Anxious and worrie

[Carlia]

Hey, this is all new to me really. I had Shingles, followed by a number of viruses / bugs and this led to Glandular Fever. That was 18 months ago and I had been getting much stronger and was feeling myself again - I took up a sporting hobbie (Ultimate Frisbee) and started to work out again. Then in September I started a new job. I'm a teacher and moving to a new, very difficult schools, with new students who you have to win over, new ways of doing things and then an inspection 3 weeks in followed by another six weeks later and I couldn't stop getting sick. I was off with four different viruses in the space of 12 weeks - all taking a week off sick and time to recover once I was back. Then I started to feel really exhausted and, I don't now how to describe it - hazy, almost fuzzy. My balance is dodgy, especially when I get tired and I am having to take long naps to get through the day. A quick dog walk now feels like a marathon and work is increasingly difficult. Its now five months since it all started and I am really worried now. I was told when I had Shingles, then Glandular Fever that it could lead to ME if I wasn't careful - is that where I'm at now or will this go away? I also don't know how to pace myself - should I push and see what I can do then rest if I am tired or should I rest beforehand so that I don't get tired? What can I be doing to cope or make it better? I am due to be playing in the Frisbee nationals next weekend - six matches in two days - I can't do that but I don't want to admit that I can't. Very anxious at the moment - any advice etc would be most welcome!

[Tallypop]

I know how you feel, I nearly had to drop out of uni, the only reason I'm didn't is because I can just about manage it, its my final year and its hard. It sounds like your body has been though a hell of allot, I had a flu like bug and then an unknown stomach virus and that was enough to change my life completely. It will go away, you healed before and I'm sure you will again, I don't think pushing through it works, after-all your body is telling you to rest. Take it easy, tell yourself your doing well, do what you need to, but don't push yourself to do what you don't. Post viral is a roller-coaster, 1 hour ago I felt like crying and giving up, now I feel ok and I can say again "I will get better" and actually believe it! I'm 5 months in as well, try and stay calm and think of all the things you will do when your well again, I plan on learning to snowboard. Take a look on this site recovery happens, even for those that have suffered for over a year, it just doesn't happen fast enough.

Take care

Tally x

[littlerosieposie]

Hi there,
It is quite normal to be worried and anxious as it's awful not knowing if and when you'll get better (you WILL get better by the way!) but that anxiety can cause as much harm as over doing it. I'm coming up to the 2 year mark and I've learnt the hard way that anxiety will most definately make your symptoms worse. I had CBT to help with my anxiety, it may be worth asking your GP for a referral if you find your struggling.
Pushing through it is a definate no-no and will only pro-long the illness, I've read research that suggests that the earlier on in the illness you rest and pace yourself, the quicker you'll recover. The golden rule is to think about how much you can realistically do, then halve it, that way you'll always stay within your limits. Pacing is very difficult and I'm still rubbish at it but it really is the key to getting better.
There's tons of info on this website and we also have a facebook page Postviralfatigue.me.uk -PVFS, CFS/ME & FM Sufferers where we go to have a laugh, moan and generally support each other.

K xx

[Carlia]

Thanks guys, that really helped! I think the anxiety and the guilt (I feel like I did this to myself by not resting quick enough when I first started getting sick but I was a carer and a teacher -I didn't think I could) is going to be the biggest hurdle - I get so worked up when I can't do something but I am learning to talk myself around. Thank you both for the great advice and support - I particularly like the idea of something to focus on for my recovery - I am going volunteer with the police as a special constable when I am well!

[Tallypop]

No worries, its a horrible thing to have to go through, I think the worse part is you don't know when your going to get better. I was planning on moving to London after I graduate, leaving home and becoming truly independent (obviously working full time). However now that's just not going to happen, at least not yet, but I dealing with that. Staying calm and positive is so hard, it helps so much. It seems people on this forum make a full recovery and I am determined to do the same. My goal of snowboarding helps, and my plan to work full time <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border=0 />.

I know one day this will all seem like a nasty memory, but right now its difficult for us all
x