As with any symptom of MS, this is my experience in dealing with fatigue. Though we all can have symptoms in common, the severity and type of symptoms vary with every single one of us, along with the added frustrations of constantly dealing with this disease.
I am not a good sleeper, but regardless of that I wake up every morning hopeful and usually in good spirits with lists of things I want to do. I’m a firm belliever that, “it’ll all look better in the morning.” Right away I have to prioritize the order in which I need to get them done. I do work better making a list. Sometimes something else will distract me that I will have to take care of and ruin the whole plan. The brain is an amazing organ, having me believe every single time that I can charge ahead and get it all done. Then reality sets in, along with frustration that my body just poops out and says, “your done.” Then comes depression and giving up and burying myself playing computer games.
Another frustration comes living with “the machine,” meaning of course Pete. By the time he comes home I’m done and not doing anything. I feel guilty of being lazy and I constantly have to remind him that late afternoon, early evening is my worst time. I always ask, when he’s home, that anything we need to do together, to get it done in the morning. He totally disregards this and when he’s ready, maybe 4 pm or even 7 pm, he’ll ask, “are you ready?” Really?
Well this is supposed to be about dealing with fatigue. Something I’ve learned is to pace myself, doing what I can when I can. I’m human, I would like encouragement, acknowlegement when I do a good job, some love, empathy and compassion. That would mean the world to me.