"Planned Underachievement"
Extreme fatigue was one of the symptoms (along with Raynaud's and sunlight sensitivity) I had when first diagnosed with Lupus about 10 years ago. Most of the times the symptoms were not debilitating, and I was able to live a fairly normal and active life.
The symptoms, especially fatigue, have become more pronounced recently. It has become difficult to plan activities, so I've learned to scale back planned activities in order to avoid overdoing it and ending up unable to get out of bed for a day. It is not ideal, but the knowledge of how uncomfortable the flare can be has led to more conservative decision making.
Reading these posts has made me realize how fortunate I am, so I wish you all the best as you deal with what life and lupus throw at you.
I'm liking your post not because I am glad your symptoms have intensified, but because I think you shared some great wisdom,
! That "activity hangover", as we call it, is NO joke! You overdo it one day and you may pay for it for many, many days!
And I love the way you phrased your planned slowdown -- "Planned Underachievement"! What an awesome way to put it.
May we all have our planned underachievement days when needed and embrace them for the gift they can be to our overall health!
Thanks for sharing, Tom!
Best, Erin, Team Member.,
As Erin mentioned, we appreciate you sharing your experience and wisdom.
Lupus can be so unpredictable, I love your approach and preparedness for whatever
comes your way.
Be well, Doreen (Team Member)Planned underachievement is a good way to describe it !
My favorite day of the month is when I socialize while doing the pictures and videos for my Blues Society group. Music is my therapy and so being a member and event volunteer gives me purpose as well as being my "therapy". As much as I enjoy this I know that I will feel it by the time I get home..the pain, fatigue, restless legs as I try to relax after being "on" (brain and body) for a whole afternoon. This often takes a couple days to recover from... something that most people think nothing about after having a good night's sleep....but what is that even ?!
Even doing the grocery shopping..from driving which has become somewhat anxiety filled to the actual shopping, loading, unloading, putting away, etc, not to mention the cost these days..has become quite a task in itself sometimes., thanks so much for sharing this information! I had no idea this organization was nationwide! How cool!
Best, Erin, Team Member.Good point,
. Even though it's important for us to be careful about activities, it's also important for us to hold onto or find things to things that give us joy. I love to ski and am very happy I was able to enjoy some skiing this winter.
Be Well,. !
The longer we live with these limitations and constant changes, the easier it gets to manage the "hangover effect". I had surgery recently and my planning included 1) getting in to see all my specialists before hand 2) letting everyone know it would be a couple of months before I'd actually heal and feel better 3) stocked up on all my supplemental foods 4) gathered my prayer warriors.
I don't think any of us live a "normal" life with this disease - we just have our own very flexible normal., I think you're right; it can be easier to manage and plan for the "hangover effect" when you have dealt with it for years. I am glad you planned ahead and were so well prepared for your surgery and I hope your recovery from the procedure has been smooth!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
