People with ME/CFS...how long do your crashes last?

[Psm92]

I was doing pretty well before Christmas, almost remission-y. Then had an epic crash, which is now in its 4th week. Really scared I might have messed myself up forever. Usually my crashes are a few days but I feel like I've regressed massively. Need some encouragement please.

I had this around Christmas as work was mad and I had sinusitis that wouldn’t shift. I really started to worry that I was back at square one and it was going to stay that bad, I totally know how you feel. I’m slowly improving now as I’ve been prioritising rest, taking things really slowly and eating well etc. I’ve had this before and each time I panic!

@InglouriousBasterd That's good to know it's shifting for you. Yeah, I'm so panicked that I've just set myself back for ages. Having to lie down a lot during the day, and not even able to go out for walks etc at the moment. Fingers crossed I'll be over it soon. You hear horror stories of people overdoing it then never returning to baseline...but remaining optimistic is healthier, hah!

I too was doing well before Christmas (and New Year, mine and my sisters birthday on 5th, my mother's 70th birthday party on 8th and then my fiancées birthday on 14th.) All with a 2.5yo DS thrown into the mix.
My crashes usually last 3 to 4 weeks, normally, unless I've been unwell with a virus or had huge social commitments as in recent weeks. I crashed hard during Chrimo Limbo, but I've been doing okay the last 3 days or so. I might be putting that down to my new found snack of Brazil nuts - super selenium boost (be careful, though). I'm always looking for the magic vitamin! It's likely just a phase as usual.
I've been listening to Ren recently, an amazing musician with M.E. Please look him up. Life changing music and words. He's unsigned but is starting to receive accolades from the likes of Billy Bragg and Justin Hawkins.
Love and satisfying rest to you all.

I came down with that horrible virus over new year. I also have asthma so it knocked me for six. I've actually got dressed today but that tired me out. I hate it. Hate it. I've been affected by it for years but with pacing and regular rest I usually function ok, just at a very slow pace of 'life'.

Sometimes a week, sometimes 3 months and everything in between. Waste of energy to over analyse the whys and wherefore, it is what it is.
As PP have advised, rest well, eat well, take your supplements and wait for that chink of light to reappear. Then gradually increase your activity levels in small increments.
If you have the inclination look up AIP, it’s reduced my bed rest by about 40 to 50%. It’s a tough protocol though.
Talk to yourself like you are your own best friend, no criticism!

My longest ever was 8 months. I really thought I’d never get better but I ended up bouncing back to full health! Usually over the past year it’s only been 4 days maximum but I’m the same, work was hectic just before Christmas and I crashed all my Christmas plans were ruined. I’m now able to get dressed and go for a 20 min walk but it’s slow progress. But I try not to panic, I’ve always gotten better before so I just trust that I will again! Luckily I have a wonderful husband who takes care of all the housework, makes all my meals etc so I can just focus on resting and getting better.