Post Exertional Malaise (PEM)

 It's been a busy-ish couple of days both emotionally and physically.   Therapy sessions one day, riding a golf cart another, kids home, sick kid, hockey.  These weren't all in one day but spread out over 4 or 5.  A few naps, a few not great sleeps....trying to pace, sometime successfully, sometimes not.

I am sitting outside in the sun watching the boys play hockey, wishing I could join them.  Someone walking by would think I am all good, maybe lazy and on my computer.  Really, I am tired, my hands and insides feel shaky, head is pounding, stomach is upset.  If I close my eyes, I spin.  I need to lie down soon.  I have over done it.     I am experiencing PEM or post exertional malaise.  This is common with long haulers....  

PEM is defined by the CDC as: Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, with symptoms typically worsening 12 to 48 hours after activity and lasting for days or even weeks. PEM can be mitigated by activity management (pacing). The goal is to avoid PEM flare-ups and illness relapses by balancing rest and activity.

PEM

CDC long hauler symptoms

For me being off  work has allowed me to this more.   I am TRYING to pace, plan and rest as I can.  But normal life, without work is challenging.  Looking back and reflecting on the past 7 months I see how I was crashing hard, pushing my body through and paying the price.  I am noticing a difference that I don't crash as soon or as hard...which is nice. I am not snapping at my family...as much or as often:)  BUT I still feel tired through the day..I think I am just more aware of and paying attention to my body.


When I was at work, I just pushed through, figured it would get better, made it work...but it wasn't working.  I wasn't working out in the morning, I wasn't taking the stairs or going for walks....I wasn't me.  I still don't feel like me...and wonder if I ever will?

I was trying to explain to people how I am feeling.  I think of my energy level, how I am feeling like a battery or a gas tank.  All our tanks/ batteries vary...we burn out, over do it, have too late of a night...it happens, then we recharge.

With long hauler and other conditions such as post concussions syndrome,I Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS  our batteries/ tank drain quicker and take time to refill.

I will do a post soon about this analogy and where I am at....for now..it's time to eat and then bed for this gal...

Thanks for listening.....


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