Life with Chronic Pain and Illness
Today’s Life with Chronic Pain and Illness reminder is something that’s challenging for some people to wrap their minds around: Persistent chronic fatigue is not the same as being tired. Share on X
When most people get tired, a quick nap or a good night’s sleep makes them feel better, and they are back to their usual activity level. However, the fatigue that goes along with chronic pain and illness is not improved with rest (though, trust me, we wish that were the case!). In fact, in a weird twist of fate, problems sleeping often accompany chronic pain and illness. Whether you sleep twelve hours or two hours, it makes no difference on the level of exhaustion you feel. And it’s incredibly frustrating to be exhausted and then be brushed aside and told you’re “just tired.”
Some people find they feel rejuvenated after exercising. For those living with chronic pain and illness, they may experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), which means they feel worse, and their symptoms increase, after any physical or mental activity. So trying to “push through” is unsuccessful. Actually, it can be quite detrimental in the long run.
Unsurprisingly, this all leads to problems with memory and concentration, and “brain fog” is commonplace. Some people who live with this may even describe it as feeling like you have the flu, 24/7, 365. Some also describe it as constant jetlag, though they never left the house.
Sadly, there is no “quick fix” for the extreme fatigue associate with chronic pain and illness. Instead, most people eventually learn a way to adapt in order to save those precious “spoons” for the most needed tasks each day. It’s also important to listen to your body and rest as needed. If you need a nap, even after just a “simple” task, take one!
I hope you have a blessed, low-pain day.
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