There’s nothing like being very unwell to shake you out of complacency (or avoidance?!)
I knew I was struggling. It seemed like I had things in place to look after myself.
This is what it is to have a baby and work, I told myself. That I ought to be able to work four shorter days, take care of the baby, support the husband as he worked rotating shifts -fortnightly nightshift (working 830pm-6am, sleeping during the morning and an afternoon nap) and day (this means he’s gone 630am-6pm) shifts.
Sitting alone in the fast dimming edge of a day I spent unable to stand for more than a few minutes at time, I recall the rheumatologist I saw recently tell me it IS a lot. These things plus constant pain and exhaustion.
But what can I really do? These things can’t change too much.
I’m going to keep working on my immune system – high dose olive leaf, pro biotics (my GP recommended I take permanently) and maximising healthy foods using my smoothie maker. And rest more!
I will resign from the job that isn’t working and look for something more suitable.
My new physio is all about gradually increasing exercise, as if going from 20-40 minutes per day of walking toward an hour will decrease my pain – I’ve done the pushing myself for more and know the tightness and pain in my glutes, lower back and legs aren’t worth it. But I do think I need to build the Pilate’s back in, that really helps with my core, back and neck.
I’m also continuing to follow the mind/body connection thread in my reading.
It’s all a puzzle and I don’t think I’m doing too badly.
Gentle hugs, hoping for better news soon.