Muscle Wastage And Personal Grooming In ME/CFS

A couple of days ago we had some gorgeous autumn sunshine after a few dark and dreary days. I’d just got up and was getting dressed when I realised how warm the sun was and decided to sit right there and collect some sunshine D! The rest was welcome though, dressing is hard with a weakened body.

I only managed about ten minutes in that chair, but it was lovely and warm. I love the sunshine so much, the warmth really brings a sense of wellbeing and eases the aches a bit. Not looking forward to a long winter, but it will make those sunny moments that much more amazing!

Grateful For My Small Flat

My flat is so tiny, here I’m sitting right in the middle, halfway to the bathroom which it in the top right of the picture, the kitchen right behind me, you can see the dish-drying rack behind my head, and my bed on the left side where photo is being taken from. You might be able to see my walker standing on the right side of me, right between the built in wardrobe and me. In front of me is the patio door. That’s it, my whole house! At least it doesn’t require much energy to move around it.

Char Sitting in the sunshine in her tiny flat.

Personal Grooming On Hold

Hopefully you can’t tell how horribly hairy my legs are or how one has been partially epilated while the other remains fully furry! Just had to stop after three lines up my leg, take it in shifts.

I know it’s not necessary, like painting one’s nails, but it does make you feel better. Well, it makes me feel better anyway. When you don’t have energy to even shower everyday, that’s when other grooming practices drop lower on the priority list too. But sometimes it can do wonders for your emotional well-being if you treat yourself to some clean clothes, nail polish or make-up. 

Muscle Wastage After Months In Bed

I hate seeing how my legs have deconditioned so much. No shape, no tone or muscle, just skin and bones which are now easily felt – it grosses me out that I can feel my own skeleton! But I know that one day I’ll be able to do a bit more activity and rebuild my muscles again. Till then it’s a matter of making sure I don’t lose them completely because then I’ll lose the ability to move myself at all.

So it’s important to maintain movement, however little it might be at the moment, to keep the joints and muscles as mobile and strong as I can. Without overdoing things and making my general well-being worse.

It’s a fine balancing act trying not to boom and bust. Too often I tend to do too much and crash constantly. It’s not easy slowing down so much.

I am very grateful for all the help I get at home though, my sister is amazing, and I’m grateful for the help I’m getting through the NHS too. My therapist is trying hard to understand and help me manage my very limited life now. Praise God!

Note: a version of this was first published on Instagram or Facebook, but I wanted to have all my posts in one place, so I have transferred it here and backdated it.

Thank you for stopping by. Hugs, Char xx

Let’s Stay In Touch

Housebound Lifestyle: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter M.E. Awareness: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | The ME/CFS Community Vibrant Hope Art: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Support My Work: Buy My Art | Shop My Favourite ThingsOr if you’d like to send me something, here’s my Amazon Wishlist – Thank you!

email chronically hopeful char at gmail dot com

This blog was designed using Thrive Themes.

Related Posts To Check Out Next

An empty bed in a dark room, title reads: Poem, Severe M.E. is... What it's like living with severe Myalgic EncephalomyelitisChar outside in the garden wearing a sunhat and sunglasses, title reads: exploring the garden and our first BBQ in years. Personal update.Encouraging quotes Jan 2018 BLOGGold Christmas baubles hanging down. Title reads: Christmas 2016, a quiet dinner with friends, a personal update.A man sleeping next to his dog. Title reads 12 tips to help you adjust to your new normal. Are you struggling to adjust after your ME / CFS diagnosis?A polaroid of Char using a walker to go shopping. Title Reads: Using Mobility Aids In My Thirties

Please share this page before you go:
Chronically Hopeful
Chronically Hopeful

Char was born and raised in South Africa, but has been settled in Europe for over 20 years. She's passionate about finding ways to live well, despite chronic illness.

Apart from blogging, she enjoys art, cooking, reading, gardening, gaming and learning new things. She speaks English, Italian and Afrikaans fluently and is slowly learning French too.

She used to be a teacher, but has been housebound with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis since 2015. Since then, she's focused on spending the little energy and strength she has each day on the people and activities she loves. Finding joy in the little things and celebrating the ordinary.

Let's Chat! Leave A Comment Below: