigue flare-up. Steroids can be problematic like that. I hope things get better for you. No one wants to be tired all the time and in a constant state of brain fog. Have you considered using essential oils to help out on both counts?

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  8. Thank you for sharing!!..there are many things that could be happening to cause your issues and it takes the body time to heal and rest is important.. hopefully with the doctors help you will be able to overcome the issues…. I have a few issues myself through the aging process but the key is stay positive… 🙂

    Get well soon and until we meet again..
    May flowers always line your path
    and sunshine light your way,
    May songbirds serenade your
    every step along the way,
    May a rainbow run beside you
    in a sky that’s always blue,
    And may happiness fill your heart
    each day your whole life through.
    (Irish Saying)

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