That sounds fun. All you can do is try. Try not to get discouraged if you have a flare the next day, just try to adjust maybe don't stay as lon next time, or maybe ride with a friend so you don't waste energy driving. I can't think of anything else, maybe someone else can?.

It is a hard one for all of us. We don't want to let the illness win by avoiding things that we enjoy because of the fear of a crash, however on the other hand, by going out with the knowledge that you're doing too much, and then suffering for days because of this, also letting the illness win?
I am sick of the rollarcoaster so I am starting a journal and then a pacing plan. I'm sick of the ups and downs, I'm sick of the illness ruling me.
I would suggest that you go if you feel good but stay for a shorter time than you used to, see how you feel the next day and reassess it then.
The less crashes we have can lead to recovery.

Good luck

Thank you Dolphin and Ruby for your advice! I just found out that my hubby has Monday off so I'm going to go grocery shopping that day and probably won't go out that night. It's a good time for me to go then because I won't have to take my son. I was going to go on Tuesday when my daughter goes back to school from winter break but now that my hubby will be home on Monday, I can go alone! My son is 4 and usually not a problem but if I can go alone, I'd rather do that.

But the next Monday, I'm going to try. It's such a rock and hard place to be in! I am trying to do a journal but I forget! LOL! I really need to do one though. Thanks again for the advice!

Like you I can't do two big things in a single day.
Grocery shopping counts as a "big thing". We need to choose our battles with care.

Maybe the grocery delivers?
Ha! Then you can go out!

NO, to doing two big things in one day, but a definite "Give it a try" to getting out with a friend and feeling like a person!!

I remember after my first three year with this hideous illness, I finally got the nerve to go out to an evening social event at a friend's house. She made it SO easy for me. She told me to have hubby bring me, to stay just as long as I was comfortable, and that I didn't have to do anything really, but sit and chat.

Well, I got brave and did it! I have to tell you. That was the beginning of absolute freedom for me. I went. I enjoyed. I had a wonderful time. I laughed. I looked nice! I felt wonderful. When I went home, I was excited to tell hubby all about it. I journaled it here on DS. I was just so excited!!

I also did NOT crash the next day!! After that, I got brave and went away for my first night away from home. Hubby and I went down the shore and stayed at a hotel overnight and then walked a bit on the boardwalk. I felt like a real, honest to goodness person again. And it was SO worth the two days I spent in bed when I got home.

Try it. OK? If you can......it's such a good feeling to do something that you once did, in your good healthy days. There's more of you left in there than you think!!

Going out is right.
Take care everyone!

I'd tell the friend I'm just going for a short while. It takes the pressure off yourself so you can relax. No feeling wierd for leaving early. Then if you feel better than expected you can just say that you are feeling better than usual.

I'm lucky. Around here there are Fred Meyer stores. They will watch the little kids for free for 1 hour while you shop. I took advantage of that when my kids were small.

Yes, being with people and laughing produces lots of good hormones in your body that help with pain and mood issues. I find if I push myself to go, I sleep better at night and I have all those pleasant memories when I have to be home.
I stress out when I have to go overnight, but I pack all my meds and helps and it is OK. My husband and I even went to Holland for 2 weeks last May to meet his cousins,etc. for 2 weeks. I rested when I needed to, and thankfully, the symptoms weren't too extreme. Isabelle1954

I understand how you feel. However, if you don't try, you will never know!! When I have the energy to do something social, it does make me feel better emotionally even though I may feel worse physically. I think it can be worth it at times. I feel like a normal person for a period of time.

My brother is getting married in July and I am a bridesmaid. I almost said I couldn't because of this illness. At times, I get stressed about it all but I try not to. I can't go to the bachelorette party because it is a weekend away. They are understanding and know that I will have to rest at various times on the wedding day. They have a suite where I can do that which I am grateful for. Who knows, maybe I won't need the suite. Positive thinking!! :). This is one of the times where it is worth it for me.