energy envelope pt2
Last month, I posted some information about an article on an Energy Envelope. I just got an email that the 2nd part of the article is up: CFIDS-FMS Self-Help - Finding Your Energy Envelope, Part II. This part was even more interested to me because it gave a suggested format for analysing your own energy envelope. Its enlightening to say the least to go over this.
Of course, this is all good resource material for me when I go see a new doctor next week.
- Sleep: 9+ hours, to bed by 8 or 8:30.
- Daytime Rest: 1.5-2 hours in the afternoon; on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, this is increased to about an extra 2 hours in the morning and a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. The extra sleep makes is possible to make it with as little as I do the other days.
- Activity: Housework must be moderated heavily as to not wear myself out.
- Work: Only working 16 hours a week - when attempting more, CFS symptoms are much worse. Working 1/2 days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to give myself a break day in the middle of the week. (added this category myself)
- Exercise: None. Walking up and down the stairs in my house several times a day is about all I can do.
- Reading & Computer: Reading and computer reading hasn’t been effected much, although when concentrating on something specific, glasses must be worn as to not tire out eyes. BUT, sitting up time must be regulated; a break once an hour is necessary.
- Driving: none; don’t feel comfortable with my concentration level as it is.
- Standing: Limit 20 minutes at a time. If longer, a break must be taken - sit down, and then if I walk longer than 1 hour, I will have severe pain the next day.
- Socializing My concentration is down, and so socializing while doing something else at the same time is harder. Very anxious about being with larger groups of people; staying in my comfort zone for only family members and close friends for the most part.
- Other Illnesses: Make CFIDS symptoms 30-50% worse. Secondary illnesses are more severe now than before <--agree with author on this one.
- Emotions : More ups and downs to emotions (could be due to being off the paxil as well).
- Stressors Work is the largest source of stress in my life, although being so unhealthy causes its own set of stresses. When stressing, my brain fog seems to be more severe, and I’m much more seseptible to aches and pains.
- Food: I’m not as hungry, but it could be getting off the Paxil. Original weight gain was large, and I’ve gone back down.
- Sense Data: My concentration definitely goes down in noisy settings, and I’ve been listening to my music at much lower volumes - unless that’s all I’m concentrating on. Major light sensativity makes it necessary to wear dark glasses when outside. Cleaning supply smells tend to make me feel sick.
