Really struggling to cope with this fatigue [sad face]

[kinkyfuckery]

I have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. We have ruled out rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc via blood tests, and a brain MRI was clear.

Normally the fatigue comes and goes but this has been relentless for the past few weeks with no signs of disappearing, if anything it is getting worse.

I am on a combination of different meds, including some supplements that should help my symptoms, including the fatigue. Can list them if needed.

Okay, my diet is crap at the moment, due to a lack of energy to prepare and cook. I need to work something out there. I'm limited in my exercise, for the same reasons, but normally walk around 15-20 miles over the week and do a water based fitness class once a week.

My sleep tracker shows I'm averaging about 6 hours a night, about 30-40% is 'deep sleep'. I'm napping usually for a couple of hours during the day too, and really struggling not to sleep again most days. I struggle getting to sleep at night, so going to bed earlier won't really help

I just feel I am struggling to have anything resembling a 'normal' life. I'm only 31 and have two children. I just feel like my life is being wasted

Are you sure you've figured out your pacing ok? I only say that because you're obviously able to walk and do fitness class but then find yourself with no energy to cook. There's a lot of trial and error involved but you eventually get the hang of it.

Also, try planning meals where they'll be a break for you to sit down (leave stuff simmering etc).

In all honesty, I would get rid of the sleep tracker. Sounds more depressing than helpful!

The water class is the only thing I do for fun, the walking is necessity, school run, housework, running around after the kids, etc. I really do enjoy the water class, and would love to get some weight off so would hate to lose it. I still suffer from chronic fatigue before the class, and kind of hoped some structured exercise would give me more energy.

Meal times with the kids are very stressful, and not much opportunity to 'rest' in between cooking (both kids have SN) and by the time I've settled them to bed, I'm far too exhausted to even think of cooking properly. I need to take advantage of a day when we've nothing much on to arrange to batch cook some freezer meals, don't I?

Yep

But at the same time don't overdo it on good days! You run the risk of making the following bad days worse. You don't need to stop doing stuff, just reshuffle it maybe. If you haven't already, look up spoon theory.

Fingers crossed your current flare improves soon!