I have had a pretty unpleasant week, and have been struggling with the fatigue for a full seven days — it seems a very long haul, and there is, as yet, no end in sight. It is incredibly annoying having to pause in the middle of projects because one’s brain is not up to handling much – on Monday I found myself unable to continue working on the pattern for Warriston, so I thought I’d try a little leisurely dressmaking. But I soon found that my body wasn’t up to much, either — I had to stop when I found I couldn’t lift the iron to press the pattern pieces. I suppose I was due a bad bout given that the days prior to it were full of unprecedented and heady amounts of physical activity. On 12th May I actually managed to walk a full 10 miles, and in my Schiehallion post, I neglected to mention that I was feeling so good after getting up and down the mountain that, the same evening, I popped out for a 3 mile stroll to whet my appetite for dinner.
(happy post-Schiehallion stroll)
I was also buoyed up with anxiety and relief about my Dad (who is very well by the way, but who seems just as bad as I am at the doing-nothing part of recovery) and I imagine this also played some part in the energy relapse I have suffered this week. I also have a sense (and it is just that – a sense) that these very prolonged episodes of fatigue are somehow related to my brain figuring out how to do something a little better. In this case, I think it involves my ankle flexion, the tendons running up the left side of my calf, and my ability to point my toes while my knees are bent (an action I’ve been working on). In any case, I bloody well hope there is a payoff, as I am tired of the world going in slow motion, and feeling the ridiculous weight of the waste sad time, stretching before and after.
My time was not totally wasted, of course – I did manage to get out to an appointment on Thursday morning (though I was so knackered afterward that I spent the rest of the day in bed). Also, at no point this week did I reach the unable-to-knit stage (things get really bad, then). I have, in fact, managed to finish a project that I am very happy with (its gazillion ends have just been woven in, and it is blocking now). So at least there is something to show for this non-week. More of this project when the fatigue lifts, and I can don my loon pants, and show it to you!
I don’t really enjoy writing these tedious recovery-related posts, but feel it is important that I continue to keep track of things. I shall leave you with a photo of Bruce, who celebrates his first birthday in a few days time. What a boon he has been to me over the past year. I heartily recommend a loyal and jolly canine companion to anyone recovering from anything.
Happy Birthday, buddy.
Hi Kate, I’ve been a fan of your patterns a long time, but just started reading your blog and finding out about your recovery journey. What an incredible story, and you are an inspiration.
The thing I really wanted to comment on here is your general sense that your bouts of fatigue are related to increases in ability. This is really interesting to me. My daughter is just 1, and we commonly see a pattern in her naps/sleepiness/crankiness and jumps forward in development. For example, she just had a crankypants spell for the past few days and then all of a sudden she started saying ‘Mama’, ‘Dada’ and ‘cheese’. (She is a girl with priorities.) According to baby experts, this is common in baby/toddler development. And I can’t help but think that it is common in recovery too – especially in a recovery involving changes in how the brain is wired.
And Happy Birthday to Bruce! We are a black lab loving family (though without one for the moment), and he is just gorgeous!
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HEY KATE — know its hard to not meet your own expectations but – wow you do measure yourself with a long measuring stick ‘ lol”
– you push hard but give yourself a break too — you have to learn how much is too much “BEFORE YOU DO IT ”
—nice to have pet therapy —–take care pat j
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Fatigue is a pain in the bum, utterly, but it isn’t stopping you from being creative (evidently, given this post). However you define it.
Your recovery posts are great. They help me, certainly, understand much more about how people with (especially) severe fatigue feel and react, and not everyone can voice their frustrations so eloquently… plus, it’s obvious that the therapeutic effect of a cold wet nose is critical!
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I am glad you are having such “good days” and being rather easy on yourself when you have slower days. It is what is and you are handling this leg of the journey with Grace. You are ever and inspiration.
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I’m feeling tired just reading about your climb and pre dinner stroll! Take care and rest and knit. Say happy birthday to that gorgeous Bruce of yours, I agree, there is nothing like a jolly loyal canine friend.
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I’ll lift a glass tonite to your & your father’s continued improvements in health, and to wish Bruce a very happy birthday. For folks recovering, who are a good bit more sedentary, a sweet kitten can also be a boon (although it must be taught not to play with the knitting!).
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Kate, A friend of mine told me about your blog and I’m just now looking at it. It’s lovely and inspiring. I also realized that I had bought a pattern of yours this year and have not yet started knitting it as I haven’t found the perfect yarn. Perhaps I will this summer! We are going to Scotland! We’ll be in Edinburgh, then up to Glencoe and Skye. I hope we picked the right spots to visit. Doubt there are any “wrong” spots. Would love some yarn shop recommendations. I haven’t read all of your blog yet (maybe you already mentioned some). Best wishes regarding your health. I’ll bet anything your brain/body is saying “Hey give me a moment so I can integrate all that great exercise you gave me”. You’ll come out stronger.
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Bruce, you are gorgeous, and clearly an interweb hero. Happy birthday!
Kate, crippling tiredness is awful. It torments the muscles and taunts the brain. Your head’s just needing a rest and your body’s on strike for a few days. You’ll get through it again. You know you can. It’s hard when you’re an active bod as you are (yes, still), but just remember from where you’re coming and what you’ve achieved this week. Most usual folk would be taking the rest of the week to recover from just part of what you’ve achieved recently. Look above! :-)
As for posting on your blog, why not? To quote Mikhail Bakhtin, ‘All else is means; dialogue is the end. A single voice ends nothing and resolves nothing. Two voices is the minimum for life.’
Meanwhile, do as Bruce would do – lie down, four paws in the air, and take in the day. Happy snoozing!
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Hello,
I have taken to visiting your blog every day, rejoicing over each new post, admiring all the things you achieve health and knitwise, and thinking of you when there’s silence. I am impressed by your courage and your determination, and I am sure that these posts about the difficulties you meet on the road to recovery are as inspirational to your readers as your other posts. I personally find them just as impressive as the rest.
It’s probably useless to tell you not to be too hard on yourself, so I won’t, but offer silent companionship instead.
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Happy Birthday Bruce!
I think animals (I am a dog person but will be generous and not omit other companions) are so important because of the unconditional love/trust/support they provide.
Bruce looks so much like my old man Jack – a rescue mutt who is somewhere beyond 12 years but we know not….unfortunately he has cancer and we dont know how much longer we will have him. As long as he is happy and painfree! But your photo of Bruce made me tear up….give him a extra big hug from Jack and me!
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I’m so sorry you’re still having the dreaded fatigue :( Like you say, it sounds like you’ve been overdoing it (oh how I hate it when people tell me that!!). I myself am still pushing to see my limits, and did two 5-hour days at work last week, with a rest day in between. Sunday was horrendous because I then went and volunteered at the Stroke Association stall at a festival on Saturday, but this week seems to be going ok. So far. I feel that if I don’t test my limits, then how will I ever get better? Today was also first Different Strokes meeting of the group that I have set up. Only 4 people came but I have had quite a lot of interest from other people. We had our first hour of chair-based exercises and it went swimmingly. Like someone said to me on the phone, “I don’t want to just be Jen with the stroke”, but at the same time it is nice to talk to other people who know what you’ve been through. Make sure you get lots of rest and fluids now. And hug that gorgeous doggy of yours x
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I think that you might just photograph wads of things from your home and kitchen and even those scraps are so artful, if ‘doing’ is a motivator to write, because we here who hang out in the comments archives of Needled sometimes get a little impatient. I love, love, love to hear about what goes on in your mind , because sometimes just the the writing part of your ” walking ~ needling ~ writing” trinity is quite enough. It fills nice and softly in between the ‘wows’ of your stream of great projects, at least.
I hope that cheers you up a little.
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i’d be interested in one of your sizzling reviews of this:
http://www.makingisconnecting.org/
and, did you see that roszika parker had died?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/21/rozsika-parker-obituary
<3
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p.s. http://purejuice.livejournal.com/1780397.html
with love and thanks.
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Please – share – I am not going through a physical recovery but an emotional one and I appreciate your thoughts – Your dog is the most beautiful…Happy day to you –
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I don’t want to sound discouraging, but I had a stroke about 6 years ago and have recovered almost completely EXCEPT for the post-stroke fatigue. Like you, I do a good deal of walking and other exercise which doesn’t seem to be any more fatiguing than what one would expect. But mental work, especially anything involving multitasking, wears me out. The fatigue has eased some over the years, but it led me to retire early and still constrains my life. My efforts to learn about PSF have made it clear that there’s no obvious ’cause’ beyond the general category of ‘brain injury’, and no clear treatment, beyond what you and I are both doing — trying to live as healthily as possible.
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happy birthday to Bruce (he is a HANDSOME boy) and take heart that sort of a hike deserves some slow down time afterwards, I think you are doing splendidly.
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He’s such an adorable puppy. I’m in such awe of your recovery. :)
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I think you ARE onto something with the idea that “prolonged episodes of fatigue are somehow related to my brain figuring out how to do something a little better.”
I know that neurons are only repaired during sleep. (Children only release growth hormone when asleep, too.) My father-in-law slept much more than usual after a spine injury from which he mostly recovered, so I like to believe the fatigue is there to make us sleep more. (I have MS fatigue myself. And a gimpy left foot.)
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ooh I could snog that bruce!
have you looked into diet related things? I’m sure you have but it occurs that you’re probably growing new cells up there which must be knackering. Perhaps there are neurofoods to help that cell growth like co-enzyme Q10 etc. I’m sure you’re all over that but just in case you’re not, thought I’d say it.
marvellous that you’re still knitting – i plan a tortoise and hare for myself this winter. xxx
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Ooo, I agree, things must be REALLY bad when we can’t manage to knit.
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Lovely to have you back ! I am so sorry you get back on us in such a shape. Take care of yourself, one step at a time in a recovery (and I know what I am talking about), the rage of living should drive you to a happy place and nowhere else ! Someone mentioned you have grace and yes you do. I send you some patience and joy and all you may need (brain vibes !) and I look forward to hearing from you very soon in a very good shape sharing another great project.
Oh, and of course : joyeux anniversaire Bruce !
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I noticed that you hadn’t posted anything for a while and wondered how you were. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling so plagued by fatigue but it does sound like you’re pushing yourself quite hard. I think I’d be the same – I’m the least patient patient.
Lovely picture of beautiful boy Bruce.
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Please keep recording your experiences. I hope you will prove to have been right that this dip comes before a forward move. Bruce is lovely (and I am not a dog person).
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Even though it’s not pleasant to write about your recovery, I hope you’ll continue for the benefit of though of us in our own struggles. Happy Birthday Bruce.
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I noted that another poster mentioned the animation movie The Illusionist. That was one of the most charming films I’ve seen in a long time, and I recognised the Western Isles and of course, the big modern town (in constrast to the secluded isles) of Edinburgh. Amazing little watch !
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Kate, you are incredibly strong & I admire that as much as your beautiful design work. Thank you as always for sharing your thoughts. From my perspective, recovering IS doing something! And I admire you for doing that with grace, as well.
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Easy for as a healthy person to say, I know but… days and lives should not (only) be measured in productivity.
Listen to Bruce, master of dog wisdom: love and all manner of good things can make a life worth living both for people and dogs.
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Brucisone looks like the perfect companion. I’m with you about knitting….what a relief. I think you are a great example of what to do when you are feeling down. Thank you for posting back when, your recovery and looking forward to tomorrow.
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Bruce! Happy birthday, you beauty. And Kate, thank you for posting the bad as well as the good. I agree that the fatigue may occur as the brain assimilates its newly-reforged abilities. (Think of newborns sleeping so many hours, recovering from the rush of new experience.) You’re an energetic soul who resents downtime; passive types would sadly resign themselves to it. Perhaps you can think of your periods of fatigue as your times to “reculer pour mieux sauter” – then you can recognize them as part of your progress, not intervals of defeat.
Looking forward to pictures of your latest project – and more Bruce pix, of course.
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Drat that fatigue! I really believe you are on to something when you think the fatigue is related to your body trying to figure something out. It has got to be awfully hard to live through. The fatigue must feel like a negative consequence, when, it actual fact, it is positive. It must be that your brain/nerves/muscles are recovering from the work of locking in what that trio experienced as “new.” If you look back, have these spells of fatigue ever eroded any progress that proceeded them? I lurk here (only time limits, not lack of interest or terrific content) but it doesn’t seem so. I apologize if this reads to you as trivializing or any other negative. You know what’s going on better than anyone. You are handling things perfectly. I’m betting you’ll be ready to move on, and go further than ever, soon.
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Awwwww Bruce of the beautiful brown eyes. Happy birthday, sweet boy.
Hang in there, tired lady! When the fatigue lifts, you will swiftly be on to your next milestone.
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A Very happy birthday to Bruce. What a handsome dog and how wise he looks for his age – but most dogs are.
I have been following you for only a short while, but am a huge fan. Good luck to you in everything you do.
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The happiest of birthdays to Bruce – what a beautiful companion. He looks so wise for his age – but aren’t all dogs?
I have been following you for only a short while and am a huge fan already.
Good luck with all you do.
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I have missed you, and checked many times to see what you were going to write about.
I just watched “Illusionist” by the animator Sylvain Chomet, it was set in Edinburgh, and I thought about you all the way through. He used real buildings and landmarks in his animation. Remember The Triplets of Bellville, and the bike rider training etc. The Illusionist is really lovely. There were curio shops, which you have told us about, and beautiful scenery of the mountains and hills, and the city. You would enjoy seeing it.
It’s nearly 2 yrs and I’m still working on my injured fingers/hand; it is painful and difficult, but it is injured and if I didn’t do the few excercises everyday, then it would only be worse. So I don’t think any time spent on therapy is really wasted; it may seem futile but it’s not, we’ve got to keep educating the damaged /injured parts or they will become more unresponsive otherwise, so there is no “waste sad time” I understand what you are saying though, but just keep going, that is all one can do, and you are really very amazing with your stamina and willpower.
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ps. Oh, and I agree heartily that a dog companion is the best cure for anything, as mine has been my personal trainer and kept me getting out the door when in my worst bouts of reclusion, I would do nothing but knit. Emma can herd me out the door as if I am a wooly litle sheep. Bruce is just a terrific specimen of a dog !
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Kate ~ Perhaps you are walking on knowledge for the present? What I mean is that your body , or half of it, went back to a place rather like a ‘ground zero’, while your mind was still quite full of knowledge of how it is to be a Walker. In this last year, your mind has had to exhaust itself convincing your body what to do , and what an incredible job it’s done ! But who could blame you for taking off like a racehorse when it is evident your knowledge as The Walker Extraordinaire is again reigning over your body, and you perhaps are feeling a wonderful giddiness that you are getting ahead of the game at last? But this last week, perhaps your body needed it’s rest and made sure it got it. I think it’s great that you are writing it out, and I applaud your courage on all fronts. You are a remarkable girl , you are.
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Love the photo of Bruce! I agree canine companions do help with recovery. I hope your fatigue is less this week.
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Congratulations on the walks. Nothing is a waste of time.
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I totally agree.
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I don’t know how you managed a three mile stroll after a 10 mile hike. You have such strength of character. When you have bad days, just roll with them and know that the next time you have a good day, the good bit will last longer. And I want to know what the intriguing thing is at the top of the post!
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YES! You’ve discovered all the advantages to owning a canine friend, haven’t you?! Well, mine are 12 and 9 and the mere thought of them not being around any longer is too upsetting even to contemplate (and they are fine now!). Onwards and upwards Kate, you’re still doing very well. X
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Ah those intriguing snippets of fabric and yarn! ; )
You are such a tease!
“A three mile stroll before dinner” eh? AFTER a “big” walk?! No wonder you’re knackered! I think your body is shouting at you to SIT THE FROCK DOWN! And I don’t blame it!
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I am glad you were able to take a nonchalent 3-mile stroll after your last mountain, and that you have been Munro-ing more lately, but I am sad that you must still pay so dearly for these enterprises.
I hope this week finds your energies replenished, and that the news on your Dad continues to be positive. I am not at all surprised to hear that he is not very good at the “doing nothing” part of recovery… I don’t think many people really are and I think that pushing oneself and overdoing it are important aspects of recovery, necessary for one’s sense of self.
I was mildly admonished last night for the abuse I give my body with my enthusiastic working/making/walking/partying regime and I tried to explain that no matter how much I know I am supposed to behave like someone with a suppressed immune system and an ongoing health condition, as long as I can act like the 19 year old I was before I was halted by arthritis, I jolly well will. It is all well and good to say one must rest and recover and be sensible and take it easy, but when you have lost the ease of movement which you once had – and the energy – there is a sense that any opportunities to recover them must be enthusiastically seized with both hands, without regard for the consequences, and without regret, either.
So I heartily endorse any “overdoing it” that you (or your Dad!) might be engaging in. Partly because I don’t think it would make a damn bit of difference if I told you to rest up and take it easy, and partly because I know how good it feels to WIN against the fatigue, the tiredness, the illness, the malaise and the tedium of chronic disability.
Huzzah for Bruce, who has stolen the hearts of all your readers with his big doggie eyes, huzzah for the hare who makes its restless nest in the fields and runs carelessly across them, huzzah for Wazz’s Da and whatever tasks he has inadvisably set for himself in the coming weeks, and huzzah for the mountains, for Tom, and for whatever that *glorious pile* of yarny strands has/will become…
Lovely to have you back. x
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Couldn’t have said it better myself :-)
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Kate, I’ve been checking all week to see if you have updated the blog and it was a relief to see you “on” again.
I hope it won’t be too long before you have recovered from that debilitating fatigue. If Bruce had been suffering from these symptoms its likely he’d have Exercise Induced Collapse!
He is a lovely boy and yes, how could we get by without a dog in our lives!
Look forward to seeing your latest projects. Take care.
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I know that you have other health issues, but have you ever considered gluten intollerance? It might give a foggy mind and lessen a person’s energy.
I was sorry to read this post, I know how bad it is not feeling the energy to do anything.
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i love so much your fotos
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I really hope you get to feeling better soon. Bruce is such a HANDSOME puppy!
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Not to make light of your feelings, but it cracks me up when you say you’ve had a week of “not getting much done”. I don’t think I walk 10 miles in my whole week put together, much less knit as much, ha ha! You inspire me to get off my butt and get going! Thanks, and I hope your next week is more to your expectations!
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I heartily recommend a dog, period. We got one here when my oldest had an incredibly intense fear of dogs; we thought that the best way to conquer a fear was to face it, and yes, the best option was a basset hound puppy. We often say now that it is impossible to imagine life without our dog! It’s almost like he is the nucleus of the family. We are so much better for having him. (Hart just turned seven.)
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Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about your ongoing recovery, as it is certainly ongoing, rather than a one-time thing. Please allow yourself to be tired and frustrated, as well as energized and motivated. I’m so grateful that you’re writing about your recovery – I appreciate the window you’ve opened on this subject.
I also love your photos of Bruce. It’s easy to see that he’s a Good Boy.
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I can’t help but wonder what you would be doing if you were at 100%! I read your posts and don’t often comment but I have to say again how much I admire you.
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You can never have too much canine companionship when things go sideways. :) One of my favorite rarities is waking up with our pup snuggled right next to me. We had a long winter of illnesses for all of my family members, and they all got to enjoy snuggle time in bed with our dogs. (Normally those furry famliy members have their own beds.) I didn’t grow up with dogs, but have always had a dog with marriage, and I’m convinced we’ll always have a dog.
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Kate,
Bruce has such a sweet face!
I have CFS/ME and experience something called Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). In other words, if I physically push myself too far, it can take 1-7 days for me to recuperate. During the recuperation phase, I find it difficult to do anything other than lie in bed and listen to books on tape (at least keeps my mind occupied!). Sometimes I am able to sit for a while and knit. Like you, I have a very supportive spouse: a true blessing.
The ME has caused a series of mini-strokes in my brain that mimic many of the symptoms you are experiencing. Like you, I find it hard to pull back on all of the things my mind wants to do, when I know my body is going to make me “pay” later.
I pray you will find a way to balance your high energy and low energy periods. I admire your courage in tackling so many of the things you do and enjoy your blog immensely!
KateinIowa (USA)
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I got a dog during a particularly nasty bout of depression, and they are one of the best kinds of medicine.
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You are entirely too hard on yourself! My gosh-I don’t think I have ever walked 10 miles in one go and 3 miles would be a real stretch!!!!!! Slow down and enjoy what you can do-you are progressing so well-don’t get down on yourself. A lovely portrait of Bruce, by the way!
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Always enjoy reading your blog. Sorry to hear you are battling fatigue.
I LOVE the photo of Bruce. I have 2 black dogs and struggle to get good photos of them. Bruce is a very handsome fellow and you take great pictures of him. Dogs are the best!
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I am exhausted just reading your post!! Happy Birthday to Bruce from Woody Over Here. When I can work out how to send you a photo of Woody I will – I think they must be related they look so alike and it appears they have very similar attributes…. We are going into late Autumn/Winter now and Woody’s coat is lovely and warm as he spends a lot of time lying in the sun. May too much fatigue be a thing of the past for you – and – I can’t wait to see what you are working on.
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Happy Birthday Bruce! He’s gorgeous. Give him a birthday hug from me! I’m a fan.
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You continue to inspire, kate. No doubt your fatigue is a down payment on another milestone improvement in your body’s capabilities. How could it be otherwise, granted your recent achievements in mountain climbing and long hikes.
Bruce looks so endearing, he’s just what you need in a canine companion. Keep on keepin’ on.
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Wow, that was alot of physical activity, a hell of alot more than what I do!! Your body was just trying to catch up with you.
What a darlin’ that Bruce is! and take it slower!
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There would be no music without the silences in between the notes. Please rest during the “rests” and be deeply at peace there if you can. It will make the more active part of your creativity that much more sweet. Your beloved mountains would not be mountains if there were no valleys in between. That doesn’t make it easier, I know, but maybe just a tiny bit in your soul, I hope.
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Happy birthday to “the Bruce” handsome boy you are. All the best to you Kate in your recovery from all you have accomplished this past little while…most normal people couldn’t even fathom it. So another pat on the back and good for you for demanding the best…of you. You are amazing. Waiting on the project…bet it is great!!
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I agree with you that it is important for you to keep track of your recovery. But I also wanted to let you know that I, for one, find these posts just as fascinating as all your other posts. I think it takes a rare sort of person to be so insightful and honest about her recovery, and I imagine all your readers feel, as I do, honored to be allowed to share it with you.
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Bruce has compassionate eyes as if to tell you he feels sad for you.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2004/dec/18/classics.virginiawoolf
i wonder if the fatigue is also mourning?
in any case, v. woolf, who spent a great deal of time hallucinating the ghost of her mother or edward VIII uttering obscenities in the rhododendrons, was an atheist who came to numinous terms with her — offline time.
i can’t recommend “On Being Ill” enough.
i’m also very proud of you and the 13 mile walk. don’t stop.
and bruce is the very, very best. happy birthday, puppyman.
xxx
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I hope you start feeling better soon. And your dog might be the most handsome canine I have ever seen! Happy Birthday to Bruce. :)
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I watch my dad cycle energies after his stroke. Some days are good, some not so good, but the goods are starting to outnumber the not so goods even if just by a little. I see this in your pages of writing as well. Rest and recover. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
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Re keeping track of things, have you thought of marking good days vs bad days on a calendar? (if you don’t do it already) Just put a tick if it’s been a good day, and a cross if it’s been a bad day. You seem to be having a lot more good than bad lately and I think it could be encouraging to look at that and track your improvement.
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Just looking at photos of that gorgeous dog is enough to cheer me up! (spot the doggy person). Sorry to hear you’ve been having a hard time of it, but glad you still have the knitting. I’m looking forward to seeing what could have possibly caused all those loose ends.
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A year old already? Good lord.
Good to hear that your dad is making a good recovery too.
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The connection you made between these bouts of fatigue and new (re)learning makes a lot of sense. I know young children always seem to regress a bit just before they take a leap forward developmentally. Makes sense that we would do that as adults as well. Hang in there, your determination is such an inspiration! And good for Bruce! He is such a happy looking boy!
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I agree- I always thought my kids slept more right before making some developmental leaps and bounds. And really, with all that you physically accomplished prior- you certainly deserve a bit of a rest. Try not to be too frustrated. To NOT give in and rest would most likely end up in a longer stretch of fatigue and more “wasted” time.
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Sending wishes for more strength and a better week. Please know that we do not find your recovery-related posts tedious….they are the “listening” that we all want to do for you as friends.
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Happy Birthday Bruce!!
What a dear and faithful companion he must be in your “not very how” times.
Wishing you lots of “how” from down under…where it’s a bit nippy and good weather for knitting.
Alex
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Dear Kate,
The progress of recovery is rarely, if ever, linear. You need to factor in relapses and rest, especially after what you’ve endured. Please let yourself coast from time to time, and when you feel your creative and physical energy surge, try to temper your natural instinct to go with the flow, so that excess isn’t followed by exhaustion. I am in awe of how much you have accomplished since your stroke. Even if you had done half of what you’ve accomplished, I’d be in awe of your vigor and creativity. You go, girl!
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Don’t beat yourself up over it Kate. You’ve passed several milestones recently – this is but a mini-step back. Bruce looks gorgeous (and I’m in no way a doggy person!)
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I’m glad you can knit, and looking forwards to seeing this new project! Hope your next week will be better.
(I’m working on my tortoises and hares at the moment :-))
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Good heavens, woman!!! I have not even had a stroke and if I did a 12 mile hike and then a 3-mile “stroll” before dinner, I would be recovering for a week!!! Take it easy on yourself.
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