do you go out (say short time at the mall) even with symptoms
 

I rested all day ...but I still have the fatigue and weird feelings in my head as well as the off balance feeling. ..BUT not much of a headache

so...can I attempt to go to the mall for a bit with my daughter? (she's driving)?? I just don't know the balance...don't want to suffer tomorrow (although where are we going in the storm??)

I just need to get out...I feel so trapped all the time!

I struggle with this one a lot. As I've improved, I've gradually starting doing more, like going for a walk outside most days, reading more, spending more time with my girlfriend, or watching more TV.

My baseline approach is:

- More than minimal symptoms? Rest (which could include sleeping, lying down, taking a bath, meditating, light reading with breaks, very brief conversations, etc)

- No symptoms, or minimal symptoms: OK to engage in activities, as long as I don't increase my activity level (ie, compared to previous outings/tasks) by more than, say, 5-10% unless absolutely necessary

In other words, I'm trying to take things incrementally and super-slow. I don't always hew to this approach - sometimes I just need a bit of fresh air, or human contact - but this is what seems to work best. When I'm in rest mode, I try to remind myself of my long-term goal (full recovery), and that rest is in large part what has got me this far.

mall?
 

Hello waterpark,

After almost 2 years pcs I can say I've debated the "going to the mall thing/ going out for a bit " more than a few times.

Sounds like you need a break, sometimes it's nice to do something normal:)

Just take it easy and bring a snack and water and maybe extra pain meds if you need.

I learned now that I have to have a snack with me because making all the shopping decisions is exhausting.

Bring earplugs if the music can be loud.

Take it easy:) and stay far away from food courts or anything overwhelming. It is easy to not realize how far you end up walking.Take breaks.

I try to almost meditate on the way there. Just close my eyes and breathe in the car and save all my energy. Sounds like if your daughter drives you will be able to relax.

Hope everything goes well and that you find something cute:)

p.s. I can only go in the mornings when my energy was higher, def. if i went in the afternoon or night it would have been too hard.

Now that's the opposite of me.....I have a little energy in the morning...then I crash a bit (with or without activity) and then mid day -- like 3 or 4 pm I start getting my energy. I'm at my most energy nighttime...go figure!! But by then I've overstimulated myself!!

i give it a shot and sometimes give up!
 

I still run errands, try to do some things with friends occasionally, and go shopping but I really prefer to go alone so that if I suddenly feel overwhelmed and want to "get outta Dodge" I'm the only one whose plans might be affected.

It seems to change suddenly - one minute I'll be dealing with everything fine then suddenly I just want to flee! I haven't gotten myself onto a "meter" yet to determine whether I go or stay home - that would probably be a good idea but for those of us still living in denial, that would mean admitting there's a problem. :D I'm working toward that but for now, continue to fly by the seat of my pants.

Having your daughter with you might make all the difference, especially if she can pick up on your mood and know when you're getting anxious or fatigued. I refuse to let this prevent me from going and doing things that I really want to do, I think it's just important to realize your limits and never be afraid to admit maybe it was a bad idea THIS time.

Very best,
Crystal