PCS: When is the time to up activity?
 

Can anyone advise when is the best time to up activity when you have PCS?

I have been trying to do things for weeks, but still have symptoms that are coming and going. I am better during normal day light whilst on my own, and worse at evening time when the kids are home (noise) and the artificial lights are on.

Today (for the first time since my symptoms have improved) I have done absolutely nothing apart from 30 mins computer, 30 mins radio and 30 mins TV, and am going for a massage this afternoon. Already I feel so much better for it. The real test will be this evening I suppose. At what point do you increase activity in order to increase your stamina, and prepare yourself for being a worker again?

Honestly, there really wasn't a "right" time to increase my activity level. Some days I can take more than others, even now!

Maybe if you have specific symptoms that you're referring to I can help more.

Have you been able to go grocery shopping? If not, that could be a test for yourself to stay on task. You could go during an easy time of day at first, while kids are in school. It pushes limits to the extreme to go on a weekend! Another test idea could be some type of chore. Like, paying bills online. It's supposed to be "easy".

It is helpful to learn to recognize your triggers and signs so you can stop the activity when you notice the trigger or signs of starting to be triggered.

By this, I mean things like getting visually or auditorily confused. If you have a momentary 'deer in the head lights' feeling, that is a sign of trouble coming. Don't try to shake it off and keep going.

There are plenty of activities we can do without triggering trouble. Walks, working in a garden, enjoying watching kids play from a distance, etc. What ever you do, try to not let yourself get frustrated. I like to work on cars. I have learned not to get upset when I smash my knuckles. It still hurts but it does not upset me. If I let it upset me, I will need to stop because I will not be able to focus on the task.

Mouse you amy want to start a health journal. It is useful in determining what your triggers are and any trends or patterns that you amy want to consider. Recovery is a slow process and it can be hard to recognize improvements. A good rule of thumb is to stop any activity when you become symptomatic. Over doing it can often lead to a horrendous symptom or symptoms later.

I agree with trying to figure out triggers. I felt good on Monday and did a bit too much exercise....perhaps...and havehad a bad headache all week. But it felt good to be feel somewhat normal for those few moments on a ski trail under a full moon on Monday night...sigh.

Thanks for the advice everyone, had a good day yesterday until I realised I lost my Visa card and this provoked wave tension through my body. I dealt with it though, went to bank and ordered new card and got cash to last me till next week. Once I did this the waves had gone and I went for a massage. I then had the kids on my own from 5pm and this provoked my symptoms, especially driving them in the car a short while without earplugs. However I managed, and got them all to bed by 9pm. The only thing is by doing less, I was awake till 12 and woke at 445am.

Funny you should mention it, I have been shopping today, it is a good test of progress, because it used to overload me, today I managed without sunglasses for it. Went to 2 supermarkets, a drive thru shop, and had a break in McDonalds and did 10 miles driving. Just having a 30 minute rest before embarking on lifting the shopping out of the car.

Would just love if the noise and light sensitivity went, its the worst thing to have with young children. At least I am now on my feet and the head pressure/headaches have gone and with it the chronic fatigue. When I had all of these symptoms (and more) I wasn't a functioning parent, at least I am becoming a parent again as symptoms come and go, so I have to be thankful for that.

You need activity in order to sleep better. I just need to get a balance where I do enough to sleep without provoking symptoms. Importantly by keeping a diary and monitoring triggers I no longer have head pressure. If I did exercise or over exert myself this would certainly come back, and this would be a step backwards. Slowly but surely making progress.

Sounds like you are making good progress. Regarding the original question on "When is it time to up the activity", as others have mentioned, "it depends". That you were able to go shopping and the chronic fatigue is dissipating are good signs. I’m also a proponent of massage therapy, I find it very helpful. You are doing good things with the journal and being mindful of your symptoms.

Best to you as this recovery journey continues.

:grouphug:

Really tired now though, not sure if it down to this mornings activity or a very stressful conversation I just had with our childminder which has set off tension waves. Very tired legs now, its 4pm here so that isn't bad. The chronic fatigue I had before which had me lying down all day even though I wasn't doing as much was completely different - I had no choice but to lie down. The fatigue in the legs is more natural given that I have been standing up for most of today. Is it best just to go to bed if you have tired legs? Going to bed is something I have been trying to avoid during the day. I know that hot baths completely lift this from my legs, but its a bit early for that.

slow and steady
 

I am 11 months out i still get overloaded

I feel better,

I do more then 8 -20 hours later I pay for it dearly.

I am told ,take small increases don't do too much

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March 25 2012 slipped slid forward on wet soapy floor hit forehead on store shelf unconscious collapsed backwards hit back of head. PCS/TBI headaches, tinnitus,dizziness, nausea, vertigo, cognitive issues, mood swings, anxiety