Hi, honey. I really hear what you are saying. It's possible that when you stopped working, the crash hit because you weren't running on adrenaline anymore. While exercise is not really recommended, I have found that I don't want to lose too much muscle condition. So, I do try to do what I call "movement for life," which would be things like stretching and warm ups. But, having said all that, there is a very distinct possibility that you are dealing with a backlog of exhaustion from before. I understand what you mean about looking ahead and being afraid of what will come in the future. It's natural to think that way, but whenever possible, try to stay in the present moment. Each day has enough worry for itself. I can understand why you feel down. Sometimes CFS can even cause clinical depression, so don't be afraid to tell a doctor if it becomes a long-term thing. We all have those low moments, though. Many of us pray or use other spiritual exercises to help us to remain calm. Welcome to the group. Many blessings.

I had a huge crash in 1997 after really pushing myself hard. The doctors told me I was fine, based on blood work, so I overdid things. There's a delayed reaction to these things that seems to surface when we get off our treadmill.

A little light exercise won't hurt, and it might give you more energy if it's done in the morning. But there's no way to tell for sure, you have to find your own balance with this illness. I try to exercise every day, and I'm sure it helps me. But I also make sure to get the rest I need, and the nutrition.

Welcome to the forum. I was working when I first got sick & I pushed & pushed & crashed & crashed. When I finally quit my job, I was exhausted. I had thought that I just needed to keep going until I got to feeling better but I never did & had to quit. I think I slept for the first months & had no energy whatsoever. As time went on I started to figure things out & found I can do light exercise & light housework as long as I pace myself. I am on SSD for my CFS now so the financial stress is gone & I have learned to live within my means. Emotional stress will cause you just as much grief as physical stress so try to live as peacefully as you can, yes, easier said then done but it is possible. You will hear about many things that people have tried that have helped them, I tried them all or at least a lot of them, some helped, some did nothing for me. You have to try them to see if they will help you.

Take it one day at a time, you still have a life just a different life. Some people have gone into remission or even seem to be cured but most don't. I have gone in & out of remission for awhile but haven't for years, now I stay about the same. Nice to meet you, keep us posted as to how you are doing. This is a great group of people & I enjoy it here. Hugs, Denise

One tip which might help is to always rest more than you think you need to. With CFS, you need to build up a reserve of energy before you tackle a task, because what you have doesn't last as long as you think it will from how you used to be.

Hi Lue17, and Welcome!

Everyone has posted excellent advice/suggestions/insights, etc. I agree with cmiat -- there's no such thing as too much rest! I was bed-bound the first two years I had CFS and slept probably 12-16 hours a day. By the time you finally and undeniably crash, you've worked up a monstrous energy debt. Rest as often and as long as you need to; your health is far more important than your housework. And stop and rest BEFORE you're too tired, even if that means you stop in the middle of a task. "Oh, I'll just finish this; it's only 10 minutes" can cost you days.
Best wishes and let us know how you do. It's why we're all here.

there is a long-term perspective to CFS. I have had it for 30 yrs. Some days/weeks/months/years are better, some worse. I am just coming out of a 5 months relapse, still trying to get stable. Seven months is not enough time to see what it is really like for you.
Know that CFS is always changing, so this downward trend could stop, become stable or could improve
Rest, rest ,rest. settle into a slower life and let you body tell you what it needs. In another 6 months or a year, re-evaluate. Try not to be worried/afraid because bad emotions use up your valuable energy. Be zen. I know, easy to say.....

Thank you for all your comments and advice, i am sorry for not replying earlier but I have had a difficult time lately.

My sister came over for 2 days and I realize that I am even too tired to speak for more than a few minutes. Does that happen to any of you

My faith carries me and I think that I am slowly getting to a better place . A place of peace and acceptance that allows me to be thankful and find hapiness in this new "fatigued" lifestyle.

Thank you all

Yes. being too tired to even speak to people does happen to me. It's a vicious cycle, because as triunfadora said can happen, my CFS has given me clinical depression. I feel very isolated (being single) and need social interaction, but am more often than not too tired to even try.

Having said that, I don't want to give the impression that I'm overwhelmed. Holding on to my faith has been hard at times, but it has got me through. Without it, I don't know what would have happened.

I have had to make many adjustments over the years, including repeatedly revising what I consider the minimum amount of housework. Each time I tend to go through a period of feeling discouraged but have always found a way to come to terms with it.

Hang in there.

I have a hard time with having guests for any length of time. I get so tired & have to have time to recoup after they leave. Making plans with anyone is so hard, I think just waiting for the day to come & planning how I will get ready can exhaust me. Such a fun illness, lol.

I am happy you are finding your way & coming to a place of peace & acceptance. This will help you quite a bit. I found when I came to acceptance I had more room for finding joy in my life as it is now. I have a strong faith that sees me through. I do deal with depression at times, but I usually know it will be over eventually Take care of yourself & keep coming back. Hugs, Denise.