Oops

[LisaMarie]

So, I thought I was doing better.  I thought I was really having good luck with Plaquenil. 

Christmas eve, traveled 3 hours total to and from to be with his family. 

Christmas day, sort of relaxed in the morning then opened the bar/restaurant from about 3-10pm (until we felt tired)

Dec. 26th -  Finished my crafty Christmas gifts for my kids then ended up bartending/waitressing from 5pm - 10pm because our bartender didn't show up.

Dec 27th - Had our Christmas dinner with my children early evening so I spent the afternoon wrapping a few gifts then a 30 minute drive to and from the restaurant.

Dec 28th - Confident on feeling pretty good so I gave my kitchen a very good cleaning and cooked a nice roasted chicken dinner.

Dec 29th - Last minute reservation at the restaurant for 40 people.  I had to go to help.  Worked my butt off from 5:30-10pm.  On my feet (oh my sore feet)

Now today - Was suppose to go to the restaurant to help with a sweet 16th birthday party.  I couldn't do it.  Feel as if I've let my husband down.  Oh, he's got plenty of staff to help him.  But he was hoping I was there.  Things just run smoother with me dealing with the public side of it all.  But I just can't.

The last few nights, I haven't had much more than 3 hours of sleep solid at a time.  I keep waking up in a sweat.  All hot.  Today, I feel so tired.  But when I try to nap, I can't sleep.

The bottom of my feet hurt.  They sting.  I just felt as if I couldn't handle being on my feet again.  I did manage to take down my Christmas tree today.  But it wasn't too hard and only took about 15 minutes to take apart and box up.  That's the only decorating I had the energy to do.

I used to be able to do it all and feel fine.  It is so disappointing for me (and for my husband) that I'm not myself. 

Feeling a little blue.

[KellyG999]

Hi Lisa Marie,

If it helps any, I am amazed at what you WERE able to do. Physically, that's way beyond my current capabilities. You did a lot. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself some time to rest.

I often decline to go and do things with my husband and I feel like I am letting him down. His father turns 88 today and I just want to rest tonight. It's better than trying to go then being grumpy because I am tired and achy, plus my throat is really hurting.

I know it's easier said than done, but only do what you can. It isn't your fault, you didn't choose this.

Soft hugs,
KellyG

[Madison Granny]

I don't think I could have done even one quarter of what you have done in the last week.  Just daily household chores tires me out.  I don't go to the store unless I just have to.  I use to love to shop for hours and hours now it quite a chore.  I think if our husband's really care they would druthers see us rest and stay well than put ourself into a flare and be really sick.

[Patze]

My goodness LisaMarie, how are you able to do what you are now doing?  Wow, can I say I'm jealous? 

There is nothing wrong with not being able to do what you're used to dealing with...sometimes I tell you, I am my own worst enemy.

Now I can't speak for the others, but I know that there are days that I can do a ton of stuff and I know that the next 2-3 days are going to be zombieville; not pretty, but have to recharge (I still work and when its nuts at the office, I know that my weekend will be spent indoors - sure ain't goin' nowhere!

Hang in there and I'll keep my fingers crossed that you're able to bounce back soon.

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[irish]

LisaMarie, Man alive, gone are the day I could do that much work. I was raised in the restaurant business and I know how it can drain a person. You life is not your own cause you never know when help will not show up. Also, you can get really busy and have to go in and help out until the rush settles and the dishes are caught up. The other thing is hiring help who are good, want to work hard and who care---keeping help is an age old problem in the restaurant business isn't it.

I am amazed at all the stuff you did. I guess I am not surprised that you conked out. I would suggest that you try to pace yourself so that you don't overdo. I know that your hubby needs you to help and wants you their but there are going to be many times when you have to just cool your jets.

Don't feel quilty about resting. If you don't rest you are going to have chronic flares. You also need to wait and see what the plaquenil is going to do for you(I am thinking you haven't been on it very long)

Please take it easy--maybe set up a little schedule of short hours, etc so that people don't depend on you for the big stuff. Good luck. Irish

[LisaMarie]

Well, took a sleep aid and went to bed at 8pm last night.  Slept, slept and slept until about 6am this morning.  Felt great!  Well, with the exception of the pain my back and neck and legs.  That went away though by the end of the first cup of coffee.

Reservations for 30 tonight.  May or may not have help....but I love the rush.  After that, it will slow down and I can just sit around and enjoy the crowd more or less.  And, I'll be able to sneak over to the place next door and take a nap on the cots before the new year comes in.

Irish - you are right.  I'm in my 3rd month of plaquenil.  I am feeling much better and I think that gives me a false sense of security in the fact that I think I can do it all like I could before.

The restaurant business is hard and you hit the nail on the head - it comes down to the fact that you cannot find a lot of employees who care and are not afraid to work hard.  My husband and I do a lot of planning to run specials or special events to help bring the business in so they can get tips and they don't do anything to support it such as telling the customers.  They just want the money and think that we should do all of the work.  Oh well.  Maybe someday.  I love the business though.  When I can retire from the University (in five years) I hope that I can get more involved in the cooking.

Well, I'm off of the computer for the rest of the day.  I'm planning a day of nothing but rest until we have to go in.  Feet up.  Lifetime movies on already.  Happy New Years folks!

[Carolina]

Dearest LisaMarie:

The pacing is activities is always hard, and no matter what, you will run out of steam when you least expect it.

I think that is the hardest part, adjusting to the unexpected, and accepting it.

It's the 'fight' that is so exhausting, and the guilt and disappointment.

You will get some strength back, and you're doing all you can to make that happen.  But it isn't on your schedule!

With everyone else I'm dazed and amazed at how much you do, considering.

Having a job where you're on your feet, and dealing with noise and people and FOOD, that's a lot!

Be easier on yourself.  (easy to say of course).

Keep us posted.

Hugs

Elaine