7 Tips for Dealing with Chronic Fatigue Relapse

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a debilitating illness that is marked by various symptoms including extreme and unrelenting fatigue. Although there is no known cure for this condition, there are many treatment options that can reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you lead a healthier life. Like many people, however, you may find that your symptoms seem to “cycle”. That is, you may have periods where you feel great and are symptom-free and other times you may feel as if you’re experiencing every symptom available. Many people call this a “chronic fatigue relapse”, a period where you experience symptoms after you’ve been symptom free for a period of time.

I admit that chronic fatigue relapses are no fun and are physically and emotionally draining. However, you can learn from these experiences and make the best of these times. By following these 7 proven tips, you can gain control of chronic fatigue relapses once and for all. Here are the proven tips:

1. Understand Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and work with your cycle. Just like every person is an individual, no case of chronic fatigue is the same. Some people experience long periods of symptom free days while some experience years of no symptoms. The key is to be familiar with your cycles and work with it. For instance, on the days that you are symptom free, you can schedule more activities and on those days where you have unrelenting symptoms, you can plan fewer activities. However, you should never push yourself to the point of exhaustion as this might cause a true set back.
2. Keep a journal of your symptoms. On the first sign of a chronic fatigue relapse, take careful note of what you did previously. For instance, were you under a bit more stress than usual, did you eat differently or forget to take your medication? By diligently maintaining your journal, you may be able to recognize a pattern that led to your relapse and prevent it in the near future by recognizing the signs and slowing down before the relapse.
3. Accept that you will have good days and bad days. It is important to recognize that with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you will have good days and bad days and this is nothing to worry about. This is just how the illness works. The key is to not let this cycling get you down and to not over-extend yourself when you feel great because this could lead to a longer relapse. Moderation is the key!

4. Remember that you are not the only person to suffer from a chronic fatigue relapse. There are many other people, just like you, who have experienced chronic fatigue relapses in the past. Although these are frustrating periods, you can and will overcome them. To help support you, seek out message boards and online communities for support.
   
5. Enjoy yourself and stay positive. If you’re feeling a bit down and lacking energy, do something that you really enjoy. For instance, you can watch a favorite movie, read a good book, write letters to a dear friend or knit a sweater for your niece. Just do something that you enjoy doing and have fun.
   
6. Connect to the Internet. You can talk with friends, catch up on the news, play games, or even work on puzzles on the Internet. All of these activities will help the time fly during your chronic fatigue relapse.
   
7. Invite friends and family members to visit while you’re recovering from your chronic fatigue relapse. Schedule one or two visitors each day. This will help you remain connected to the people you love while ensuring that you don’t overextend yourself.

In conclusion, dealing with a chronic fatigue relapse can be difficult, but if you follow our tips, the time will pass by quickly and you’ll be back to your energy pumped self in no time. Remember that a relapse is a time for you to take care of you, and give your body the strength it needs to heal.