The Fatigue Factor
Issue 4: July 2007 Page 1
For many people managing their fatigue factor is a battle. In this issue Sammi shares some of her frustrations associated with fatigue. We´ve then listed some of the strategies we have adopted over the years for dealing with the fatigue factor.
Here´s Sammi.
Regards
Mark Horton
Fatigue is one of those insidious factors of an MS diagnosis, which can vary significantly from one individual to the next. In my case, the impact of fatigue was somewhat insignificant in years gone by.
My definition of ´fatigue´ revolves predominantly around key words for me – slow, disjointed, inhibiting, weariness both mentally and emotionally, exhaustion and disruption.
... please excuse me, I need to lie down and close my eyes...
However these days, impact on self of fatigue – personal frustration at being unable to complete everyday tasks in allotted/imposed (often unrealistically given the circumstances) time frames; as with fatigue as part of MS, rigid deadlines unfortunately tend to fall by the way. There are some who credit me for being a complete lazy ass, for many times they see me as ´resting´. Unbeknown to some this is not taken by choice.
... please excuse me, I need to lie down and close my eyes...
Employment is another topic of significance as we as a society link our sense of worthiness to our field of employment. It follows that fatigue can seriously undermine a contributing sense of self – who will employ a person requiring erratic breaks from an employment scenario???
... please excuse me, I need to lie down and close my eyes...
Becoming realistic about the possibilities for a person dealing with the often hidden factors of fatigue becomes paramount. "But you look so good!!!????"
"Yes well thank you, but I feel like crap..."
Achievable goals can happen over a longer timeframe. Reminding self of personal strengths and attributes (we all have them!) is crucial not to forget.
Each day is a new day, with new possibilities and new decisions; better here than 6 feet under.
Being kind to me is a fairly constant struggle too, as my frustrations and sadness about loss can become overwhelming at times. However, ´one day at a time´ keeps coming back to me.
Life with MS can be successful, rewarding and always challenging. However, adopting a healthy attitude, one that acknowledges you have a handicap, and not a disability, combined with careful consideration, you can find ways to overcome the everyday challenges and turn a poor hand into a winning hand. Remember the great Phar Lap always ran with a handicap; he did well and so can we!
Below is a list of strategies for managing the fatigue factor due to MS.
- Establish a routine for going to bed and rising the same time daily.
- Showering can be extremely fatiguing. Take your shower of an evening so you can then rest in front of the television or go to bed.
- One of the most exhausting activities can be getting dressed. I prepare my clothes as much as possible the night before, e.g. I do up most of the buttons on a shirt so in the morning I just pull it on like a jumper and when I’m really doing it tough I wear a vest that has no buttons.
- Plan your daily activity with regular rest points.
- Take notice of when and what tends to zap your energy and plan strategies for dealing with it the next time around.
- Plan to do activities that are going to require either a physical workload or emotional headspace early in the morning or when you have rested and have a clear head.
- Hold off from making significant decisions until you are feeling rested and alert.
- Manage other people’s expectations of what you can and can not do. Remember, most people can not begin to imagine the effects of MS and fatigue - so you need to address this at the outset of activities involving other parties.
- Speak to an occupational therapist to gain some strategies for conserving your energy. Your local MS Society can assist you with this or talk to your local GP.
- Keep yourself cool - don’t allow yourself to become too over heated - this will quickly zap your energy reserves.
- If you have a family or a partner, take time to sit together and discuss the areas of your daily life where you feel it is consuming your energy and discuss options that can address this for you. Recently we decided that doing the weekly shopping was expending too much energy so we have arranged for a friend to do this when they do their weekly shopping. Seek out your local support services, Neighbourhood Centres or the local Area Health Service - they may be able to assist or point you in the right direction.
- Young children can often find a parent with MS and fatigue confusing. Often fatigue is the only symptom for a person with MS and on the surface they may look fine. This discussion is worth including your GP. A child is more likely to understand and be more cognisant of the situation coming from a doctor or a health professional.
If you have a story you would like to share, just email markhorton@westnet.com.au
Previous Issues