Normal to feel exhausted when getting fit?

[GuerrillaMyse]

I'm very unfit, whenever I increase my activity levels I'm exhausted for a day or two. Is this normal?

I have two long term health conditions and struggling to know what's normal and what's part of my conditions so I don't know whether to gently push myself (try to get fit incrementally) or accept limits. My lack of fitness is because my health got much worse in the last few years, it's now improving so I'd like to start getting regular exercise - starting gentle and hope to maintain moderate weekly exercise.

I just feel so lost about it.

A relative had chronic fatigue syndrome. She got advice on building up levels of activity slowly from an occupational therapist, which it sounds like what you need.
It involved keeping a diary, setting a baseline of activity which you know is achievable, than trying to build on that VERY gradually.
That was NHS but it was a while ago.

I've been told I have that too, it's made everything such a long slog.

I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself today! Thank you for the advice, it's what I needed to hear, I need to pull up my bootstraps.

@Teyrn880 I've ordered some of the protein powder you recommended and looking at vitamin patches. I might get on better with those than with tablets so thanks!