Perfectionist Beware!!

Perfectionists beware.  Type A personalities should take heed as well.  In our busy, get things done as fast as you can world there is a dangerous phenomenon that lurks in the shadows.  One might think it can never hit them; they will always get things done exactly how they want them, and when they want them accomplished.  Nothing save death can stop you. You will not stop.  Wrong!  There is something that can and often waylays or even destroys our dreams.  That horrid creature of our nightmares has a name- it is called fatigue. 

Yes, fatigue, that feeling that is past tired and doesn’t even bother to give us the satisfaction of accomplishing something.  The drain on our body, mind, and even our hearts that refuses to let go of us until it is done.  We feel as if we can do nothing, think properly, or interact with others.  The plans that have been made must be cancelled or rewritten.  Projects must be stopped, never to be completed.  Even sleep won’t cure us.

Many syndromes and diseases cause this ailment. Many know I have Multiple Sclerosis, but leukemia can cause fatigue.  Diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis and any number of unnamed diseases can as well.   Medications can cause it.  Instead of complaining about how horrid our lives have become, what steps can we do to help control this beast?

There are medications that can battle the fatigue, if one doesn’t mind not sleeping. I think that is much worse. It leads to crying fits and panic (yes, I am admitting to that). So for a while, I did nothing, accepting the idea I was no longer who I once was. I stopped doing what I enjoyed, except for reading, because I just didn’t have the energy for it.  Then I noticed that physical therapy was helping gain energy.  

I wanted to accomplish stuff, see people, create things, and cook. I also discovered that even if I felt like there was no energy, if I tried a little more, I might be able to do it. But there were steps I had to take.

The first was to set goals. For instance, some people making A, B, and C lists helps achieve those goals.  Mondays, I do laundry.  So getting at least two loads done is my A item. I also make an effort to cook every night. That is my B item. Please note that I am saying item. This is so that energy can be conserved to do the things that are fun.  Sometimes, there is a C. For me, it is being active and pushing myself a little.  But, just a little, or I will crash and end up useless for a day, maybe even two.  This brings up the second point.

Know your limits. Therapy taught me to notice signs that my body was tiring. For me, it is often mental, where I can’t remember the words for things or can’t think straight. When you start to notice those signs, SLOW down; wind up what you are doing.  Take a rest. The signals can be and often are very different for different people.  But that’s okay, God made us to be individuals. Help those around to also notice the signs as well, so if you overdid, they can help you to stop and rest.  There have been days that I’m so tired, I don’t even exercise, even though I know it’s key to fighting off the fatigue and spasming. 

The third is that unless you are doing something that has a set time limit, it is okay to get up and walk away. It will still be there. It has taken me three days to write this blog, but that is okay. If there is a set time limit, rest beforehand. It really does help.  I also have a really understanding husband that unfortunately battles the same thing.  Both of us work in spurts.  There have been times when he starts a meal and I finish it, or vice versa. 

Finally, know what refreshes you. Don't feel guilty that you are now different than before fatigue started to affect you.  My reward is reading a book or enjoying good food that we prepared. Even playing with the dog can be rewarding.  If I did overdo a bit, I might still reward myself with a bath. Many times it soothes away some of the pain. 

 

Maybe what I’m trying to say is that even if one fights fatigue, life is not a loss.  It is more about making goals and knowing your body.  It can be maddening, frightening, and feel extremely limiting.  But I try to remember "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me". - 2 Corinthians 12:9. I might even beat the MonSter some.