Post-viral fatigue and exercise

[AspirantPirate]

Hi all

I've had a succession of nasty viruses over the summer leaving me with what appears to be post-viral fatigue (I've been back to the docs a number of times, had blood tests which have ruled out any underlying problems and also ruling out glandular fever. Symptomatically the doc said it sounds v much like GF but you can get the same post viral fatigue symptoms after ANY virus so 'rest' and take it easy etc)

Anyway, I am normally very active and pretty fit, working out 5 or so days a week. I have done almost nothing since early June. I have tried a few times a month or two ago, but each time has left me at best exhausted and at worst ill and feverish again, with painful glands.

However, I now feel like I am finally begining to come right again and have been doing some gentle workouts (yoga, light weight sessions, that kind of thing) and so far am feeling ok, though the glands in my throat do still feel a bit lumpy some days (though I don't feel unwell with it).

I am TOTALLY paranoid about exercising 'properly' again, though. I really cannot afford to make myself ill and I'm terrified that if I overdo it I will set myself back another month. At the same time, though, it is driving me nuts to not be able to exercise in the way I normally do, and I feel that the 'right' type and amount of exercise will probably help me to recover.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has any experience of this, and how you dealt with it, and how long it took you to get back up to full fitness? I don't know where else to ask and I'm starting to want to scream with frustration!

Thanks in advance.

Hi I don't have a lot of advice really. I have ME/chronic fatigue following viral pneumonia. I also have anaemia, have they checked you for that? I'm not very good at pacing myself, and tend to push myself too hard. I find I tend to go a few weeks and feel ok and then have a month of feeling really exhausted and only able to do the bare minimum. I can only describe it as having gained 4 stone overnight and training at high altitude, I'm sure you know what I mean.

I hate to tell you this but I've been like this for years now and a consultant told me I would never return to my previous ridiculously fit state.

Not drinking helps me, its one less stress to cope with I suppose. Swimming is the only thing I can do when I'm having a bad spell.

You have to just listen to your body and trust your instincts. But the reckless part of me says if you feel up to a big session go for it!

Good luck