Chronic Fatigue

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Why We Need to Use Pacing Skills With Chronic Conditions

When looking at the reasons we need to pace its important to start with the autonomic nervous system (ANS), as it can both be a cause of predisposed disorders turning on, and inflammation in the body that worsens current disorders.

Next, we should also look at how our bodies make energy because that will impact any fatigue symptoms you might have. After reviewing these area’s we will gain a deeper understanding of what happens in the body that’s impacting us daily. After which we will move on to how we can learn to pace our bodies to lower symptoms.

So I wanted to post today and dive into the autonomic nervous system as it is impacted by both chronic conditions and our stress. It is through this connection that the nervous system acts as a hidden cause of predisposed disorders and through constant stress can even worsen these disorders. Numerous research studies, and Doctors like Gabor Mate and Bessel Van der Kolk, discuss this topic in great depth. And right now I just wanted to briefly review what is known about how stress affects our chronic conditions as they have thoroughly shown that stress is associated with all non-genetically inherited conditions, and that it can also be a trigger for predisposed conditions. So how did we get these conditions?

To understand it further you need to delve into predispositions. So think of your DNA strand with each gene as a light switch that your born with and all the genes you have that are not dominant are in the off position. You have them they just aren’t on. More specifically though, our DNA contains genes that are expressed (like blue eyes and blond hair) these are dominant traits that are again like light switches turned on. And others that are not expressed due to the presence of something called the epigenome. These predispositions can be turned on or off like a switch based on various lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and mental health (Mate, 2023). This means that stress and trauma can directly impact our physical health through our genetics. For example, if someone has a predisposition to diabetes but maintains a healthy lifestyle, that predisposition may not be activated. However, if they experience high levels of stress and unhealthy habits, that predisposition could be turned on and result in diabetes. Thus, stress has a large impact on disorders that we have genetic links to and its also a catalyst. As stress can have a significant impact on chronic conditions, as it can exacerbate the existing symptoms and potentially lead to the development of new conditions that is not a predisposed condition. Chronic stress can cause physical changes in the body, such as an increase in cortisol levels, which can contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. This can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and mental health conditions.

While stress can contribute to the development or worsening of chronic conditions, it is not necessarily the sole cause. Many chronic conditions have a multifactorial etiology, meaning that they arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, chronic stress can be a significant contributing factor in many cases and should be addressed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Strategies for managing stress, such as mindfulness practices, exercise, and therapy, can all be helpful in reducing the impact of stress on chronic conditions.

That's just a little of how I understand chronic conditions and I'd love to hear about how you understand them and if you have any questions.

I also go over how pacing can help and how our chronic conditions can cause crash cycle's in our counselling practices youtube channel that you can check out here: www.youtube.com/watch

Or you can check out our online chronic health counselling: www.thewoodscounselling.com

#Fibromyalgia #ChronicFatigue #chronic #chronic pain #lupu #MentalHealth #Stress #MentalHealth #Cancer #Caregiving

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How Does Chronic Illness Cause A Crash Cycle?

A short clip on how the crash cycle effects chronic health issues and how we can end up in a cycle of symptom flares and bursts of energy. Elysia Bronson is ...
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I can’t cope with my acute pain #Fibromyalgia #ChronicFatigue #MentalHealth

I been in excruciating pain in my lower back down my left leg 11hours now. It’s relentless and I can’t sleep. I can’t focus. I can try type. I want to chop my leg off. Took all meds I could for the pain. Nothing holding it. I listened to guided meditation and all. My QL is spasms all the time. I’m so tired. I wanna cry. Anyone put up with pain or flare long? I tried stretching too. Nothing. Sorry for the rant. I’m really suffering I need it to stop

16 reactions 8 comments
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DNRS and Gupta

If anyone has done the DNRS and Gupta practice please tell the core technique of it? I really need it and have gone to their website before but you need to purchase it in order to do it and I've done the Gupta free trial but they also don't let you see the core technique before purchasing it. It's disgusting how they are profiting off desperate and sick people like me but I really can't afford the cost they want. I do know that it's supposed to be a sort of visualization where you visualize yourself as a healthy person but I'm really unsure. Can anyone please help me? I'm geniunely really desperate and would be immensely greatful if you can let me know the core technique if you've done this before.
#Fibromyalgia #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MajorDepressiveDisorder #MastCellActivationDisorder #IrritableBowelSyndromeIBS

5 reactions 3 comments
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HIV Disability: A New Reality

A diagnosis of HIV can be the beginning of a rollercoaster of health related issues; especially as one ages with HIV. Having lived with this virus for a number of years, one can say that comorbidity and HIV are a single package; one of life expectancy and the quality of life. The deterioration of one’s health can come in various ways, and as does disability.

Disability is a challenge physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. A person is to be independent, self-sufficient and provide for themselves; as well as for others. Therefore, to accept one’s own disability jeopardizes independence, self-sufficiency, and the ability to provide.

Disability tears at the fabric of one’s perceived self-worth and dignity, in light of the possible negative perception of others and society; in the falsehood of becoming nothing more than a burden on others, because care and assistance must be provided for on a regular or daily basis. Yet, everyone who has been blessed with having a life lived will be cared for, treated, and or need assistance to get about and accomplish things in daily life, at some point; a reality each one of us must accept.

My immune system is one of those which are more susceptible to outside elements; and combined with HIV infection and long term immune system response (inflammation) it has made me more susceptible to comorbidity, seen in older senior adults; as a result I have comorbidities. Antiviral therapy is keeping me undetectable with a healthy CD4 count, keeping the virus at bay; but it isn’t preventing the toll living with HIV is taking on my body.

The first signs of typical aging are immobility and frailty. HIV is showing that the signs and impact of aging does not have a number. My number is age 45. Yet, think back to the many people who have died due to the development of AIDS, because there wasn’t antiviral therapy. They did not have the benefit and opportunity to be undetectable, and to age with HIV, regardless of comorbidity.

I go on living regardless of my quality of life, which can definitely be alot worse. The big picture is about living my life to the fullest, regardless of my circumstances and any disability. This is my mind set as I venture forth in my personal circumstances.

My HIV related peripheral neuropathy is not completely reversible nor is it easy to treat. I am receiving treatment, but it has also resulted in chronic pain coupled with chronic fatigue, which varies in the degree of discomfort and debilitating effects on a daily basis; from getting about with relative ease with minimal discomfort and pain, to needing to stay off my feet.

When my chronic pain due to neuropathy is at its worst sitting down and standing, kneeling down, making my way up and down a pair of stairs, and walking in general, is a nearly impossible painful challenge. These days are farther and fewer in between. The most important thing is that I am still mobile.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis after breaking my wrist in a situation where it normally doesn’t happen, and raised a red flag. This was worrisome and unexpected news, to be at a high risk for bone fractures, and the relative ease it can happen with a single fall or wrong turn of my body with a slip on the rug.

That being said, I am currently receiving treatment for osteoporosis as well. The chronic pain from my neuropathy complicates my treatment plan for osteoporosis; in regards to my exercising to strengthen my muscle and bones.

Therefore, I have taken precautions to prevent any accidents. I make use of a cane and walker if needed (I currently live alone) and have installed railings in my shower and bathroom. I also keep a strict food and drink diet, along with nutritional supplements, medication adherence, and the managing of my level of activity due to my chronic fatigue.

It is not easy living with HIV as you get older, but life is a journey and a challenge; with happiness victorious if you let it.

Written by James Cotromanes

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Burnt out and tired, and so far unable to recover

I've been feeling lately like my few commitments are too much. I'm so, so tired, and I feel like I can't ever get enough rest. I have both physical and mental health conditions that occasionally flare up and become disabling... Still, I find myself unsure of what to do next, even knowing the reasons for my exhaustion. I feel guilty that I can't just rise above this.

I'm really feeling quite emotional because I've been debating dropping out of grad school. I never thought I'd even speak those words, but here I am. I'm feeling too exhausted to achieve the goals that once made me so happy and motivated me to push through difficult days. Part of me just wants peace, space to enjoy life, and finally, after so many years, a life without homework or commitments that haunt me after I leave work. But part of me is also so afraid that I'd be giving up on my potential. I imagine myself wondering, years from now, if I made the right choice. I imagine myself telling my future children what I do for a living, and... I feel ashamed of admitting that I just want to step back and recover from this stress that I cannot shed.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you.

#InflammatoryArthritis #Autism #ChronicFatigue #Anxiety

14 reactions 8 comments
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Symptom Tracking

I'd really love to know if anyone has a good method for tracking their symptoms. In the past I've used a bullet journal but it gets so overwhelming to keep up with. I'd love an easier system or even an app or something. I want to track for myself to find patterns and hopefully some relief, but also for my doctors as I work towards a diagnosis. Any tips are greatly appreciated. 💜 #Fibromyalgia #Undiagnosed #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue

12 reactions 6 comments
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I'm new here!

Hi, my name is rachel newport. I'm here because I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, & ptsd. I would like to learn from, and also help, others like me.

#MightyTogether #Fibromyalgia #Depression #Fibromyalgia #PTSD #ADHD

5 reactions 2 comments