TIME IS NOTHING BUT NUMBERS ON A CLOCK WHEN RIDING OUT A FLARE
When I am riding out a severe flare from one or all of my chronic illnesses, the time has no relevance.
Nights turn into days and days turn into nights.
Naps may take place at 9AM or 7PM.
I may sleep all day or not sleep at all.
A week may feel like one very long day or a day may feel like the longest week of my life.
Chronic diseases like fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis are ruthless beasts when they flare. They have no respect for the plans we make or the hours we need to function. They do what they want when they want……..
I used to fight the demands of my body and its illnesses. However, I have since learned how to make the most of it.
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Time Spent Flaring
When I am flaring, I often find myself wide awake during the middle of the night. Instead of just lying there hoping to fall asleep when I know I am not going to, I make use of that time by working on my blog. I even bought an overbed adjustable desk so I can work from bed when necessary.
To this day I struggle with the notion that I need to be awake and working during a particular set of hours. But I am getting better at not allowing this way of thinking to prolong my flares. Because that is exactly what happens when I do fight.
Obviously, my way of getting through a flare isn’t for everyone. However, if you aren’t able to or don’t have to work outside the home or have set hours, giving in and following your body’s lead will help you in the long run.
The harder I fought, the more intense my pain would become. More pain led to more days down.
Follow the Leader
Are you in a position to give following the schedule your body desires during a flare?
If so, give it a try during your next flare. Yes, it will feel odd. Especially when you are awake when everyone you know is asleep. However, anything that you are able to accomplish during that time is something you would have never done had you spent your time waiting to sleep and sleeping.
Whether you are able to try this or not, if you find that your schedule is all over the place more often than you’d prefer, you may need to examine your treatment and pain management plan.
If it’s your pain management plan that needs addressing, I invite you to take a look at mine. While it may not work for or be available to everyone, there are individual aspects of it that might benefit you. Click here to check it out.
OMG I relate so much! I don’t have flares like you do – sorry you have to go through that by the way – but because of my disability, my body gets extremely tired easily. I can be home all day, go to the movies – THE MOVIES – and come back completely worn out. Like you, instead of allowing my body to rest, I tend to write…and write…and scroll through social media. I really need to stop lol. Great post.