I think I’m starting to really learn the power of food. As you know, my fatigue issues are improved by eating a low histamine diet. But a fellow injured lady, turned friend, has spoken many times about the power of watermelon on energy levels.
I’m on day 4 of eating watermelon for breakfast and lunch, and if not lunch then a few small snacks before dinner. Yesterday, between 11 and 1, I played with Riley both inside and out (with me stationary), walked him for 20 minutes, bathed him and then bathed myself. Dad came round for coffee, and then I relaxed with a puzzle and checked in for a zoom social with UKCVFamily members.
Today, by 2pm, I’ve folded my laundry, cleared out my wardrobe, properly, so I was able to put it all away, stripped and washed my bedding which is now on the airer drying. I then hoovered my room and the upstairs hallway and out the last few bits away. I now have a clean and clear bedroom where it can be a peaceful space once more. Unfortunately, as a result of the increased activity, I now need to have another bath and pop another load of laundry on due to a larger accident than usual. These things happen.
This evening I will have to make my bed again, so I’ve just loaded up on some more watermelon in preparation.
I’m sure some may wonder how I’ve managed this given the physical limitations, but the tidying and organising my wardrobe was done entirely while sat down. The only physical part was the hoovering, bathing and taking laundry down. And obviously later it’ll be making my bed and I think I will likely need to ask mum for some support with that. Though if I know me, I’ll likely try and do it myself in stages as I’m very particular about how my bed is made.
This may all my psychosomatic, it may come with a heavy price in a day or two, or maybe even in an hour or two. I just don’t know. But right now, as I sit in my clean room waiting for my bath to run, I can’t help but feel a little hope and I’m very pleased with myself. I have to admit that I felt good, and that’s both joyous and terrifying. I don’t recall a time in the last 4 years where I could have done this much within 2 days. Maybe the call from this friend with advice may have also given me a boost.
It gives me hope. While my physical limitations remain, and I’m very close to being able to order the chair, these energy levels could be life changing should they stay as they are. If I can build up to being able to cover ALL my basic care needs myself, it could then lead to me being able to consider what sort of work I may be able to do.
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, it would still be a long and challenging road ahead. I also know that I felt this good after my surgery initially and 2 weeks later it all came crashing down. But if I can feel this way for two days there’s no reason why I can’t find the solution to maintaining it for longer. I just hope that it doesn’t take me another 14 months to find this energy again if it does disappear.
The downside is I’ve had an increase in night sweats and waking through the night, which leaves me very groggy in the mornings. I still have to give myself until 11am before I consider doing anything other than lying down. I’ve also being unbearable itchy from my hip up for days now, and it’s particularly bad at night. I’ve not found the cause, but my skin is very fragile so my stomach and chest are now covered in petechiae despite my best efforts not to scratch. However, this is a positive journal entry, and I will hold onto this hope very carefully.