How to rest when you are already resting

[Sarah Tee]

The other week I accidentally caused myself a horrible itching episode that lasted two days and left me exhausted. I am worried that I still haven't returned to my "normal" health level.

I am not sure how to recover except by resting. But I already do next to nothing at the moment (at least during daytime) because of my OI and the hot weather (currently summer in Australia).

A relative is helping me with laundry and dishes, and I've abandoned the rest of the housework for now.

I did think of signing up for a meal delivery service for a week. Beyond that the only thing I can think of is to stay in bed, or at least stay fairly flat by reclining on the couch. But I'm reluctant to go down that path.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I wish I could have a couple of weeks in an old-fashioned "convalescent home" with sea air, stewed fruit and custard, and 1950s nurses in starched uniforms.

[Pistol]

1 hour ago, Sarah Tee said:

I wish I could have a couple of weeks in an old-fashioned "convalescent home" with sea air, stewed fruit and custard, and 1950s nurses in starched uniforms.

Oh, my dear @Sarah Tee, how often I wished for this place! But in all reality - even IF we could go to a place like that as soon as we return we would be in bed again! ☹️

However - to comment on your question: whenever I find myself bedridden I try to do the following steps: 

1) Exercise in bed and try to get up every 30 minutes, no matter how hard it is. 

2) Entertain myself with whatever means possible ( reading, movies, knitting, painting etc ). 

3) Eat a healthy and diverse yet easily digestible diet. Frequently rather than in one sitting. 

4) Fluids, however you can get them. 

5) Talk! This may not be easy for everyone but it does help to keep depression at bay! 

6) Remember that it is just a Flare and occupy yourself with planning ways to fill your future "Better Days". And believe me - they always come!

[Sarah Tee]

Thanks, @Pistol.

I am finding it very hard to concentrate on anything. I do usually knit, read or watch a gripping or funny tv series.

I wish I could get albumin at home. I am going to discuss this with my specialist at our next appointment, end of Feb. I have a feeling it won't be possible but you never know - I thought it wouldn't be possible for him to get me in to IV fluids at all and he managed that.

I managed to cobble together a week's worth of prepared meals from a couple of places in our nearest large town, which my dad kindly collected for me. So I have healthy meals with no cooking required all ready to go.

Chatting to you guys always helps :-)  I also phone friends and ask them what they have been up to, without mentioning that I am ill. It takes me out of myself a bit.

[Pistol]

2 minutes ago, Sarah Tee said:

Chatting to you guys always helps 🙂 I also phone friends and ask them what they have been up to, without mentioning that I am ill. It takes me out of myself a bit.

Yes, when I was at my worst I found it tempting to "wallow in my misery", and that can easily lead to us making our illness all-consuming. But as you mention - keeping the glass half-full and keeping things positive can keep us grounded!