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[msinconspicuous]

Are relapses normal with CFS? I've been feeling worse the past couple of months, and been having more days where I can do very little. It's been worrying me because I'm hoping to go back to college in September *touches wood* and if I'm going backwards and it ends up that I can't go ... well, I have a lot of hopes pinned on doing it, which possibly

Comments

[mr_sir_24]

Relapses are quite common, particularly if you have been pushing yourself or stressing about stuff. Just try to take it easy, pace yourself and rest often and hopefully it won't be a big relapse. The worst thing is to keep pushing in the hope it will not happen, I did that and ended up completely bedridden again after being at the point where I was considering going back to work - but I was pushing myself very hard for several months before hand out of pure frustration and stupidity.

As for ignorance...yeah I get that. When I could walk and I got tired, people used to cross the road because they thought I was drunk or on drugs, I've had comments on buses, on trains I've had to sit on the floor because a cyclist wouldn't give up the disabled seat for me ... just try to not let it get to you, and remember that not everyone acts that way and most that do only do it because they don't understand and realise that you can be disabled without being in a wheelchair. *hugs*

[splodgenoodles]

Yep, relapses are par for the course. Take it easy.

One strategy for dealing with idiots on public transport is to use a walking stick. I find it useful anyway (especially if I have to stand in a queue or haul myself from sitting to standing) but it's also a visual thing so that other people can see you aren't okay. And if they're still arseholes, you can always hit them with it. ;-)

[goodqueenmolly]

I use the same strategy; I have felt terribly guilty about it at first but I have no compunction about it now. I also find it useful getting access to Disabled loos/rest rooms as I often can't stand up long enough to queue. I still don't aways get to sit down on public transport but I have discovered a new sport of embarrassing people who won't let me sit down. An exclamation "oh dear I hope I don't fall on anyone" often works ;-p

[msinconspicuous]

Heh, and if not, I could alwyas amuse myself by imagining to hit them.

I've been suggested to get a walking stick a couple of times, I just never have because ... well, I guess I find it a bit strange, to be honest. I'm still somewhat in denial that I even have CFS. But the way I'm going at the moment, I think a stick is something of a good idea.

[dandelion]

Rather than calling it "chronic fatigue syndrome", try saying "I have chronic myalgic encephalomyelitis". It sounds a bit more impressive, and because it's not in plain English, people are less able to do the chronic fatigue = lazy association because they simply won't know what it means.

Good luck with college! I just finished my A-levels, and I found the first month or so of each year difficult but it gets easier.

[leora]

Or just say, I have a severe disability and can't stand for very long. If they ask what, you can say, I do not like to discuss my personal medical issues with strangers.

It's none of their business.

Having a cane though helps a lot. I can walk further with a cane with the same energy use. Although I really need to get a wheelchair at this point.

[msinconspicuous]

To tell the truth, I've never been able to work out how you even pronounce that name XD Though it's true about the laziness association - that's what I generally get asked back at me when I mention "chronic fatigue".

Thank you about college =) I've really missed being in that sort of environment, so even though I still have worries, I'm looking forward to it, as I said.

[elettaria]

I've yet to hear of anyone with ME/CFIDS who didn't have a relapse/remission type of illness, usually with more of the relapse than the remission, sadly. Make provisions for studying in case you're worse, whether that means taking a year out, going part-time, or just getting good disability help at college, and then they're there if you need them. Don't go back if you're not up to it, that's how to wreck your university career by making yourself so much worse you can't study at all (which is exactly what I and two of my friends with ME have done

[court9]

Was the other person old and/or sitting in a handicapped seat? Why wouldn't they just give up

[leora]

As I commented above, just say you're disabled and don't tell them the details. The details are none of their business. And canes are great.