LIVING WITH ME

There’s being tired, and then there’s fatigue.

I appreciate it must be so difficult for people to understand fatigue, as all appears normal on the surface. Why is it that when you look ok, you are unable to work, attend social events and generally just function? One friend did, however, tell me how she hadn’t recognised me as I looked so ill, which was upsetting in one way, but strangely I felt relieved that someone had noticed how awful I was feeling! The best way I can describe the fatigue is like constantly walking through treacle. Some symptoms are similar to having the flu or a hangover, now you’re getting it! I would smile at the world as I came home through the front door, then as I closed it, I’d slide down the back into a heap! Metaphorically speaking, of course. On some days, the only decision I could make was whether or not I had enough energy to wash my hair!

My gradual improvement to good health has consisted of many stages. Like putting together a jigsaw, it takes time to find the right pieces and needs much care in joining those pieces together in order to form the beautiful picture. I will be writing more blogs about my ‘jigsaw pieces’ in the future. As I reflect on the past, I want to share a part of my day yesterday…. a wonderful swim with my son, Frankie. I could never have imagined on those days of deciding if I had the energy to wash my hair, that I would in the future be wild water swimming. So if you are stuck in that awful place, I am sending you a virtual hug, and please know that if I can recover, so can you.

With love,

Glynnis x