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Better management of my fatigue

Shelaghon February 01, 2017

7 Comments

I posted on here last year about my pending sessions with an exercise physiologist in regard to the management of my fatigue. Often I suffered fatigue through both physical and mental work and never really knew how to manage it effectively to prevent fatigue. I would suffer badly when I had 'overdone it' even though I felt fine at the time of 'doing'. I think that no matter what I do, I will still suffer from some form of fatigue, but these last few weeks I seem to have a great balance...this is why.....

My exercise physiologist suggested that I not only look at what I do in ONE day but take into account what I have done the previous day(s) and also the what I am due to do the following day (s).

For instance...if I have an author talk booked for today, then I should not engage in any strenuous physical activity the previous day or the following day, even though I may feel well enough to do so. So, if I would maybe go for a run the previous day, perhaps I just go for a walk. If I have planned to climb a mountain one day, then avoid any computer work on that day and limit it on the previous day and the day following. I am sure this seems simple and common sense but does take some planning as I like to be active. I have had to learn to say "no" to brain and physical work. Hard to do, especially if you hold down a permanent job.

During this past month I have taken this advice literally and my fatigue has been greatly reduced. I have worked out that for me...I could partake in endless physical exercise but as soon as I start using my brain in a cognitive manner, whether it be on the computer, chatting or simply trying to watch TV and/or concentrate on a book, then my fatigue becomes worse.

Sadly, most of us have to function and use the computer and/or work so it isn't possible but as I approach my fourth year of stroke, I have at least realised what affects me the most and know how best to manage it.

Let's see how I go in 2017 but wanted to share with everyone that we are all different and fatigue affects us all in different ways...this is my simple solution. Don't take on too much and think about the consequences of your activity..brain or physical..before you engage in either.

Thanks for reading and hope I make sense.

Shelagh X

7 Responses

Nina Wilde

01/02/2017 04:16

Hi Shelagh,

I hope that you can try things out and see how you go with your fatigue management this year from your new information. It's always a learning curve, best wishes.

Sue xo

Shelagh

01/02/2017 08:49

It sure is a very steep learning curve Sue but think I am at last getting there. I posted this blog after a cycle today and intended on an afternoon nap before I went to my usual Wednesday PT but never got chance (won't bore you with details) so instead of going to PT exhausted I cancelled. My PT knows my limits and as I have a day tomorrow attending a course re improving social media I thought it best. Feeling good I made that decision. It's been so hot today here and everyone is struggling with the heat. We need rain and lots of it. Hope you're going ok

Marcus

02/02/2017 00:27

Hi Shelagh,

I found it the hard how important sleep or nap in the early afternoon. I had to go back to work just 6 months since my heart attack and stroke. I tried to do everything in the same way I did before my stroke, even though I was killing me. I had to it because I was contract lecture and my contract was up. So, I suck it up and 6 months later I was walking into my class even though I was in no way prepared for the noises, conversations, the missing chucks of my vocabulary, cognitive fatigue etc.

Two years and 8 months since my stroke - I am a slow learner - I have 10 months off from work to deal with depression, anxiety, and my health. Doing things slower, prepare for what is coming these days, weeks or months, because if I don't, it becomes impossible. Also, I found that the heat kills me, especially humid weather (I live in Japan, so in summer is very hot and muggy.) I had one minor and one major seizures which were both in very hot situations. My doctor in both epileptic fit (partial and major) could have been caused my too much exercise - I am a mbt, hiking, and swimming nut.

I hope your recovering is going well, but please don't do it one much.

Best

Marcus

Shelagh

05/02/2017 02:01

Marcus.

Wow! You've had it tough. I really am learning to slow down..many thought I couldn't do it but I am . Slowly, slowly. I am desperate to do more presentations this year and upon completion of my Stroke Ambassador Stroke Safe training this year, I and keen to get out there and teach the world all about stroke awareness, prevention and life after stroke, in addition to marketing my book. However, I need to do that within my own limits and capabilities and I know that I am lucky that I have the luxury of not going to work so everything I do if self managed. Sometimes poorly but time is a healer and will sort me out, I know. I hope that you get better and you sought help for your depression. I enjoy helping others see the positivity in their lives, and making them realise they CAN move forward with their lives, no matter what.

The video Diana recommended is really good too.

Take care

Shelagh

Karen Kelsey

02/02/2017 00:03

Shelagh, wishing you all the best for 2017 and I relate only too well to your post. Like you I needed to understand my limitations when it came to fatigue both physical and cognitive. Seeing an exercise physiologist has definitely put me on the right path to managing what I do and hence the fatigue. For me it is still a situation of building up gradually and not trying to over do it. Since cutting back on what I was attempting to achieve has made a world of difference.

Shelagh

02/02/2017 00:06

Karen

thanks for your lovely comment and cutting back is still something I find hard, as you know, but getting there slowly. Can't believe I'm into my fourth 'stroke' year now!! Life is good and learning what works will be a continuous battle I'm sure. Much love. Shelagh

Diana

02/02/2017 23:05

Hi Marcus,

You may be interested to watch this TedX talk about the napping from neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay.

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Better management of my fatigue

Shelaghon February 01, 2017

7 Comments

My exercise physiologist suggested that I not only look at what I do in ONE day but take into account what I have done the previous day(s) and also the what I am due to do the following day (s).

Thanks for reading and hope I make sense.

Shelagh X

7 Responses

Nina Wilde

01/02/2017 04:16

Hi Shelagh,

I hope that you can try things out and see how you go with your fatigue management this year from your new information. It's always a learning curve, best wishes.

Sue xo

Shelagh

01/02/2017 08:49

Marcus

02/02/2017 00:27

Hi Shelagh,

I hope your recovering is going well, but please don't do it one much.

Best

Marcus

Shelagh

05/02/2017 02:01

Marcus.