I haven't posted in quite a while, but now I find myself trying to find out what will be the smart thing to do.
In january 2006, Lyme kicked in big time for me. After getting proper treatment, I improved a lot, stopped abx for about 5 months only to notice Lyme came back full force. Terrible! So I am now on abx again, which I have been on for the past 9 months.
Managing to finish my studies early this fall, I managed to get a part-time job as a student counsellor.
Now, after 3 weeks work, I find myself completely exhausted, loosing strength in my legs and arms (one of my early symptomes pior to abx) I also notice that the tasks I am supposed to do start to feel overwhelming.
Feeling exhausted most of the time, I have to constantly pull myself together to "bother" counselling students. Listening to their problems trying to help them as well as I can, when I myself am struggling to keep up with my own life with treatment, is starting to get to me. And this is only after 3 weeks.
Does anybody have any word of advice? I am trying to do what is best for me. I enjoy working, as it gives me some sense of normality. I hate working, as it leaves me beat every day.
Thanks in advance for any wisdom
Cheers - Sigrid
Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
Hi Sigrid,
No magic cure, just some suggestions:
1.) Eat properly. Plan ahead so you don't get caught eating junk just to get you through. You are in treatment, and proper nutrition is part of that. Consider a good multivitamin and Dr. B's supplements, and tell your doctor.
2.) Get good sleep. If your illness won't let you sleep long enough or deeply enough, consider asking your doctor for something to help. Some LLMDs are prescribing antidepressants that also help with sleep. Deep sleep helps keep the immune system strong and fights brain fog.
3.) Exercise enough to cause a sweat, or try a sauna. Sweat is a good detoxer, and exercise is good for muscle tone and for a good night's sleep. Exercise also produces endorphins, the feel-good hormones. You may have to plan some down time after exercising.
4.) Figure out what time of day you are at your best, and try to plan your most stressful work for that time. Try not to do a perfect job, just a good job. Try not to get too worked up over your students' problems, and remind yourself that your emotional reaction is more about your illness than it is about them.
5.) Be a little selfish. You are being treated for an illness that takes a lot out of you. Guard your private time. When you are better, your body will be able to handle moderate stress, bad food, a sleepless night, and crabby students. But for now, give yourself a break!
Best of luck to you,
-- Shaz
Posted by siggy (Member # 8654) on :
Thank you, Shazdancer
During this weekend I have been trying to do some constructive thinking about my whole situation.
I know beginning in a new job is stressful for anybody, and probably more so for me having to deal with lyme.
The consequense of sticking it out, will probably be that I won't be able to go anywhere for x-mas (to be with family would mean several hours by bus and car).
I believe that I am coming to terms with this not being the right time for me to start working that much. My body can't take it, and I am getting the signs that it is getting too much.
If I don't stop for a while now, I am afraid my body will break down again, as it has done before when I have been stubborn and not listened to the signals it is giving me.
This is hard to realise, one really wants to manage what life gives you.
Sigrid
Posted by Larkspur (Member # 5131) on :
After 5 years of this, I am finally starting to realize the body is a lot more intelligent than the mind/ego!
If your body is telling you that working right now is the wrong decision (provided you will be able to support yourself somehow of course if you don't work or reduce your hours) than it is wise to listen to what your body is telling you.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)