Basically, I have an array of health conditions. Both mental and physical. I have had these for around 5 years now, which I find very strange as 5 years to me is a long time. It's a whole 1/4 of my life and that's only so far.
I have been formally diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), Fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, Agoraphobia, Depression and Panic Disorder. Try to say that 5 times fast! Basically, a lot of my body's 'systems' don't work properly.
I'd say a lot of my troubles are down to the initial ME diagnosis and bits and bobs have got progressively worse and more symptoms have arose over time. It's all fun and games in my body. Woo.
Anyway, that's a bit of background, it's a whole other story, or maybe 10, but we'll leave those for another fine day (or middle of the night rant).
At the moment, I am suffering from a relapse. A pretty bad one at that. All the issues I am used to controlling are out of control and a handful of new, interesting things are coming out of the woodwork. (That's basically what a relapse is, well done on the description Elaine). I'm extremely exhausted to the point where I'm only spending on average, a couple of hours to 3-4 hours out of bed a day. I'm in a lot of pain and I feel like I have the flu. I'm mentally drained and my doctor described by body state as 'saying run down is a big understatement'. It's fine, I could deal with a relapse, I've had them before. Like I said, it's been 5 years, I know what I'm doing (mostly)), but this time, I'm living on my own, in a different city, studying at university.
It really is a massive struggle. Getting out of bed to do washing or cook or get ready for uni at 8am is pretty much running me dry.
People take such little things for granted like having the extra energy to have nice long shower every day or being able to walk around shopping for a few hours or spending time doing a bit of work then doing a spot of tidying. I'm not saying 'woe is me' or anything but I wish I could do those things right now. I'm really academic and I LOVE to learn but trying to get my brain to concentrate and think and gather information is so difficult and I want to get on top of all my assignments because sadly enough, I'm a sucker for an essay but it's just so much. If I want to do work, I have to cancel plans, I can't go out, I have to sleep a lot, I have to isolate myself for days. Don't get me wrong, I won't leave uni but I'm allowed to say I'm struggling right?
I suppose I'm jealous, jealous of the normality I will never have. Jealous of the experiences I could never try and the life I could never lead. Being at uni, I've been surrounded by utter normality. When I was at home, I didn't have to see people going about their lives every day. I didn't see how different my life was.
*sigh* I think what I'm trying to say is I'm finding it hard. I don't know. I'm just trying to plod on as best I can.
God bless,
Lainey
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