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With CFS, the hardest
lesson I have had to learn is knowing my limits by listening to my body
and using common sense. It can be depressing to look at reality, but once
you do this, you need to make lifestyle adjustments. The following are
the things that I use to help me cope with my particular problems. I realize
that many of the coping skills and tools I use may not be appropriate
for other CFS sufferers, but I thought I would share them with you in
the hope that you may find something of value.
Calendar
I use a 12 x 12 calendar with the blocks to record my appointments and
events scheduled for the month, then I can see at a glance how much time
I will need to schedule to rest before and after the event. This tool
is extremely important to me. I can't live without it!
Earplugs
I live on a comer of a busy main street and the noise of the cars going
by all day disturbs my peace and sleep, so I use Husher ear plugs when
I need rest. They block out most sounds but you can still hear your smoke
detector, alarm, etc., in case of emergency.
Room Darkening Shades
Another must for me: these help me sleep better by darkening the room.
They can be opened when you need light. Shades are also easier to clean
than blinds. [Note: You can have existing curtains lined with a "blackout"
liner which effectively darkens a room to almost total darkness.]
Answering Machine
A must if you are too fatigued to get up to talk but don't want to miss
a call. The volume of the answering machine can be turned up or down.
Phone
I turn my phone off when resting. Caller ID is very good if you want to
block out people who are annoying, or you get crank calls, or you just
want to know the name and number of people calling you. You can also have
your number blocked out if you don't want your name and number to show
up on the other end.
Hand Held Shower
Very European, and extremely handy for washing your hair since it frees
you from having to stand in the tub to take shower. You can even sit on
a chair and wash yourself. It can be put back on its holder at shower
level for the other family members who want to take a real shower.
Sunlight
Sunlight is especially important if you are housebound. Try to get as
much sun as possible to keep from getting depressed. Keep your curtains
open and try to sit for several hours in a room that gets a lot of sun'
during the day. It helps keep the spirits up.
Room Temperature
This is individual. I am always warm, so I keep the house at about 68-70
degrees. It is easier to put a sweater on when you get cold than to cool
off if you get hot.
Air Your Home
At least once a month have someone open all the windows in your house
on a breezy day and air the pollutants out of your house. You will find
it is much easier to breathe and the air is lighter.
Lists (Shopping)
Have a long list of groceries prepared by or for you. Include all the
items you can think of and arrange them in a column. Mine is on the computer
and we print it out on the printer about 25 at a time (a Xerox will also
do). As the week goes by, mark off the items that you are low on. When
it is time to go shopping you will not go crazy trying to remember what
you need.
Lists (General)
I keep a special pad in which I make lists of things I need to do or any
ideas I have about various things. This helps me to remember the things
that I would otherwise definitely forget. This pad is kept next to my
bed where I spend a lot of time.
Folding Chair
I carry a light-weight folding chair (the size of a large umbrella) with
me when I know I will need to sit in a public area for a long period of
time. If possible, get someone else to carry it for you.
Egg Timer
This is very useful! I use it to remind myself if something is on the
stove, if I am on the computer too long, or to remind myself to watch
a TV show. This will help you to remember anything that needs to be timed
that you may forget!
Meals
Make them in advance and freeze them! Make more than you need when you
have a "good day." Or get a family member to cook up a batch
of something and freeze it. Use containers that can go from freezer to
microwave. Get a microwave oven to reheat frozen foods.
Keep hearty canned
soups with beans, meat, and vegetables on hand. Cans of mushroom and tomato
soups are good to throw in a big pot with frozen vegetables and seasoning
to make hearty casseroles and stews.
Minute rice is easy
to make in the microwave - add equal parts of rice and water and heat.
Frozen dinners (though
expensive and not too good) are also quick.
Low-cal cheese, cream
cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, butter and sour cream are all good substitutes
for the fatty originals.
Be sure to take your
extra food home when you go out to a restaurant so you can freeze it and
get an extra of meal out of it. I buy two pizzas, and freeze them for
extra meals. I freeze two slices in each zip lock bag. The slices can
easily be heated in a microwave or conventional oven.
Weight
Some things are not our fault! Try not to go over your present weight.
Set reasonable goals. A 10 (for me) is reasonable, others a 12, 14 etc.
I have clothes in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. You
know your own body! . Don't spend time weighing yourself daily, or getting
depressed looking at yourself in the mirror (difficult, I know). At some
point, we have to accept ourselves as we are and work with what we have
to look as best we can under the circumstances. We are harder on ourselves
than others, what we see is not necessarily what others see. I have found
that Weight Watchers and Richard Simmons' diets are the most helpful but
it is difficult to stay on "diets" when fatigued.
Frequent Small Meals
They keep the engine stoked in the body. When I'm out and in need of stamina,
the combination of protein and carbohydrates gives me a little boost even
at fast food places (eg. chicken sandwich, eggs and cheese for breakfast,
a hamburger on roll, or spaghetti and meatballs).
Shopping
I shop by catalogue and through the TV. I find that these are convenient
ways to shop, since things are delivered to my door and I need not fight
the malls.
Shopping (General)
Take frequent rest stops about every 15 min. Go with a list and give yourself
a time limit. Keep the clothing light. Eat something either before you
go or as you go along. This will help keep up your energy. If possible,
get a basket or cart and put your coat and purse in it and lean against
it as you walk. Park as close as you can to the store. Get a handicapped
placard if you can.
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