How do you describe "our type of fatigue" ?

[A66eyroad]

This is a great thread --- I'm so glad you brought it back!

I often wake up with what I call the "hangover-carsick-flu." In fact, as I said previously, before my diagnosis I thought perhaps I had become such a terrible alcoholic that I got a three-day hangover from a single glass of wine. Or no wine.

Walking feels like I'm in a swift river up to my hips, and I'm trying to walk against the current. It takes everything I have to stay upright, let alone to move forward. I often trip over my own feet.

I'd use a cane to help me keep my balance, but my arms are as useless as my legs. Besides, I can't even open the milk jug, let alone hang onto a piece of metal.

I also have brain drain. My husband and I went to see a movie, and when it was over he started talking about a particular scene --- and I didn't remember having seen it. That was scary.

[Narablueeyes]

Like somebody unplugged me.  Plain and simple.  Unplug, go into sleep mode. 

[DragonflyC]

My rheum told me to explain it to people as, "It's like always having the flu."

[Narablueeyes]

My rheum told me to explain it to people as, "It's like always having the flu."

That's exactly how my pain feels!  But my fatigue, like I said above, is like I've been unplugged.

[lynnmarie219]

These are more great descriptions...thanks for the input everyone! I guess I was too late to start a new thread so we can continue right here...lol!

It's so difficult to describe our fatigue to others, that's why I started this quite a while ago...people say...yeah I understand...I'm tired too...but its NOT the same as just being tired or sleepy. It is much more than that.

Sometimes when I'm so tired I can actually feel my eyeballs rolling up in my head trying to keep them open. (Not good in certain circumstances like when I am at work). 

[Meld256]

These are good descriptions; we have some creative-thinking people around here! 

A66ey,
Yes, the feeling of walking in a swift river; very good.  And the milk jug and I have had fights recently.  A couple of weeks ago I could NOT get into a new jug of bleach.

When my husband saw the jug later, it had a gash in the side near the top I'd taken a steak knife to, and he asked what IT did to deserve that?    I told him it annoyed me and I had to "hack" into it.

[A66eyroad]

Meld, I have more trouble opening bottles and jars than anything. At home I've got a wonderful jar-opening gizmo made by OXO with what looks like two saw blades in a V-shape that I can open just about anything with. But the other day I was here at work trying to fix my lunch. I couldn't get a mayo jar opened and I asked one of the guys here to help me. He thought it was going to be something tough to open so he put his whole manly strength to it --- and *whoop!* it opened so easily he was shocked and nearly dropped it on the floor. I don't know who felt sillier.

[Bonnie]

Narablueyes and dragonfly it is like being unplugged or having flu.  I tell everyone it is like having my batteries taken out.

[Narablueeyes]

These are good descriptions; we have some creative-thinking people around here! 

A66ey,
Yes, the feeling of walking in a swift river; very good.  And the milk jug and I have had fights recently.  A couple of weeks ago I could NOT get into a new jug of bleach.

When my husband saw the jug later, it had a gash in the side near the top I'd taken a steak knife to, and he asked what IT did to deserve that?    I told him it annoyed me and I had to "hack" into it.

I'm starting to drop stuff and trip up more.  I like the steak knife to the jug!!  I've taken a hammer to boxes and other garbage to get my frustrations out.

[quilt4fun]

Fatigue--like being in slow motion. Every step is  a chore and my brain is a step behind. My recliner is my favorite spot. I can sit there for an hour at a time and do absolutely nothing; and don't ask what's on TV, 'cause I won't be able to tell you.

[Narablueeyes]

Fatigue--like being in slow motion. Every step is  a chore and my brain is a step behind. My recliner is my favorite spot. I can sit there for an hour at a time and do absolutely nothing; and don't ask what's on TV, 'cause I won't be able to tell you.

*like* ( my version of face book's "like" button)

[Katybarstool]

Katita

I understand your concern about work; I only recently cut back to four days a week. This means I work 2 days, then have a rest day, then work another 2 days, and then it's the weekend. It took a lot of courage to ask for these hours, but believe me, I'm beginning to feel like I am getting my life back. In fact, I don't honestly know how I managed to work 5 consecutive days.

Go for it!

Hugs
Kathyx

[itssue]

To me when the fatigue hits I'm "Road Kill"   

[bloodless]

Wow! Katy I'm impressed. It would take a lot of courage to ask for less hours. I'm glad they gave it to you!

I agree with the flu analogy!

[Meld256]

Kathy,

I'm so glad your new schedule is helping.  Hope you are enjoying every "Kathy Day" in mid-week!