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#LivingwithLyme
After Spring Break
Hey my people, in my head, I’m writing blogs a lot! In reality, you know this isn’t true. I’ll be honest, I made it from when I returned to work from my medical leave in January about February 7 until Spring Break, about March 12th, doing alright. Holding my own. Actually doing regular people things like working, cooking, grocery shopping (curbside pickup, but still!).
But, about Tuesday of break, the severe fatigue was back. I spent most of the break sleeping and/or just resting in bed. No stimulus at all. Usually with my eye cover on. No reading, music, tv. All of that was too exhausting. The days we were out of school were mostly beautiful and coveted southeast Texas weather. I did try each day to get outside for an hour doing something.
I tried not to get swallowed back into the black hole of severe chronic fatigue. This time, I thought to myself, I’ll be the winner! Not so much. I did go back to work this past Monday, telling myself that I can take days off if needed (can I though? I’m out of sick days completely and getting docked pay is – yikes). But that’s the story I’m telling myself to try and pep talk myself every day. How’s it going? It’s going.
I’m working. Definitely not doing much else. I’ve managed to take care of our dogs and cats, sweep the floor a few times, and do laundry. Otherwise, I come home from school, do a few things that have to be done like feed those pesky pets (joking- I love them all), then lay down. I still can’t believe it’s only been a week back since break. It feels like it’s been 3 weeks.
At my doctor’s visit last week, I told her that I am feeling like I did when I had to take medical leave. The Epstein-Barr virus is still active. She checked for some others viruses and my thyroid but everything else appears normal. She said it’s the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and that I may need to take another medical leave to rest. I’m trying to hang in as long as I can. School isn’t out until right before Memorial Day weekend, and like I said, I’m out of sick/personal days. I’m still waiting to see if the disability claim I made with my disability insurance is going to pay for the leave I took in Jan/Feb. I should know soon.
Again, I’m very grateful to all of you out there writing your lovely blogs. I try and read religiously! Your posts keep me out of my head and give me so many new perspectives on all kinds of things. While I’m just laying around in my very dark, cool bedroom, you help me to travel into new places doing new things, learning new things.
I’m hopeful I can get out of this flare or episode or whatever we want to call it without taking another leave or missing days. But right now, I just don’t know. I have lots of strategies I’m using, but none seem to be helping right now up against the wall of fatigue. I hope spring has arrived for or is at least just around the corner! Take care. Peace and joy to you – Belle
OH! The pups in the pic above are from left to right: LuAnn, with her head on Newton, on the couch. And Zola and Pico, with his pink winter jacket on, laying in the dog bed on the floor. These are 4 of the 6 dogs who own us. 😄
Thanks for Spreading the LOVE!!!
13 Comments on “After Spring Break”
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Your dogs are wonderful! I’m more of a cat person myself, but I can appreciate a nice dog — or six. I’m sorry to hear about your fatigue. I did a tiny bit of reading, and learned that chronic fatigue syndrome has no apparent cause, but I am curious. Does a heavy pollen season sometimes make it worse? Several of my friends and I always get extra tired in spring when the pollen begins to blow, and we’ve never understood it. There’s just so much we don’t know.
I smiled when I read that your name is Belle. You know who’s the most famous Texas Belle, don’t you? You were very close to her if you made it to Hempsted — she lives in Brenham, and she used to be on tv!
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Hi! OMG, I’m sorry it has taken me so long to reply! I really appreciate your reading and commenting. And looking up CFS! Allergies might be adding to the issue, although I usually don’t have them too bad. But pollen has been at the red high level here for weeks now. I hope you’re not suffering too badly!
Oh yes, Blue Bell! We’ve actually been out to the plant a few years ago. They give tours. It was really interesting with lots of ice cream along the way! Yummy!
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I so hope that you will be able to come out the other side of this flare soon. Fatigue is horrendous, everyday activities become the equivalent of climbing a mountain, I really feel for you. It sounds like you have a lot on at the moment though and are managing to do the essentials, which is amazing.
Beautiful dogs you have too!
Look after yourself 🙂
Sarah x
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Hi Sarah, thanks so much. While I know this will pass, I just would like it to do so now lol You absolutely get it – right now there are mountains everywhere. I hope you are feeling well right now. Take care!
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Thanks for writing the update! Take care ~it’s remarkable you’re doing what you’re doing!
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Hi Ms. Liz, thank you! I appreciate your kindness XO I’m sorry I missed this a few months ago. I hope you are well!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and lovely photos!!.. WordPress is just a part of your life, cannot ignore the rest… 🙂 as for the fatigue, perhaps you can make adjustments in how you do certain things as time goes along and reduce the burden you put on yourself, still be able to live a quality life and at the same time reduce the fatigue… thanks to old age it is something I have to do, cannot run, jump and play like I were 20… “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”. (Author Unknown)…. 🙂
Take care, have a wonderful day and until we meet again,….
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
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Your babies are sooo cute!
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Thanks, John! They are a handful! There’s still another mutt, Jo, and a Chihuahua, Boo, not in the pictures. Literally all 6 have been strays we found or they just need up on our doorstep! Yikes 😊
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They know there is a kind heart living there!
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Definitely suckers living here for sure lol
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Your dogs are so cute 😍
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Thank you! They’re mess though and very spoiled! 🙂
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