As you may know, I was just diagnosed with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis and #Fibromyalgia (among other things) with chronic fatigue (read: exhaustion) being my most severe symptom.
As I deal with paperwork, try to start all the medications and suppliments, and work on figuring out how in the world I’m going to manage this, I have take one step that I’m really pleased with. I got a Fitbit.
Okay, I admit it, I’m cheap- I talked a friend into giving me their old Fitbit, but the point remains!
I’ve been getting data on my movement (not exactly “steps”, as I spend so little time walking that half of the “steps” counted happen while I’m lounging in bed or on the couch). But it is still data on how much I move. I’ve been gathering data for a week.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- I take less than 500 (actual) steps each day. Closer to 400.
- I average (about) 700 “step” movements a day.
- I move significantly less when I have a migraine and more when I’m anxious.
How does this help?
- I have a baseline. I can objectively see if I am getting better with all the treatment things I try.
- I can help myself avoid “boom and bust” I told my Fitbit that my fitness goal was 650 steps. That will warn me if I am moving a lot more than on an average day so I can be mindful and slow down (and not be as sick the next day).
- I can step it up on down days and try to hit 600 steps even on bad days.
- I have data. When people ask “how tired are you?” I can give them numbers.
- I can also track my heartrate, which helps with other issues.
It’s not perfect, but it’s something.
What steps do you take on your chronic illness journey?
#ChronicIllness #Disability #spoonielifehack #exhaustion #Fitbit #orthostaticintolerance #Anxiety #MentalHealth #SocialAnxiety
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