Anniebanani
New member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2020
- Messages
- 3
- Reason
- Undiagnosed
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- US
- State
- WA
Hi everyone. I'm Annie, 40, and am looking for a bit of support. As a teenager, I was diagnosed with CFS/ME in the UK. I was managing severe symptoms for approximately 3 years but slowly improved, I'd go as far as to say I recovered almost fully in my early 20s. I was able to manage myself well with exercise and afternoon naps. Understanding my limits, etc.
In that time I've had two children. My oldest son, 20, has a rare genetic disorder, I am his full-time care giver. He needs help with self care, meals, etc. I also have an 8 year old who is remote schooling due to the pandemic (they both are).
I did not respond well to the pandemic initially. I developed extreme anxiety and insomnia for the first time in about 20 years. I fell into depression. I tried medication but felt worse. I started therapy, which does help but is a slow process. My anxiety has greatly reduced and the insomnia happens infrequently, a night here or there.
However, I'm in chronic, intense pain, throughout my neck, head and shoulders. I sometimes feel like all my nerve endings are burning throughout my body. I get a migraine once a week or so. I'm exhausted. Sometimes I don't know if I'm tired and need a rest or depressed and need to do something to counter it. It is scary. I've had bloodwork done which was normal. I take a multivitamin, B complex, D, magnesium and adrenal support as prescribed by my naturopath. I'm in two online group therapies run by professionals. I still exercise with a daily walk and some gentle Pilates and Qi Gong.
I'm struggling with staying positive. How to be a care taker when I can barely take care of myself? This really gets me down. It's like bare minimum, survival in our house. My husband is working from home and he helps as much as he can, but I am struggling to accept my limitations. I know I need to help myself first before I can help my children but I don't know where to begin? How to reduce this stress? Due to my son's health issues we have not had any respite or help in the home, I'm too afraid to expose him.
Does anyone else find themselves in this situation? How are you managing it? I think sleep is a big component. If the pain keeps me awake, or ruminating does, it's a slippery spiral.
I'm speaking with the naturopath today. Hopefully she will have some suggestions. Thank you for listening. I welcome any words of encouragement.
In that time I've had two children. My oldest son, 20, has a rare genetic disorder, I am his full-time care giver. He needs help with self care, meals, etc. I also have an 8 year old who is remote schooling due to the pandemic (they both are).
I did not respond well to the pandemic initially. I developed extreme anxiety and insomnia for the first time in about 20 years. I fell into depression. I tried medication but felt worse. I started therapy, which does help but is a slow process. My anxiety has greatly reduced and the insomnia happens infrequently, a night here or there.
However, I'm in chronic, intense pain, throughout my neck, head and shoulders. I sometimes feel like all my nerve endings are burning throughout my body. I get a migraine once a week or so. I'm exhausted. Sometimes I don't know if I'm tired and need a rest or depressed and need to do something to counter it. It is scary. I've had bloodwork done which was normal. I take a multivitamin, B complex, D, magnesium and adrenal support as prescribed by my naturopath. I'm in two online group therapies run by professionals. I still exercise with a daily walk and some gentle Pilates and Qi Gong.
I'm struggling with staying positive. How to be a care taker when I can barely take care of myself? This really gets me down. It's like bare minimum, survival in our house. My husband is working from home and he helps as much as he can, but I am struggling to accept my limitations. I know I need to help myself first before I can help my children but I don't know where to begin? How to reduce this stress? Due to my son's health issues we have not had any respite or help in the home, I'm too afraid to expose him.
Does anyone else find themselves in this situation? How are you managing it? I think sleep is a big component. If the pain keeps me awake, or ruminating does, it's a slippery spiral.
I'm speaking with the naturopath today. Hopefully she will have some suggestions. Thank you for listening. I welcome any words of encouragement.